Dandelions: The overlooked superfood for your daily diet
In May, meadows glow with the yellow flowers of dandelions. This plant, often mistakenly called a sow thistle, is, contrary to appearances, not a weed. Its valuable properties are worth incorporating into your daily diet. Not only are the flowers edible, but also the leaves; they can be added to a salad or blended into a delicious pesto.
For many people, it's nothing new that pesto can be made not only from basil but also from many other green leaves and tops. Each addition changes the flavour of the mixture and affects the body differently. Parsley pesto is very beneficial for people struggling with low iron levels. Meanwhile, dandelion leaf pesto supports liver function and helps remove toxins.
How to distinguish a dandelion from a sow thistle?
These are not synonyms for the same plant. A sow thistle is an inedible weed, while a dandelion contains many valuable substances and has been used in natural medicine for years. The flowers and leaves can be eaten raw, for example in a salad, or after cooking in pancakes, fritters, and crepes. Many people turn dandelions into honey, which is full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
To be sure you're picking a dandelion and not a sow thistle, pay attention to the arrangement of stems and flowers. Dandelion stems emerge from a rosette located underground, while in the case of sow thistles, side shoots are visible. However, the biggest difference is seen in the flower arrangement – sow thistles release several buds on one stem, whereas a dandelion has exactly one flower per stem. Additionally, dandelion leaves have sharper tips, while sow thistle leaves are more rounded.
Collect dandelions away from busy roads in areas unsullied by chemicals, including pesticides.
This is how a dandelion affects the body
Both the flowers and leaves of dandelions are full of vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols that can support the operation of internal organs and combat free radicals. The most noticeable effect is support for the digestive system. Dandelions stimulate the production of bile and gastric juices, which make it easier to digest heavy and greasy foods. Moreover, the leaves contain inulin, a natural prebiotic that replenishes the gut flora.
The ingredients in dandelion pesto or pancakes have a protective effect on the liver, cleansing it of toxins and preventing inflammation. The plant has a diuretic effect, thereby supporting kidney health and the entire urinary system. It is also recommended during infections and colds, as it boosts the body's immunity and helps slow down glucose spikes in the blood.
Recipe for dandelion leaf pesto
Blended leaves have a somewhat bitter taste. Adding a mix of walnuts (or pine nuts) and a bit of lemon juice helps soften the bitterness.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz dandelion leaves
- 1.5 oz white onion
- 2.5 oz peeled walnuts or pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- a teaspoon of lemon juice
- half a teaspoon of salt
Method:
- Peel the onion and cut it into smaller pieces.
- Trim the dandelion leaf stems, wash the leaves under running water and dry them with a paper towel or in a salad spinner.
- Place the onion, dandelion leaves, and peeled nuts in a blender jug. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Blend until you achieve a pesto-like consistency.
The content on our websites is for informational and educational purposes and does not replace medical consultation. Before making health decisions, consult a specialist.
