Dandelions: A Friend In Time Of Need

May 6
07:27

2010

Eric Davis

Eric Davis

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Dandelions are recognized for their spectacular yellow flowers that are later replaced by a globular downy orb, dispatching seeds on the air flow. Other people look at this plant as a persistent weed that may invade even a pristine garden.

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Dandelions are best-known with regards to their spectacular yellow flowers that are replaced with a round downy orb,Dandelions: A Friend In Time Of Need Articles dispatching seeds on the breeze. Some people look at this flower as a relentless weed that will invade even a pristine garden.

This herb has smooth, toothy edged, and hollow, milky, stems that yield a single flower. Also referred to as ‘swine’s snout,’ Dandelion’s green sepals encircle its shut bud creating a silhouette that is similar to a pig’s nose.

A number of blossoms resemble Dandelions. Check the leaves as well as the blossom stems. In the event the leaves happen to be furry or if the flower stems are branched -- or the root structure doesn't fit the description of Dandelion root – you've likely found a look-alike and not a real Dandelion herb.

A nutritious food as well as a prized pick-me-up, Dandelions are edible from the root, to the leaves as well as the blooms. Collect Dandelion in an area KNOWN to be without any bug sprays and dangerous chemical contaminants -- stay away from roadsides.

FOLIAGE

This vegetable derives its popular name from the shape of its leaves. The outlines of the leaves are referenced by the French phrase 'dent du lion.'

It is best to collect leaves in the spring before the plant blossoms because the plant's vitality is targeted in the brand new growth during that time. Tonics, teas, soups and salads are all improved by these. Dandelion leaves great whether enjoyed fresh or dried for use later.

Insert the leaves in a basin of clean water and gently stir them. Let them soak undisturbed while the dirt falls to the bottom of the container. Carefully remove the leaves from the water in order that the dirt isn't stirred up into the water. Making use of running water to rinse them again. Put the leaves into a strainer bowl to drain.

FLOWERS

It is better to harvest the blossoms in mid to late morning, after the dew has lifted and ahead of the hottest part of the day. The blooms stay closed under cloudy skies. As soon as rain looms, the heads will close. The blooms also shut during the night (or early evening) and open again once the plant senses the sun’s rays.

To collect the flowers, tug on the sepals (green leaves at bottom of blossom) and the blossoms will pop nicely off the stem, conserving you the trouble of removing stems later. Soak and wash these utilizing the same method as for the leaves.

DANDELION ROOTS

It is quite possible to savor Dandelion roots fresh or dried for use later. Well-tilled soil produces some of the greatest quality roots. The deeply seated root of this plant is slim and carrot-shaped, milky-white, twisted and brittle. Broken off fragments of the root left behind at harvest will reproduce and generate new plants.

The roots are least bitter in mid-summer when it is best to gather them. Prized roots can be found in shady locations with loose, moist soil. Roots are not as vigorous during frosty weather and shouldn't be gathered during that time. Nonetheless, it is not a concern to collect when the weather is damp. Lift continuously and with care making use of a long trowel or fork. If the roots are severed or broken during removal they will hemorrhage and you will lose the reward of their valuable juice.

If too big, Dandelion roots can be segmented to 3-6 inch lengths or they may be dehydrated intact. These roots generally take about two weeks to dry. When dehydrated, the roots appear dark brown and shriveled with lengthwise lines that wrap around the diameter which may be decreased to 1/2 inch or smaller. Thoroughly dried out roots will be hard enough to break whenever bent, revealing a white interior. Store the dried out roots in a dry area in order to prevent mold and in a firmly covered container that will secure them from insects and vermin. They can keep for 1 season.

APPEALING TO ANIMALS

Bees, Butterflies and hoverflies tend to be lured to the nectar from the Dandelion flower. The seeds of this plant are also savored by Finches.

Make an effort now to recognise some choice sources of Dandelion so that it is readily accessable to you during difficulty.