9 Ways to Use Spring Dandelions Spring is here! And along with the sunny weather comes a new
crop of dandelions. But don't pull out your weed-whacker just
yet! Dandelions are more than just pesky weeds. Not only are they edible, but they have excellent
medicinal properties as well. If you have dandelions growing in your backyard,
or if you know of a safe location like a field or park that hasn't been sprayed with pesticides
and that isn't near a road, so you don’t get hit by a car, pick a bunch, rinse them
well to get rid of any bugs and dirt, and then put them to good use. Here are 9 ways to get started! Number 1 - Add to Salads Dandelion greens, or the leaves of this plant,
are a classic to add to salads; but they can also stand on their own. For optimal flavor, pick these greens when
they are young and small. You can add them to your favorite salad as
a base or even just dress them with salt and pepper for a hearty side dish. But all parts of the plant are edible! The flowers taste like honey, so adding them
will make for a sweet addition! Number 2 - Boil The Roots or The Flower Heads
to Make Tea Dandelion root tea has long been known as
a liver cleanser. It's also great for fighting inflammation
and can help lower blood pressure. To make this tea, all you have to do is wash
the roots thoroughly, chop them into smaller pieces, and toss them in a pot of boiling
water. Allow them to boil for 20 minutes, then strain
out the roots. Drink it with honey, lemon, or milk. Or drink it straight up if that's what you
prefer! Alternatively, you can place the flower heads
in a pot of boiling water and boil for about 10 minutes. Then, let it cool for about 15 minutes before
straining out the flowers. Number 3 - Make Dandelion Jam You can make your own dandelion jam to spread
on toast or use it as a topping for desserts like ice cream. It's delicious and super easy to make! First, gather a few mason jars. Then, put the following ingredients in a saucepan:
1 pint of dandelion petals 2 cups of water
1 and a half cups of sugar 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
and 3 ounces of liquid pectin Bring this mixture to a boil and cook for
one minute, stirring constantly. Then, remove the pan from the heat and stir
for another minute until the pectin is completely dissolved. Next, ladle the mixture into the jars and
cover each one with a lid. Let them stand until the jam sets, and then
store the jars in a cool dark place. Number 4 - Fry Up the Flowers To make this delicious treat, pick your dandelion
flowers when they're fully open; and then wash them thoroughly. Next, pat-dry them with some paper towel to
ensure all the moisture is out of the petals. Dip each flower in your favorite batter and
then deep-fry until golden brown. Or, simply pan-fry them in olive oil until
they are crispy on both sides. Sprinkle with salt to taste, and serve! Number 5 - Make Dandelion Infused Oil Making dandelion-infused oil is a great way
to capture the unique, light flavor of these cheerful flowers. And this oil can be used in many ways from
replacing olive oil in your favorite recipes to making soothing salves and bath salts. More on that later. To make the infused oil, simply add 3 parts
dandelion petals to 1-part carrier oil such as sunflower, coconut, or jojoba, in a jar
with an airtight lid. Store your jar in a cool dark place for 3
to 4 weeks before straining out the petals with a cheesecloth. Once strained, your dandelion oil is ready
for use! Number 6 - Make Dandelion Salve If your skin is feeling dry or chapped due
to sun exposure or weather conditions, dandelion salve can give you immediate relief. It can also be used on bug bites to soothe
itching and promote healing. To make your salve, put a double boiler on
medium heat, and melt together: 1 ounce of beeswax (either grated or pellets)
1 cup of dandelion-infused oil 2 ounces of coconut oil
Once all the ingredients have melted together, remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture
cool for about 5 minutes. At this point, you can add some essential
oils if you’d like. About 20 to 30 drops will do. Carefully pour the mixture into tins or jars
and let it cool for a few hours until completely solid. Number 7 - Make Dandelion Bud Capers To make pickled dandelion capers, first gather
some young buds. You'll want to do this in early spring when
they are still tightly closed. Then, boil 1 cup of water with 1 cup of apple
cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons of salt. Put the buds in glass jars, and pour the mixture
over them until they’re all covered. Once cooled, put the lids on, and store your
capers in your refrigerator for at least 24 hours before you eat them. The vinegar will preserve the bulbs, making
them safe to eat without roasting or cooking further. Dandelion bud capers have a milder taste than
true capers but with a similar texture and appearance. Number 8 - Make Dandelion Vinegar The next time you feel a little bit under
the weather, try drinking some of this homemade medicine on its own or mixed with warm water. It will help boost your immune system so that
pesky cold doesn't turn into something worse. Dandelion vinegar is also a great way to add
some springtime flavor to your salad. All you need to do is put about one cup of
dandelions into a pint-sized glass jar. Fill the jar with apple cider vinegar, put
the lid on, and let it sit in room temperature for two weeks. After that, strain out the flowers and store
your dandelion vinegar in a sealed jar in a cool place. Number 9 - Make Dandelion Bath Salts You can also make your own soothing dandelion
bath salts at home. Just mix:
1 cup of sea salt Half a cup of Epsom salt
Half a cup of cornstarch Half cup of dried dandelion petals
and 1 teaspoon of lavender and 1 teaspoon of chamomile essential oil
Stir well to combine all of the ingredients and place your bath salts in an airtight container. When you're ready for a relaxing bath, add
about a quarter cup to your bath water, and enjoy! Thanks for watching! If you thought this video offered some useful
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