What is Dandelion?
Several garden weeds are gotten rid of because farmers do not know their health benefits. Dandelions are one of these garden weeds. They are flowering plants with bright yellow flowers and exist in various types. The most common variety is Taraxacum officinale since it grows in many parts of the world.
Its stem, root, leaves, and flowers have medicinal purposes. The plant is a herb.
Some of its health benefits include reducing cholesterol, providing antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, lowering blood pressure, boosting the immune system, among others.
What You Will Learn In This Post:
How are Dandelions grown and its products mined?
A dandelion grows from a seed and develops a single taproot. The plant does not spread asexually from stolon or runner, but it can reproduce asexually by seed. Dandelions undergo apomixes process to produce viable seeds without any need for a cross-fertilization.
Also, these plants can grow from cuttings and sprout again. If you cut the back of the plant’s leaves and flowers, the plant grows in the same growth habit as after eradication of dandelions.
After digging up dandelions roots during harvesting in fall, you should replant its seeds during late winter or early spring. The seeds germinate within 15-22 days if planted the right period. Flowers begin to form after approximately 55 to 105 days since the sowing, and the flowering process continues until the plant dies.
Make sure you plant the dandelions you are planning to use and not too much or excess because the flowers ought to be controlled. Try and sow at least some very short rows after every two weeks for a continuous supply.
How do you consume Dandelion products?
Dandelion greens can make a salad, and also its fritters are made by thoroughly cleaning flower heads, all for consumption. Dandelion are used in cooking sautéed greens to eliminate excessive bitterness.
Also, the petals of dandelion petals are used in baking as they are versatile, whereas dandelion roots can make tea or coffee. By incorporating dandelion in various meals, we get to take it and experience its excellent health benefits.