THE POOR MAN'S GINSENG

THE COMMON DANDELION OFFERS MANY BENEFITS.

NAME: DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale)

DESCRIPTION

Dandelion is perhaps one of the most commonly known weeds in the world. Most people notice the yellow flowers that are often seen in lawns and fields. The flower arises from a leafless stalk, beginning with a bullet-shaped bud, which then bursts open into a globe of yellow flowers. After a week or 10 days, these flowers mature into a light-gray ball of fuzzy seeds. This ball, if left undisturbed, waits for a gust of wind to blow its seeds away.

The word, “dandelion,” is derived from the French “dent de lion,” which translates to “lion’s tooth.” This refers to the configuration of the jagged-edged leaves, which are pinnately divided into sharp lobes. The low-lying leaves often become prostrate and are thus able to hide among the blades and stems of grass. The leaves exude a milky juice when cut, and the brown taproot resembles a small, knotty carrot or ginseng root that’s generally from 3 to 5 inches long.

WHERE FOUND

Dandelions are found throughout the world (although it appears it’s native to Greece). It has established itself all over the United States and can be found on virtually any lawn, field or similar area that has fairly consistent moisture. Although it prefers an urban environment, it’s also commonly found in certain wilderness areas.

USES

The young-to-early mature leaves are edible raw in salads or sandwiches. The older leaves become increasingly bitter and need to be cooked and prepared in much the same way one handles greens. Cooked dandelion leaves are similar to spinach.