Ah! The humble, and much maligned, Dandelion.  Far from being a mere weed, the Dandelion is probably one of nature's most versatile and useful plants.  It can be used for both food and medicinal purposes.

One of the most delightful Summertime beverages is Dandelion tea.  Simple to make and it has a light and refreshing flavour.

First, gather up a bowl of fresh, bright, yellow dandelion flower heads. Wash gently to remove bugs and debris under cold running water in a colander.  To a pitcher of fresh, cold water add ONLY the yellow flower part of the dandelion flowers, removing and discarding the green parts. Cover the pitcher and allow to sit in the sun for a couple of hours to allow the tea to steep.  Strain out the flower petals and add honey, sugar or stevia to sweeten.  If you want to add a bit of spice to the tea, you can throw in some cinnamon sticks and raisins to brew with the flower petals and then strain out the stick and the raisins along with the petals. Sweeten to taste and enjoy! Dandelion tea is an excellent source of Vitamin C.

Who knew you could ever make a tea out of a dandelion weed! Have you ever tried this? And if so does it taste good? Spring time is here, that means that weeds are growing in! hold on, I'll be right back i have to pick some dandelion weeds !!

I'm intrigued! Have you got any pictures? It definitely sounds interesting. Not sure I would be game to try.

I thought tea had to be made in hot water?

anya1096 (02:02pm Wed, May 28, 2014)

Who knew you could ever make a tea out of a dandelion weed! Have you ever tried this? And if so does it taste good? Spring time is here, that means that weeds are growing in! hold on, I'll be right back i have to pick some dandelion weeds !!

Dandelions are very useful plants. We make sure to have plenty in our yard year after year.    We think it tastes delicious, and you never know if you're going to like something till you do try it. 

As for pics, Bunny, I've never thought about taking pics of a pitcher of dandelion tea...but when we make the next batch I'll do just that.  

Nah, you can make it with hot water, but it sort of kills the flavour...and it's a very light and delicate flavour anyway and it comes out better with cold water and getting sun brewed out on your porch, on a window ledge, picnic table, any where in the sun so long as it's keep safely up and away from bugs, critters and kids.

btw dont throw the leaves out!!

Wash the leaves, and they can be used in sandwiches (I add a we bit of Worcester sauce) or you can cook them with butter as a spinach replacement.

Also the roots can be made into Coffee

I wonder what my neighbours would say if I was growing dandelions in window boxes to try these out lol.

Runic (07:59pm Thu, May 29, 2014)

btw dont throw the leaves out!!

Wash the leaves, and they can be used in sandwiches (I add a we bit of Worcester sauce) or you can cook them with butter as a spinach replacement.

Also the roots can be made into Coffee

Ah! I see I have a fellow Dandelion lover and eater on here.   Going to have to try that thing with the leaves. I love worchestershire sauce...it's great on just about anything! 

I've yet to actually try drying and grinding up the root for making a coffee substitute, because I really like coffee.    However, that might change soon because I have been told I am going to have to quit coffee.     I figure I am going to be trying dandelion root coffee before too long.

Dry 'em and grind 'em...drink 'em up yum. LOL

I finally tried the dandelion tea earlier today! I used cold water and I let it sit out in the sun for a little bit for it to warm up so it wasn't too cold. It was great! I'm definitely having this sometime again in the future. And now I really would like to try the dandelion sandwich!   

anya1096 (03:26pm Fri, May 30, 2014)

I finally tried the dandelion tea earlier today! I used cold water and I let it sit out in the sun for a little bit for it to warm up so it wasn't too cold. It was great! I'm definitely having this sometime again in the future. And now I really would like to try the dandelion sandwich!

It IS really good isn't it! Just so refreshing and tasty.  I am going to have to try the dandelion sandwich too....it just sounds so YUMMY!

Ye gods, but I love them little flowers! LOL   If you've never tried munching on violets I highly recommend them too. Tasty little purple flowers.  Let me scrounge up my candied violet recipe and I'll post it ASAP!

nah I just in environmental sector and learnt a few wee things like that lol

anya1096 (03:26pm Fri, May 30, 2014)

I finally tried the dandelion tea earlier today! I used cold water and I let it sit out in the sun for a little bit for it to warm up so it wasn't too cold. It was great! I'm definitely having this sometime again in the future. And now I really would like to try the dandelion sandwich!   

Someone for the love of god take a picture. I refuse to believe you guys are eating/drinking flowers until I see it with my own eyes!!

Bunny (04:16am Sun, Jun  1, 2014)

anya1096 (03:26pm Fri, May 30, 2014)

I finally tried the dandelion tea earlier today! I used cold water and I let it sit out in the sun for a little bit for it to warm up so it wasn't too cold. It was great! I'm definitely having this sometime again in the future. And now I really would like to try the dandelion sandwich!   

Someone for the love of god take a picture. I refuse to believe you guys are eating/drinking flowers until I see it with my own eyes!!

Oh ye gods Bunny! I will find a flower and have my hubby take a picture of me eating the thing! 

Lawn just got mowed so give me a few days. It usually takes 3 or 4 days for some more to pop up and bloom out.  I like your window box idea for growing dandelions though...they lay some really deep taproots though...so a good deep box would make it easy to harvest the whole plant when required and keep a supply growing.

Have you tried hydroponics? I imagine it might change the taste of it though. Still waiting on a picture! Ha ha