Friend or Foe?

This is the time of year we see these nasty heads poking up from our lawns. They are impossible to free ourselves from. In a matter of hours, it seems, they burst out into the dreaded flowers.....

But wait! Could we be mistaken? Are we just programmed to hate these plants? Did you know they are packed with Vitamin C? The young leaves of the dandelion plant (Taraxacum officianale) can be added to a spring salad. They have a slightly sharp, bitter taste, which can not only add an interesting twist to a green salad, but give you a wallop of a dose of Vit. C to build up your immune system. The bright yellow flowers can be made into wine, and the roots roasted and ground, can be used to make coffee. Last year I made Dandelion Tincture for added boosts of Vit. C during the cold and flu season. The plant is extremely wholesome, containing vitamins, proteins and mineral salts, and has been used for centuries as a healing plant.

Of course, it grows as a wild weed here, but in France they cultivate it to sell in the markets! Can you imagine growing it purposefully? Maybe not, but perhaps you will view it with a bit more friendliness, now that you know it really can be to our benefit :o)

The miracles of nature do not seem miracles because they are so common. If no one had ever seen a flower, even a dandelion would be the most startling event in the world.