Vitamin rich winter salad with dandelions

Healthy dandelion salad as a vitamin supplier in winter

08/01/2015

Dandelion is rated by many hobby gardeners as annoying weeds, which should be removed from the local garden as possible. But dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) "is a tasty vegetable plant from which a healthy winter salad can be created," reports the Association of German Garden Friends (BDG). For example, "the dandelion forms a good vitamin supplier even in winter".

In order to be able to prepare a vitamin-rich dandelion salad in winter, the roots will be set to drift, as in chicory, according to the BDG statement. Thus, the leaves grow in the dark and are therefore less bitter. Especially recommended for an additional vitamin boost in the winter time here is the variety „Sparrow Lyonell“, which has particularly broad, mild-tasting leaves.

Dug out and store dandelion roots
In the summer, pre-cultivated dandelion roots are dug up and stored in a bucket of garden soil (ideally in a cool shed), according to the BDG, in order to make the dandelion drift in winter. So the roots can be taken out at any time to drive if necessary. For this purpose, the roots are cut to the same length and placed in a bucket that is filled so high with water that the roots still look out about five centimeters, explains the Federal Association of German Garden Friends in his latest press release.

Dandelion in the dark to drift
Subsequently, the dandelion can drive out in a dark place at 15 to 18 degrees Celsius. Sometimes, however, the cellar or shed is not dark enough to achieve the desired mild taste. In this case, the driving roots can be easily covered with a bucket, reports the Federal Association of German Garden Friends on. After two to six weeks (depending on the temperature) can then harvest a tasty and extremely healthy salad, the statement of the BDG.

Dandelion in natural medicine
Dandelion is used in natural medicine as a medicinal plant in the treatment of various medical conditions, such as digestive problems or rheumatic complaints. In addition, dandelion is helpful in detoxifying the liver, where it is intended for use as a tea cure. As a homeopathic remedy dandelion is considered not only for indigestion, but also in the naturopathic treatment of liver disease. (Fp)

Image: Daniela Reiter