How To Make Dandelion Tea

Dandelions may be best known as a weed, but they have been used in cooking and medicine for centuries. You can find small yellow flowers dotting fields and lawns in many countries. I'm excited to show you how to make tea with dandelion flowers to enjoy a great wild edible.

But did you know there is more to dandelions than meets the eye? This dandelion tea recipe is a good start if you want to learn more about wild foods!

What is Dandelion Tea?

What is dandelion flower tea, you ask? Well, it's a drink made from the leaves of the dandelion plant. It has been brewed for centuries and has been part of traditional medicine in many cultures worldwide.

Note: Allergic Reactions & Interactions 

While there are health benefits of dandelion tea. Side effects do exist, especially for those who are allergic to ragweed. 

In addition, please check any current medications to ensure no negative side effects come up from consuming both. 

Foraging for Dandelions

If you plan to harvest for your own dandelions, You'll need to get to your closest (and pesticide-free) green space!

Look for young, tender dandelion leaves from plants not treated with pesticides or chemicals. Harvest the leaves early in the spring when they are freshest and least bitter. Alternatively, you can find dried dandelion leaves online at health food stores.

Choose fresh dandelion flowers from an area free of pesticides or chemical treatments. Select fully bloomed flowers that are vibrant yellow and intact, avoiding those that are wilted or discolored.

Dandelion leaves are best when harvested before the flowers open, and the yellow petals are good to harvest after that. but if you only have access to flowering dandelions, don't worry—your herbal tea will still be tasty!

Instructions

Once you master dandelion leaf tea,, experiment by adding flavors like honey and ginger or brewing with other herbs like mint and lemon balm.

Cleaning and Preparing the Dandelion Leaves

Prepare your leaves

Gently rinse the harvested leaves under cold water to remove dirt or debris. Trim off any damaged or discolored parts of the leaves. If using fresh leaves, you can use them as is. If using dried leaves, they are ready to use.

If you want to ensure they are completely clean, place the dandelion greens into a bowl of cold water and stir them around with your hands. The debris will sink to the bottom of the bowl, and you can skim off any remaining debris from the top before continuing with the recipe.

Brewing the Dandelion Leaf Tea

Place the cleaned dandelion leaves (fresh or dried) in a teapot or heat-resistant container. Add boiling water to the teapot or container, using approximately 1 cup for every 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves or 1-2 tablespoons of fresh leaves. Cover the teapot or container and let the leaves steep for 5-10 minutes.

Straining and Serving

After steeping, strain the tea to remove the dandelion leaves. Pour the tea into cups or mugs. You can enjoy the dandelion leaf tea as is or add sweeteners like honey or a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Spread out your leaves in an open space to air dry them or dehydrate them on the lowest setting until they are brittle. This tutorial for how to make mulberry leaf tea is a good resource for drying leaves for tea.

Brewing dandelion leaf tea

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Meanwhile, measure 1 cup of dried dandelion greens into a large heatproof pitcher. If using dandelion roots, you will only need ½ of a cup. Pour the boiling water over the leaves (or root).

If you have a tea ball or reusable tea bag, place your dried dandelion leaves inside and steep as normal.

Cover and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain the tea into mugs and enjoy it as is, or add honey and/or lemon juice to taste. You can also let it cool down before serving it over ice cubes.

Store leftover tea in an airtight container out of direct sunlight. 

Dandelion Root Tea

A dandelion root tea or dandelion coffee is easy to make and is a popular caffeine-free coffee substitute similar to chicory. To make dandelion root tea, follow these steps:

Harvesting or Sourcing Dandelion Roots:

Look for mature dandelion plants with well-developed roots. Choose areas free from pesticides or chemical treatments. Dig up the dandelion plant, extracting the entire root system. You can also find dried dandelion roots at health food stores or online.

Cleaning and Preparing the Dandelion Roots:

Gently rinse the harvested roots to remove dirt or debris under cold water. Trim off the leafy greens from the roots, as they are not typically used for tea-making. If using fresh roots, chop them into small pieces to increase the surface area for better extraction. If using dried roots, they are ready to use.

Roasting the Dandelion Roots (optional):

Roasting the dandelion roots can add a deeper flavor profile to the tea. This step is optional but recommended for a richer taste. Preheat your oven to around 300°F (150°C). Place the cleaned and chopped dandelion roots on a baking sheet in the oven. Roast dandelion roots for approximately 20-30 minutes or until they turn a deep brown color. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Store leftover dried dandelion root in a glass jar. 

Brewing the Dandelion Root Tea:

Place the prepared dandelion roots (roasted or raw) in a saucepan or teapot. Add water to the saucepan or teapot, using approximately 1 cup for every 1-2 teaspoons of dried or 1-2 tablespoons of fresh roots. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the roots to steep for 10-15 minutes or longer for a stronger flavor.

Straining and Serving:

After steeping, strain the tea to remove the dandelion roots. Pour the tea into cups or mugs. You can enjoy the dandelion root tea as is or add sweeteners like honey or a dash of cinnamon for extra flavor.

Dandelion root tea is known for its potential health benefits, including supporting liver health, aiding digestion, and acting as a diuretic. However, it's important to note that dandelion root may interact with certain medications or medical conditions, so it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

Dandelion Flower Tea

To make dandelion flower tea, follow these steps

Gently rinse the dandelion flowers in cold water to remove dirt or insects. Remove the green sepals at the base of the flower, as they can add a bitter taste to the tea. You can separate the flower petals from the green receptacle or use the whole flower, depending on your preference.

Brewing the Dandelion Flower Tea:

Dandelion leaf tea is known for its potential health benefits, including being rich in vitamins and minerals and supporting overall well-being. 

Place the prepared dandelion flowers in a teapot or heat-resistant container. Boil water and pour it over the flowers, fully submerging them. Let the tea steep for 5-10 minutes to extract the flavors and beneficial compounds.

Optional Additions and Enhancements:

You can enhance the flavor and add additional health benefits by incorporating other ingredients, such as:

• Sweeteners: Add honey, maple syrup, or stevia to taste.
• Citrus: Squeeze in fresh lemon or orange juice for a citrusy twist.
• Herbs: Experiment with mint, chamomile, or lavender to create unique flavor profiles.

Straining and Serving:

After steeping, strain the tea to remove the dandelion flowers and any sediment. Pour the tea into cups or mugs and serve it hot. You can also refrigerate the tea and serve it over ice for a refreshing dandelion flower tea.

What does Dandelion Tea with Flowers Taste Like? 

Dandelion flower tea has a mildly sweet and slightly earthy flavor. It is known for its potential health benefits, including being a source of antioxidants and promoting digestion. Remember to consult a healthcare professional if you have any specific health concerns or are taking medications that may interact with dandelion.

Recipe Variations for dandelion tea

If you love the taste of dandelion tea it's okay to drink it plain, but if you find it a bit bitter, consider adding lemon juice or honey. Honey balances out bitterness and adds sweetness without calories.

Drink plain if you like the taste or add honey, lemon juice,  and/or mint (lemon helps with digestion). Herbs and spices like cardamom and cinnamon can also be added to dandelion tea.

But did you know there is more to dandelions than meets the eye? This dandelion tea recipe is a good start if you want to learn more about wild foods!

What is Dandelion Tea?

What is dandelion tea, you ask? Well, it's a drink made from the leaves of the dandelion plant. It has been brewed for centuries and has been part of traditional medicine in many cultures worldwide.

Foraging for Dandelions

If you plan on foraging for your own dandelions, You'll need to get to your closest (and pesticide-free) green space!

Dandelion leaves are best when harvested before the flowers open, but if you only have access to flowering dandelions, don't worry—your tea will still be tasty!

Instructions

Once you master this method, experiment by adding flavors like honey and ginger or brewing with other herbs like mint and lemon balm.

Prepare your leaves

Rinse the leaves thoroughly. Remove dirt, sand or other particles by rinsing the leaves in cold water. You can rinse them in a colander or under running water. Use your hands to remove any remaining grit. 

To ensure they are completely clean, place the dandelion greens into a bowl of cold water and stir them around with your hands. The debris will sink to the bottom of the bowl, and you can skim off any remaining debris from the top before continuing with the recipe.

Spread out your leaves in an open space to air dry them or dehydrate them on the lowest setting until they are brittle. This tutorial for how to make mulberry leaf tea is a good resource for drying leaves for tea.

Brewing dandelion leaf tea

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Meanwhile, measure 1 cup of dried dandelion greens into a large heatproof pitcher. If using dandelion roots, you will only need ½ of a cup. Pour the boiling water over the leaves (or root).

If you have a tea ball or reusable tea bag, place your dried dandelion leaves inside and steep as normal.

Cover and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain the tea into mugs and enjoy it as is, or add honey and/or lemon juice to taste. You can also let it cool down before serving it over ice cubes.

Recipe Variations for dandelion tea

Drink plain if you like the taste or add honey, lemon juice, and/or mint (lemon helps with digestion). A variety of other herbs can also be added to dandelion tea.

If you love the taste of dandelion tea it's okay to drink it plain, but if you find it a bit bitter, consider adding lemon juice or honey. Honey balances out bitterness and adds sweetness without calories.

FAQ