Roasted Dandelion Root Tea: one of my favorites;

Dandelion is a good example of a tap root which makes it relatively easy to dig up. I use either a narrow hand digging tool or a small pitchfork. Roots can go a foot deep. Fall and early spring is a good time to gather. I would look for any I left in the garden beds especially in the fall.

• I dug up enough to fill a small bucket full, maybe 15 to 20 roots;  chop off the old greens, wash thoroughly.
• Now they are ready to chop into small pieces maybe 1/4 to 1/2 inch in size.
• Next I placed these chunks on a cookie sheet. I put paper towels under them first to absorb any moisture left from the washing.
• Let them dry in a warm place: top of the refrigerator is often one of the best places in the kitchen to dry herbs.
• Roots take longer than the herbaceous parts to dry. Check every few days. Typically they are ready to grind after about 5-7 days.
• Place pieces in coffee grinder, chop to coffee ground consistency. Place chopped dandelion root pieces back on ungreased cookie sheet (remove paper towels). Spread in a single layer over entire cookie sheet.
• Put in 250 degree oven; stir every fifteen minutes for about an hour and a half to two hours.
• Check for aroma: a delicious aroma wafts through the kitchen when the roots are roasting almost coffee / chocolate smell.
• Check color as they can darken.
• When done, cool then place in a glass jar and store in a cool dark place.
• Place a tsp or so in cup like you would when making a tea. You can add more if you want a stronger brew.

Strongly brewed roasted dandelion root is nourishing to the liver and gall bladder systems. You can add your favorite sweetener such as raw honey, maple syrup, stevia and enjoy this rich and hearty, bitter like coffee brew. No caffeine, but this tea is nourishing to our body and can be a great way to begin the day. Our digestion system responds well to warm drinks in the morning which helps our digestive engine turn on properly

Get a cup of tea, maybe try a new one such as roasted dandelion root tea and enjoy this beautiful day.

Judith

Judith Dreyer, MS, BSN, Writer, Speaker, and Workshop Presenter, Master Gardener.

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