Produce Briefs...
Mangosteen
The Purple mangosteen, botanical name Garcinia magostana, simply referred to as mangosteen, is an ultra-tropical slow growing evergreen tree that is cultivated for its edible fruit.
Iceberg Lettuce
It is the only lettuce type that does not occur in red form as well as green. Iceberg is the given name to dozens of cultivars of lettuce, all of which are adapted to specific planting regions and time periods.
Seasons/Availability
Dandelion greens are available year round.
Current Facts
Dandelion greens, AKA Swedish mums, botanical name Taraxacum officinale, are a flowering herbaceous plant and member of the Asteraceae (Sunflower) family. Dandelion greens are as naturally occurring as the weeds that they are societally classed within, regardless of their edible status as a leaf vegetable. Dandelion plants, if left to their own natural devises (essentially that is to survive), will dominate the soil's nutrient supply and thus starve neighboring plants, including grass. However, if cultivated as a green and harvested by maturity, their nefarious reputation is subdued by their edible qualities. If left unmanaged, the flowering head will produce seeds, which will disperse into the atmosphere to produce more wild dandelions in future seasons.
Description/Taste
Dandelion greens are simply the toothed leaves of the plant which produces a common yellow flowering head. The leaves are produced from a hollow central stem which may be green or red. Young leaves with short stems are tender and slightly chewy. Dandelion greens have a very distinct, assertive flavor, often tangy and to the common tongue, bitter. Mature stems are generally considered inedible. Once the plants produce flowers, the bitterness increases and the greens are past the point of optimal culinary value.
Nutritional Value
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Dandelion greens rank high on the nutritional barometer, surpassing both spinach and broccoli in nutritional value. Dandelion greens are rich in Vitamin C, K and A as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and protein. They have also historically been valued for their medicinal qualities. Dandelion greens act as a natural diuretic and they help boost digestion. They also reduce swelling and inflammation and support healthy teeth, gums and skin.
Applications
Dandelion greens may not be as versatile as lettuce or spinach, but they are not limited in their use and should be considered for both raw and cooked applications. The green's assertive nature can be balanced by sweet flavors and rich foods such as cheese and bacon. Dandelion greens work well in a salad mixes paired with pears, apples and stone fruits. They can be wilted or baked. They make a great gratin cooked with bacon cheese and cream. Other complimentary pairings include citrus, sherry vinegar, tart dressings and creamy dressings, olive oil, shallots, fennel, white beans, tomatoes, chiles and garlic.
Geography/History
Dandelion greens are native to Eurasia and have naturalized throughout the world. They occur in every region of every hemisphere including every state within the Americas. Their culinary and medicinal use far predates their status as a noxious weed. It was only once there was a common desire for manicured lawns that a food plant was classified as a predator. Dandelion leaves and roots are an historical and traditional part of many Asian and European cuisines. A resurgence of small farms, farmers markets, the rise in vegetarian diets and chefs placing unique greens on menus has led to a restored culinary relevance of Dandelion greens.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Vine Cottage | La Mesa CA | 619-465-0138 |
| Bleu Boheme | San Diego CA | 619-255-4167 |
| Crosby National Golf Club LLC | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-227-0172 |
| Enoteca Style | San Diego CA | 619-546-7138 |
| Wine Vault & Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-295-3939 |
| Claire's on Cedros | Solana Beach CA | 858-259-8597 |
| Chef V | San Diego CA | 760-835-9912 |
| Casa De Juice LLC | San Diego CA | 619-226-2272 |
| San Diego Department Animal Services |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Dandelion Greens. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
Someone spotted Dandelion Greens using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Whole Foods Market Near Lake Grove, New York, United States About 76 days ago |
