Dandelion Greens

Inventory, 12 ct : 4.71
This item was last sold on : 03/25/23

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Description/Taste

Dandelion greens are simply the toothed leaves of the common plant which produce the ubiquitous yellow flower. The leaves sprout from a central hollow stem which may be green or red. Dandelion greens have a very distinct, assertive flavor, often tangy and bitter. The younger leaves with short stems are tender and mild, while larger leaves become fibrous and overtly bitter. Once the plants produce flowers, their strong flavor increases and the greens are past the point of optimal culinary value.

Seasons/Availability

Dandelion greens are available year-round.

Current Facts

Dandelion greens, also known as Swedish mums and botanically classified as Taraxacum officinale, are a flowering herbaceous plant in 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, 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.

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.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

Dandelion greens offer tremendous cleansing qualities and have long been a part of the fasting diet during Lent. They are usually the first fresh green to grow in the spring and are eaten to clean the liver of fat consumed over the long winter.

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 historically and traditionally 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.

You & Yours Distilling Co.	San Diego CA	214-693-6619
Project Wildlife	San Diego CA	619-295-3172
Mister A's	San Diego CA	619-239-1377
Justin Weiss	Bonsall CA	760-724-9875
Lodge at Torrey Pines Main	San Diego CA	858-453-4420
Fairmont Grand Del Mar	San Diego CA	858-314-1975
Nolita Hall	San Diego CA	619-618-8820
Barleymash	San Diego CA	619-276-6700 x304
Gyrogrill	San Diego CA	857-719-2109
Cesarina	San Diego CA	619-226-6222
Olive Tree Marketplace	San Diego CA	619-224-0443
Vitality Tap - 1St Ave	San Diego CA	619-237-7625
Zel's Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-755-0076
4 The Love Of Lemons	San Diego CA	760-613-1104
Cross Roots	San Diego CA	858-245-1678

Recipe Ideas

Recipes that include Dandelion Greens. One

is easiest, three is harder.

Eat Healthy, Eat Happy		Spinach and Dandelion Greens Salad with Wild Herb Vinaigrette
Taste of Home		Dandelion Soup
E.A.T.		Dandelion Greens
Healthy Smoothie Headquarters		Dandy Dandelion Greens Smoothie
Kale Me Maybe		Quinoa and Brown Rice Spaghetti with Garlicky Dandelion Greens, Lentils, Golden Beets and Pistachio Mint Pesto
A Beautiful Plate		Sauteed Dandelion Greens with Eggs
Brooklyn Supper		Wild Rice Salad with Dandelion Greens
Daily Bites		Detoxifying Cauliflower & Dandelion Soup
Showfood Chef		Dandelion Chips
Half Baked Harvest		Dandelion Greens Pesto, Fresh Fig and Gorgonzola Pizza with Pesto

the other 10...

Steele House Kitchen		Dandelion Greens with Mustard Vinaigrette
The Spruce Eats		Dandelion Greens With Garlic
Sunset		Dandelion Greens with Currants and Pine Nuts
Dolly and Oatmeal		Buckwheat Soba Noodles with Dandelion Greens Pesto
Curious About Health		Dandelion Detox Smoothie
Andrea Meyers		Japanese Sesame Spinach Salad with Dandelion Greens
The Bitten Word		Dandelion-Lime Cooler
Climbing Grier Mountain		Winter Squash Salad with Quinoa, Dandelion Greens, & Whole Grain Mustard Vinaigrette
Love & Lemons		Toast with Radishes & Dandelion Greens
Food Babe		Dandelion Pesto & Pizza

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