[rugbymad40]

Last night while on the plot I saw a lady walking by with a trugg full of Dandelions. I asked if they were for her rabbit as I know a couple of plot holders who have friends come to collect leaves for their bunnies.
She laughed at me and said "No way they are my coffee supply until Christmas!"  
Can you make coffee from Dandelions?  If so how is it done and what does it taste like?
The plot next to me has a good crop if anyone can tell me how to make it I will have a try and report back.  I drink gallons of coffe I could save a fortune here.

[Heather_S]

I think you roast the roots? I guess it's similar to chicory.

[mellowmick]

If you want a hot beverage simply make dandelion coffee. Dandelion coffee is made from the root of the plant. Gather your roots in the fall or in the early spring before the plant blooms. Scrub the unpeeled roots with a stiff brush. Use the big part of the root for a vegetable. It's the skinny side roots that you need to dry , grind, and roast for you brew. Simply dry the roots in an oven (f150 degrees) until they are brittle and snap easily. Then roast them at about f375 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until they are dark brown inside. Now grind them in the blender until they look like coffee. For a steaming cup of dandelion coffee use about one teaspoon of ground root to a cup of boiling water. This brew will have a flavour all its own, vaguely chocolaty and pleasing.

Downloaded. Didn't write this myself.

[Heather_S]

http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/d/dandel08.html
Botanical.com is just text copied from a very old book, though, so be careful using stuff you find on there, it might have been found to be toxic. I'm reading that, in Canada, dandelion root is a registered drug because it's a diuretic

[John]

http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/d/dandel08.html
Botanical.com is just text copied from a very old book, though, so be careful using stuff you find on there, it might have been found to be toxic. I'm reading that, in Canada, dandelion root is a registered drug because it's a diuretic

That probably means they try and smoke it in California

[shaun]

so they do make you wee the bed,

[GrannieAnnie]

There's a  lot of truth in those old wives tales you know!!!

[John]

I remember being terrified as a child to sleep because I'd touched a dandelion! Nowadays I'm a little more concerned about nettles.

[Oliver]

so they do make you wee the bed,

Sure does! The french call it pis en lit, but they do still eat the leaves. so perhaps they .... nevermind

Pick some nice young juicey leaves. Cut up a few streaky bacon rasher and fry then. Then add the torn up leaves and toss in the bacon fat until wilted. Eat. She had this prepared specially by a Parisian lady - The french lady was very pleased to be able to prepare a 'traditional french peasant dish' for her'.(Although she is game to try most things, this was not one of the tastiest.)  

[Jellycakesforme]

Our family loves Symington's of Scotland Dandelion Herbal Tea.  It is like instant coffee.