Dandelion Greens: Kitchen Basics

Dandelion1

by Stephen Albert

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Dandelion salad — Salad with dandelion leaves boiled chicken eggs and onion

Dandelion greens can be added to a lettuce salad to add some tang.

Young bright green dandelion greens can be served raw in salads. Mature dandelions are better cooked.

Spring is a prime time for tender, free-range dandelion greens.

How to Choose Dandelions

The leaves of younger plants will be less bitter. If you pick your dandelion greens wild, do so before the plant flowers., usually from late winter to mid-spring.

Dandelion Cooking Suggestions

Dandelions can be cooked like spinach.

Dandelion Serving Suggestions

Dandelion and bacon salad (a French tradition): Dice bacon and brown in a frying pan. Mix the dandelion leaves with a white wine vinaigrette. Add a tablespoon of vinegar to the diced bacon and stir, Pour the contents of the frying pan into the salad bowl. Add a sliced hard-boiled egg.

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Written by Stephen Albert

Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.