Skeeter and the Dandelions

Written on Sunday, April 1, 2012
by; Cheryl Rome
Weather: Hi 58 Lo 49 - Sunny

Princess Fiona the Peony

It was a lovely day so Skeeter and I decided to sit on the front stoop. While I was photographing Princess Fiona (aka our Peonies), Skeeter picked some dandelions and presented the bouquet to me. Most people would see weeds, but I saw a photo opportunity and thought of the stories my Grandparents and Parents told me about going "Dandelion-ing". What else can you do with Dandelions?

The scientific name for the Common Dandelion, according to The Woodrow Wilson Foundation Leadership Program for Teachers, is Taraxacum officinale. (http://www.woodrow.org/teachers/bi/2000/Ethnobotany/dandelion.html)

Remembering back to my childhood, I heard stories of my Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and Parents going "Dandelion-ing" and making Dandelion Wine. My family didn't treat dandelions as weeds, but as wild vegetables. This prompted me to do some research.

Things that make you go hmmmmmm....

Not only can the Dandelion Greens be cooked with a ham hock and seasonings, they are consumed in salads. Have you ever purchased the poly bags of salad mix labeled as"Garden Mix" from your local grocer? If so, you have consumed Dandelions are part of the 'greens'. Dandelion leaves taste similar to Spinach and are on the bitter side. The next time you eat a fresh garden salad you might be eating some Dandelions.

The History of Dandelions: http://paddycat.hubpages.com/hub/Dandelion-Versatile-Weed 

While looking for commercial, culinary, and medicinal uses of Dandelions, I found several recipes for Dandelion Wine (http://allrecipes.com/recipe/dandelion-wine/) My mom warns to make sure that you picking Dandelions from fields that are free from animal droppings, human feet, and urban run-off. I plan on making this recipe next month when I get vacation time.

The second thing that makes you go hmmmmmm....

Dandelions can be grown in containers! I did not know this...do I hear an experiment brewing?!?! Interested in growing Dandelions on your patio? Check out http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/vegetable/growing-dandelion.htm to learn how. Watch for a new page to appear in the coming months.

I'm off to the patio! !Feliz Jardin!