While working in my garden today, I saw our first dandelion of the year. Dandelions are one of my favorite "weeds." They are edible from root to flower and have many nutritional and medicinal benefits. I will leave this dandelion and many others for the pollinators until there is enough in my yard that I feel comfortable taking some. Much to my husband's dismay, I'm an enthusiastic participant in 'No Mow May.' Therefore, I will be a bit longer before foraging in my yard.
One of my favorite things to make from dandelions is dandelion cornbread. You add the petals to your batter mix, and you can even add a few whole flowers to the top of your cornbread to make it prettier.
My youngest, Finn, loves to eat them raw, and although these are old pictures, he still likes to snack on the flowers while we collect pedals.
Some of my other favorite ways to enjoy dandelions are in salads, both leaves and flowers. The dandelion greens are also great for making saag and smoothies.
Even if you do not like eating your weeds, consider leaving them for the pollinators. At the beginning of spring, their food options are limited, and dandelions are one of the first food sources available to them.
