Dandelions are strong in more ways than one; they are robust, grow ubiquitously and the leaves have a zealous, bitter bite to them. Yet their sun-yellow petals are more delicate in flavour \u2013 light and floral with just a tinge of bitter \u2013 and their invaluable nutrition is often overlooked.<\/p>\n

To children, I introduce them as the A, B, C, E plant (naming their vitamins) or the lion\u2019s tooth plant (dent-de-lion<\/i>) in reflection of their toothed leaf shape. I don\u2019t mention their iron, magnesium, potassium and calcium content, though I know they\u2019ll benefit from it anyway.<\/p>\n

More related content:<\/p>\n
Monthly foraging guide: what\u2019s in season and where to find it<\/a><\/li>\n
Wild garlic guide: where to find it and how to cook it<\/a><\/li>\n
British wildflowers guide: how to identify, when to see and how to find them<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>
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Native to Europe and Asia as well as certain areas of North and South America, North Africa and Australasia, they have now been introduced widely across the world. These common plants have a reputation for being a diuretic, hence their French name: pissenlit<\/i>. However, dandelions are actually a very mild diuretic and any potential nutritional loss is countered by their high mineral content, particularly in regards to potassium.<\/p>\n
Even their bitterness is of value, signifying the dandelion\u2019s natural detoxifying abilities and acting as an essential partner to create that well-loved flavour: bittersweet. But don\u2019t just make use of what\u2019s above the ground; in winter, dandelion roots<\/a> can be unearthed and roasted to create warming, comforting desserts.<\/p>\n
How to identify dandelions<\/h2>\n
Grows up to 35cm\/1ft tall with hollow, branchless stems filled with a milky sap. Leaves are deeply toothed and grow from the base of the plant. Yellow flowers transform into white, fluffy \u2018clocks\u2019 when turning to seed.<\/p>\n
When is the best time to forage for dandelions?<\/h2>\n
The leaves grow throughout the year, though are best in spring. Flowers appear and are most profuse in late spring, though can continue through to autumn.<\/p>\n
Where to forage for dandelions<\/h2>\n
Dandelions are extremely easily found in sunny areas, gardens, growing up between pavements, in parks, grassy fields and road verges.<\/p>\n
How to pick dandelions<\/h2>\n
Pick the leaves and yellow flowers; flowers close overnight but open again each morning (unless they\u2019ve started to go to seed).<\/p>\n
Dandelion recipe ideas<\/h2>\n
Dandelion flower and rum cake<\/a><\/h3>\n
Learn how to make Rachel Lambert\u2019s aromatic sponge cake flavoured with foraged dandelion flowers and rum.<\/p>\n
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When is the best time to forage for dandelions?<\/h2>\nThe leaves grow throughout the year, though are best in spring. Flowers appear and are most profuse in late spring, though can continue through to autumn.<\/p>\n

Where to forage for dandelions<\/h2>\nDandelions are extremely easily found in sunny areas, gardens, growing up between pavements, in parks, grassy fields and road verges.<\/p>\n

How to pick dandelions<\/h2>\nPick the leaves and yellow flowers; flowers close overnight but open again each morning (unless they\u2019ve started to go to seed).<\/p>\n

Dandelion recipe ideas<\/h2>\n

When is the best time to forage for dandelions?<\/h2>\n
The leaves grow throughout the year, though are best in spring. Flowers appear and are most profuse in late spring, though can continue through to autumn.<\/p>\n

Where to forage for dandelions<\/h2>\n
Dandelions are extremely easily found in sunny areas, gardens, growing up between pavements, in parks, grassy fields and road verges.<\/p>\n

How to pick dandelions<\/h2>\n
Pick the leaves and yellow flowers; flowers close overnight but open again each morning (unless they\u2019ve started to go to seed).<\/p>\n