How to Make Dandelion Tea: 3 Types of Dandelion Tea

Dandelion tea is an herbal tea made by steeping the various parts of the dandelion plant (Taraxacum officinale) in water. Dandelion leaves, flowers, and roots can all be used to make dandelion tea. The result is a nutritious herbal tea that’s packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals—such as vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. The flavor profile of dandelion tea depends on which part of the plant the tea is made from. For example, dandelion leaf tea has an earthy, astringent flavor; dandelion flower tea is mild and subtly sweet; and dandelion root tea is bold and smoky.

Dandelion tea offers many notable health benefits but can present unpleasant side effects to those prone to allergic reactions to ragweed. When harvesting fresh dandelions from your garden, use caution—dandelions that have been treated with pesticides or have come in contact with animal feces can be toxic.

Before mowing down all the dandelions in your garden, consider these notable health benefits of dandelion tea:

1. 1. Dandelion tea is high in vitamins and minerals. Drinking dandelion tea can be a boon to the immune system, as it’s high in vitamins A, C, and K. It can also help improve bone health by delivering potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
2. 2. Dandelion tea is caffeine-free. For those looking to cut back on caffeine, dandelion tea makes an excellent coffee substitute. Roasted dandelion root creates a convincing enough substitute to earn it the moniker “dandelion coffee.”
3. 3. Dandelion tea is a diuretic. Dandelion tea can help increase urine output, helping alleviate bloat, reduce water weight, and guard against urinary tract infections. Proponents of traditional medicine claim dandelion tea can detox the liver, kidneys, and digestive system; however, these claims are largely based on anecdotal evidence.

You can buy dried dandelion in disposable tea bags. However, it’s easy to make DIY dandelion tea at home. Consider trying one of these three dandelion tea recipes.

1. 1. Dandelion root tea: Also known as roasted dandelion tea or dandelion coffee, dandelion root tea is made by roasting dandelion roots, steeping them in hot water, and straining. Use a garden spade to harvest dandelion plants, leaving the large taproot in place. Cut away the taproot from the rest of the plant and rinse it clean in cool water. Use a sharp knife to thinly slice the root. The root pieces should be roughly the same size as coffee beans. Spread the roots out in an even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast in a 350-degree-Fahrenheit oven for ten to fifteen minutes. Add dandelion root to a small saucepan of boiling water and boil for five to ten minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer and serve.
2. 2. Dandelion leaf tea: Making dandelion leaf tea involves very little prep time. Simply harvest six to eight dandelion leaves from a young dandelion plant. Thoroughly rinse the leaves under cool water and pat dry with paper towels. Gently muddle the leaves in a mortar and pestle until fragrant. Add leaves directly to the cup or place them inside a tea infuser. Steep in a cup of boiling water for five to ten minutes.
3. 3. Dandelion flower tea: Dandelion flower tea is subtly sweet, and makes for a refreshing iced tea in the summertime. Harvest about a quart of dandelion flowers. Rinse them under cool water and gently pat dry with paper towels. Boil one cup of water and add it to a large bowl. Carefully add dandelion flowers and steep for five to ten minutes. Transfer tea to a large glass pitcher and refrigerate for four to thirty-six hours. Add lemon juice or sweeteners, such as stevia, to bring out the sweet refreshing flavor of the tea.

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