Have you ever eaten dandelions or wild greens?

Dandelions - this is a photo of a dandelion in a yard.it is a very pretty yellow .
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
United States
April 2, 2007 2:41am CST
I walked out of my house today and it seemed as though overnight millions od little dandelions have popped there little yellow heads up all over my yard. Do you kill htem out or eat them? They say they are good for your health. My granny's doctor used to tell her to eat a mess of dandelion greens because she always had fluid retention and I must say they work well. You can do several things with dandelions even make dandelion wine. When I was younger andmy mom tried to feed dandelions and wild greens to me I called my granny and told her mommies making us eat grass and weeds granny when my mom explained it to her my grandma laughed at me and she never let me orget it after I got older. Now I am the one going out and picking these dandelions and wild greens I have even put them in my lasagna once and it was good. Have you ever eaten them? And if so how did you fix them?
5 people like this
16 responses
@villageanne (8553)
• United States
11 Apr 07
We have always eat dandelion and lots of other plants that grow wild. We are county folk and have done this all our lives. The dandelion flower can be picked and soaked in salt water for about 1/2 hour to remove all bugs and chemecals from the air. Then dip them in a mixture of egg and water combined. Then roll in flour, salt and pepper. you can fry them in either butter, margarine or oil. They are so good. When they are done put them on a plate with a paper towel on it to absorb the excess oil. We love poke greeen and they are starting up now so we will be having htem soon. We use the sassafrass root to make tea. We eat cattail top and stems along with many more wild plants.
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
13 Apr 07
That is exactly what we do also but except water we use milk and egg. They are tasty too. Most of the dandelions have been plucked and fried already from my yard. Also wild greens are not commonly gathered today except in a very few areas, although nearly one thousand species of plants with edible leaves are known. Getting out and looking for wild greens can be a very enjoyable hobby, Be sure to consult books with adequate descriptions of the plants themselves and how to gather and prepare them. "Common names" vary from one location to another. Some plants, such as nettles, are tasty but care must be taken to avoid being stung. Other plants, such as milkweed, are thought to be poisonous raw and to only be edible after boiling in 4-5 changes of water, although this appears to vary from region to region. Still other plants, like Wood Sorrel, are fine to eat raw, but not recommended in large amounts because of the oxalic acid content. Some people have been known to prefer wild greens to the garden grown varieties. Other wild greens: * Burdock -used mainly for the edible root * Cattails * Miner's lettuce * Dandelion * Goosefoot * Lamb's quarters * Nettle * Purslane * Plantain * Seakale * Sorrel * Wild Leek * Pokeweed * Balsam * Milkweed Pods * Oxeye Daisy * Spruce Tips We have a great book we use to help us identify what is edible and what is poison, the only thing that confuses me is the mushrooms and I won't even try to do those because they look so much alike some of them.
3 people like this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
27 Apr 07
A bear? Yikes! I think I would have fainted..lol. I usually just pick the greens up my holler where I live and maybe sometimes where my family lives. I don't go out to anywhere, I am to afraid of snakes, and other wild animals. although they are right in our back yard sometimes we killed a snake about a week ago in the backyard. I can't wait till the raspberries,balckerries,and blueberries become ripe maybe this year I will be able to make the trip Upinto the wood. Last year my hubby almost got bit by a copperhead , snakes just take the enjoyment out of everything..Well ,happy green hunting..
3 people like this
• United States
26 Apr 07
I was raised and still live in the country. I am very familar with the wild greens and such. We have eaten them all our lives. We usually go down on an old strip coal mine and pick poke greens. I preserve alot of them by canning them. Once we parked and walked several miles. We got a garbage bag each of poke but before we reached the truck, we ran into a black bear. Thank goodness he was afraid of us and ran. LOL
4 people like this
@mari61960 (4893)
• United States
29 Apr 07
I've had dandelion greens most of my life in salad. I've never eaten the flower part but my hermit crabs do. I put one in now and again and they just love it. I usually eat field greens salad...I don't know the names of all the greens in it but I love it...lol
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
1 May 07
They are also full of potassium, which is good. I am glad to see I am not the only one going out nad eating weeds*grins* from a field..lol They are good for us so I am surpried that people don't eat them more often. This week end I am going to be picking a bunch. they are small right now but thats when they are the tastiest, seems like when they are big they are somewhat bitter. Well I will also get alot of exercise bending up and down..~becca--(-
1 person likes this
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
24 Apr 07
Wow! They say you learn something new everyday! I never knew that you could eat wild dandelions, I knew that you can get dandelion and burdock drink but not raw dandelions. We have loads where we live but I pick them and give them to our rabbit, she loves them! Thanks for the info.
4 people like this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
25 Apr 07
My nieces next door have 2 rabbits and they been feeding theirs whats left of the dandelions and plantains. I learn something new everyday that I visit mylot. I have even sold wild greens to people who like them but don't like looking for them and picking them. only $2.00 a white plastic bag but hey it was money and I didn't have no money invested in it. Got alot of much needed exercise though, and had a nice walk. Thanks for the postt I appreciate it.
2 people like this
@samson1967 (7414)
• India
3 Apr 07
Ingredients : 1. Two cups of Dandellion Leaves, 2.Two cloves of Garlic, 3. 1/2 Cup of Olive Oil. 4. 1/2 cup of Parmesan Cheese. Cut the cloves in to small pieces, mix it with Dandelion leaves and grind them in a mixure. Now after leaves are mashed mix it with olive oil and add the cheese. You have a wonderful pesto now. Beleive me. This Pesto on Paasta make wonderful meal. You have started a wonderful informative discussion, Peoples response is very poor for such a good topic.
4 people like this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
6 Apr 07
Yummy that sounds so good thanks I will try this soon I also love garlic.thanks for the recipe I am sure their are others who might enjoy it as well.
2 people like this
• Netherlands
12 Apr 07
Hey, I didn't know that you can do alot with these flowers. I have lotsa of them in my garden also a small white margriet. I love them !!! They are so pretty among the grass. I only have one problems though, when the flowers over I immediately catch a hayfever so bad. Anyway, I still like them. I haven't try to eat grass and weeds though.....hehehe....How's the taste ??? Bitter or sweet ???
4 people like this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
13 Apr 07
Well, they are not sweet and if they are fixed right they aren't really to bitter. They are so many wild weeds and flowers out there that are edible but people nowdays rarely don't go looking fo rhtem because of not having learned about them I will teach my family about them as I have been taught from my mother and grandmother and great grandmother. Here is a place you can go to look up certain "Lawn wild greens" If yo want to. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Lawn_weeds
3 people like this
@coolseeds (3919)
• United States
22 Apr 07
Some people batter and fry the flower heads. Usually I put stuff like that in salads and never over do it. I have eaten all kinds of stuff that wasn't close to mankind we'll say. I will not go near something close to the road or where dogs roam. But if I am in the wilderness I look for edible stuff just to try it. I have a book written by a guy who grew up dirt poor and had to eat whatever was around him. It about wild plants and how to fix them. I can't think of the name but will repost when I find it.
4 people like this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
22 Apr 07
It is strange though how we could live off he land if we so choosed but with everything in ready made packaging and microwavable alot of people don't follow the old traditions anymore of eating from the land. I do occasionally but not as much as I used to. I'd like to check the book out my mom would probably be interested also. thanks. Thanks for replying to my discussion I appreciate it.
2 people like this
• United States
3 Jun 07
as far as i know i have never eaten any of these and probably wont unless you fix and dont tell me what is in what ever you fixing
3 people like this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
5 Jun 07
Lol, That is the only way I think we will be able to get kids to eat them nowdays..lol. Just think though they have them in expensive resturants in the salads and they cost a fortune to eat when it is free right in our own yards. My husbands has planted a 20x20 garden and I have wanted him to plant some greens since I love them but he won't so I have to dig up a spot of my own to sow some mustard and collard greens that way they will go nice with the others greens I have in my yard. My husbands nephew is 9 and he loves them especially with his soup beans, He can't really tell to much difference with them mixed in the other greens and he also like them in salads. Well, maybe some day we can get you to try them in some salads.
• Janesville, Wisconsin
29 May 07
Yes, I love to eat dandelions and collect their seeds. I am the only one I know in the area that does. I eat the greens as salad green, and I eat the petals but not the seeds. I make Dandelion Fritters too. I also like to make Dandelion coffee from the root. Also frying the flower petals is yummy. The only bad thing about cooking dandelions is it is really hard to get off the pans, and dandelion coffee has stained my paints.. stainless steel lol. But it's worth it to me. You can find recipes to these and many other greens listed here http://www.care2.com - DNatureofDTrain
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
29 May 07
Hey cool thanks! I dry my dandelion greens and then seep them ten minutes into my coffee and drink it like that sometimes or I just drink the tea made from it it helped me alot and helps me lower my high blood pressure. My husband thought I was crazy for hanging up to dry so I can have it later when it isn't in season anymore. Have you tried the red clover tea? It is also good with a little honey. It is funny how stuff can be good for us right here in our own yards..Well, Thanks for the reply I appreciate it alot.
1 person likes this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
11 Aug 09
I have put the wild greens and dandelions in place of things like spinach and others greens like mustard greens..I like it the same..if they are cooked right they taste the same..So how is your weed experience lately..umm that doesn't sound right does it?..lol
• Janesville, Wisconsin
4 Jun 07
I have never tried them dried like that, Sounds yummy. I make have to dry a bunch for my tea and to use like a spice. Thanks so must for sharing :) . And Yes, Red clover is yummy, especially prepared and dried fresh.. Thanks for sharing. I may put dried greens on sandwhiches too. - DNatureofDTrain
2 people like this
@samson1967 (7414)
• India
2 Apr 07
Dandelions contains natures richest Beta Carotine, they are also rich in micronutrients such as Copper, Cobalt zinc and Vitamin D. We can consume these natures wonder as much as we want.If you are interested in Dandellion Pesto recipe let me know.
4 people like this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
2 Apr 07
Sounds great! I would like to have the Dandelion Pesto recipe and I am sure my mom would enjoy it alot also. Thanks for the information and thanks for posting to my discussion I appreciate it.
2 people like this
@royal52gens (5488)
• United States
30 Apr 07
I like dandlions. Our rabbits also love them. We pick a lot of them to feed to the rabbits. I want to learn how to make dandelion tea. I understand it is very good for upset stomachs. I also want to learn how to make red clover tea.
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
1 May 07
Here is what is in my medical advisory book. Dandelion tea-Prepare by steeping 1 tablespoon of dried or 2 teaspoon of fresh leaves in a cup of boiling water let steep for 10 minutes. For dandelion root-Simmer 1 tablespoon of fresh or dried root per cup of water for 15 minutes. Drink as many as 4 cups a day. Red clover tea-Steep 1-3 teaspoon dried flower tops in 1 cup boiling water for ten to 15 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day. I am sure you could add honey or your choice of sugar with these. Yes they are good for upset stomach,coughs,menopaussal symptons,whooping cough,bronchitis..red clover. The dandelion is good for.poor digestion,gall bladder problems,inflammation of the liver,congestive heart failure,high blood pressure,pms pain,general joint pain,water retention. Hope this helped..~becca--(-
2 people like this
@Bizziebod (3497)
2 Jun 07
Not recently know but I think most small children have tried to eat a dandelion at some point - I know I did when I was little!
3 people like this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
8 Jun 07
Hey thanks for the response I appreciate it. I think that yes that many children have eaten many things in that grew in their yards thankfully not all of it is poison. My niece just raided what what left in my yard to feed her rabbit. Thanks!
@bunnybon7 (50975)
• Holiday, Florida
17 Nov 09
i ate them when my granny used to make them. not the dandelion i dont think, but something called polk greens. we would cut them from the ground and wash them really good and granny would cook them with bacon peices or fry them with bacon grease i think, then sometimes add some vinegar.but ive never done it myself.
2 people like this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
17 Nov 09
We done that sometimes but with the dandelions and other wild greens, we didn't eat polk though..my mom always told us to leave it alone...thanks for the response bunnybon I appreciate it.
@free_man (7330)
• United States
16 Nov 09
Hello Mtdewgurl. No I haven't but I would if I knew what to do with them. I have a friend that cooks all kinds of wild greens. I am from LA and there you wouldn't want to eat the greens anyway because of the smog they have. I now live in MO and would love to learn what kinds of wild greens to eat. I know it has got to be healthier for us. I have heard of eating dandelions and I would try it. Now if there was a web site that would teach us how to use them in cooking I would try it. Hope you have a great day!
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
17 Nov 09
Here is a few links to check out.. http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles/williamsc44.html http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Cookbook:Dandelions http://www.homemakers.com/Food&Nutrition/cookscorner/andrew-s-ingredient-of-the-month--dandelion-n258120p1.html Thanks for the response it is appreciated very much.
@free_man (7330)
• United States
17 Nov 09
Thanks for the links I will look at those sites. My father in law says they are great to eat but he don't know how to cook them.....LOL Hope you have a great day!
• China
17 Nov 09
hi,mtdewgurl! I heard that dandelions can be eaten as vegetable but I've never have a try.It's said that it can help decrease blood pessure. When I was a little girl,in spring I saw dandelions everywhere by the river bank in at hometown.and there was a text titled "Dandelions" in one of my textbooks when I was im junior middle school.and it mentioned that dandelions could be eaten as vegetables in bad years. Now I am living in a city and haven't seen dandelions for years.and I hear that bandelions and other wild green are regarded as precious green food,valueless wild weeds in the past sold at high prices today. your discussion reminds me of dandelions and my childhood.the world has changed a lot as well as my life. have a nice day!
@ersmommy1 (12588)
• United States
21 Nov 09
No I have never had them. lol But I am sure there are recipes for them somewhere online. If they will cure my insomnia I will eat them by the truck load!
@Ruby3881 (1963)
• Canada
2 Apr 16
Oh, I bet they're yummy in lasagna! I wonder why I'd never thought to use them that way?