You know exactly how important it is to have dark, leafy greens as part of your diet. You know the many health benefits associated with kale and spinach and Swiss chard, and you know that the antioxidants in green tea help keep you calm while also preventing cancer. Did you know that there is a fresh leafy green that is considered a weed in most gardens and has also been found to provide tremendous health benefits? Yes, it’s the lowly dandelion.
The English name “dandelion” is derived from a reference to the leaves of the plant dent-de-lion, explaining the jagged leaves as the teeth of a lion. The scientific Greek name of Taraxacum officinale stems from the words “disorder” and “remedy,” offering great insight into the intended journey for this plant.
For many, dandelion is a cure-all for a body that is generally overrun by toxic living. For our purposes. Bitter, cooling, and drying, the primary application of dandelion is blatant: to clear out toxic heat from the body. The liver screams for this herb because its job is to filter the excesses our bodies struggle with processing.
For digestive stagnation and unrest, as well as unbalanced blood sugar levels, the dandelion root is an effective ally. The leaves are chock-full of nutritive healing that offers the body beneficial amounts of vitamins such as K, A, and C, as well as iron.
DANDELION STRAWBERRY SUMMER TEA
Typically the most common way to ingest dandelion is a tea. Below you will find a nice summer twist to a dandelion tea that I think you will love. This roasted dandelion strawberry tea is a bit bitter, a bit sweet, and a bit sour. It’s the perfect balance for a sophisticated and detox-friendly afternoon pick-me-up.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
4 cups fresh water
2 cups strawberries, stems removed + sliced
4-6 tablespoons of dried dandelion
4 Tbsps Agave syrup (Stevia leaves are great too)
2 medium lemons, freshly-squeezed
INSTRUCTIONS
Start by adding water to a large pot over high-heat and bringing it to a boil. Add your dandelion in bags to the boiling water and let it continue to boil for another 1-2 minutes. Turn off heat and let tea bags continue to steep for 15-20 minutes. **NOTE: The longer that the tea bags steep, the stronger the flavor. You can let them steep up to 30 minutes before it begins to get bitter.**
Meanwhile, add in the Agave and stir until it's fully incorporated. Let the mixture cool completely, about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
In a bowl, add the fresh sliced strawberries along with freshly-squeezed lemon juice, mulling (crushing) everything together until strawberries are fully broken down. Add mulled strawberry mixture to pot with cooled brewed dandelion tea, stirring until combined.
To serve, add crushed ice to glass(es), pour dandelion strawberry tea mixture until glasses are 3/4 filled and for additional garnish, add sliced strawberries, and lemon slices. Repeat for every serving.
Sip and Enjoy!
If you like us, consider giving us a heart or share our blog!
If you have bought from us, we love and actually thrive on reviews!
Comments