Eat YOUR Greens ~ Dandelions are top of the list!

When Spring bursts forth, we are inspired to think about the SPRING CLEANING ritual ~ of home and body. My call to "Eat your greens" is ever present, but never more so than now! Can you hear me?
Wherever you are in the world, pause and ask yourself, "can I eat more greens?" I would be thrilled to hear your personal favourites, and it's easy to leave a comment below. I hope you will. 

There's a change of energy in the air. We feel enlivened...Well we do, if we're living in 'the 4 seasons' and there's that feeling...IT'S TIME NOW !!!

Time to lighten up - Time to move more, to get out of all of those heavy winter clothes, boots, scarves...Yikes..

I don't really like the term "cleansing" but it's THE way folks refer to the idea of some sort of program; could be any number of ideas-- but essentially-- causing the eliminating organs to be actively eliminating!! I prefer 'detoxification' over 'cleansing' to be honest.

What is actually more important, for most of us, is to eat nutritious whole foods, drink lots of pure water, move our bodies more and strive for balance. We can benefit greatly from a change in our habits with a focus towards "lightening up" at this time of year. By choosing high quality strengthening foods and herbs we are nourishing ourselves and empowering our bodies to enjoy optimum energy.

Eat your Greens!

Most often, the liver is the focus of a "SPRING'  regimen as it’s one of the most important organs in the body. It contributes to optimal digestion, processes our hormones and cleanses the body of toxins to name a few of its functions. The liver responds well to “bitters”,  a very under-used taste in many of the world’s cuisines. Classic bitters have been used for centuries to aid digestion and soothe 'unhappy' G.I. issues from gas, bloating, irritable bowel to more severe cramping episodes.

Check out this lengthy list of ideas! How many of these do you know?

One of my ALL TIME favourite plants, in case you have not guessed, features that most cheerful of early spring flowers. That's right...the one that millions of people have spent billions of dollars attempting to erradicate..
The DANDELION !
There are entire books written about the virtues of  bitters and "Dandelion medicine". Hundreds of recipes, for every part of the plant - flowers, leaves and roots proclaim positive benefits for all who venture to try them.
Check out 2 of my favourite books below!

I've always thought of the extreme irony of it. One of Nature's most complete and powerful gifts ~ and people miss the point totally and choose to HATE dear sweet Dandelion, who is always  poised to be an amazing healing helper.

Dandelions, which contain fiber, Vitamin A, potassium, pectin, numerous B vitamins, and many other valuable nutrients, also appear to reduce inflammation in various parts of the body. Dandelion Root and leaf, especially,  are highly nutritious, rich in vitamins & minerals. The root can be brewed as a tea, in this case , it's called a decoction*, and best taken without adding a sweetener to allow the taste of bitterness to prevail.

See this post all about infusions and decoctions.

Most folks I have encouraged to give Dandelion a try, find that the first bite is indeed bitter, but that this 'bitter' mellows with time, and they quickly begin to welcome it as an important part of their day.

Sometimes, I think that we, naturally,  just want to “lighten up” our diets as the days become warmer and skies brighter. There are many ways to include dandelion greens in our daily meals to encourage a happy liver! I hope you enjoy these printable ideas from my kitchen to yours!

Eat your greens!

5 from 9 votes

Print

RAW Dandelion Salad

Ingredients

• ½ pound dandelion greens
• ½ c. thinly sliced red or Spanish onions
• 2 to matoes quartered  (optional)
• Pinch of basil or parsley
• Salt and pepper
• Dressing –  simple oil & vinegar is my choice

Instructions

1. Use young tender leaves of dandelion when possible.
2. Wash thoroughly
3. Cut into 2-inch pieces and pat dry with towel.
4. Add other ingredients; toss and mix well.
5. Makes 4 servings.

MAKE this steamed dandy recipe and become a life-long fan!

5 from 9 votes

Print

STEAMED dandelion greens

This is my all time favourite way to enjoy these highly nutritious + delicious Spring greens!  When time permits, I gather these myself but I realize most of you will prefer to purchase fresh dandelion greens from your local supermarket.  That's great. Whatever way you can get Dandelion into your kitchen -- is fine with me!

Ingredients

• Sauté onions and garlic in a small amount of olive oil
• Trim the leaves and prepare the greens by rinsing in a colander
• Steam  the dandelion greens in a separate pot.

Instructions

1. Add wilted greens to the pan of onions & garlic.
2. Toss with 1 tsp. of  toasted sesame oil.
3. Serve.

Recipe Notes

Nuts and/or seeds can be added for crunch.
YOU and YOUR Imagination can create many nutritious dishes from this simple recipe. I often add sesame seeds or slivered almonds, and sometimes a dash of Tamari.

Eat your Greens !

TRY this amazing deep green pesto recipe with dandelions as the star!

 I make pesto from a wide variety of greens– cilantro, basil, dandelion, garlic mustard, parsley, watercress, arugula and kale to name a few. I think pestos are THE most aromatic & delish way to incorporate greens, nuts & seeds into our meals, with the occasional addition of Parmesano or Romano or Feta or ..well .. sky’s the limit. Click here for more Pesto ideas. Stay tuned for more!

EXPERIMENT with these ideas. You will find that dandelions can be incorporated anywhere spinach is traditionally used in a recipe.

I have used my favourite spring herb in a tasty green quiche, in lasagna, with tofu, and in scrambled eggs. Sometimes I purchase it from the grocery store, but prefer to get outside the city, find a patch of green dandies...and .. start digging!!

This is a crustless quiche made with farm-fresh eggs, dandelions, red peppers.

 Please tell me about your dandelion experience! I welcome new ideas and then we all learn!

One of the best books on the subject is: "Dandelion Medicine" by herbalist Brigitte Mars.

Another classic book is Wise Woman Herbal Healing Wise by herbalist Susun Weed ~ famed Wise Woman herbalist. The dandelion chapter offers much to the Spirit of this special gifted plant.

I know there are 1001 ways to enjoy this very SPECIAL gifted plant.

My clients frequently ask about detox regimens and herbal medicine has many ideas, which provide excellent results for rejuvenating the body after the winter.

The SPRING herbal medicine chest offers several local plant allies and a herbal program will almost always include a customized tincture and multi-herb formula tea blend as well as diet modifications based on the individual’s needs and ability.
Stay tuned for more detoxifying and supportive ideas!

HAPPY SPRING ! 
and Remember:
Eat your greens!

Wishes for renewal and ever-increasing health..

                       xo Carol