Dandelion

Taraxacum bessarabicum, T. officinale

leaf · prebiotic

Young, toothed, bitter leaves of a meadow plant, picked in spring before flowering, for salads; its roasted root is drunk like coffee. 100 g of leaves provide 187 mg of calcium, 3 mg of iron and 35 mg of vitamin C.

Origin

Meadows of Europe and Asia

Season (United States)

March to June · grows in your region

Preparation

The flowers are eaten too, as fritters or in a jelly. It grows at ground level and catches the splashes of watering: washing it leaf by leaf, in plenty of water, beats a quick rinse of the whole bunch.

Molecules

Beta-carotene (vitamin A) · Lutein and zeaxanthin · Vegetable nitrates · Vitamin K1 · ChlorophyllIn small amounts, not counted Fructans (inulin, FOS)

Did you know?

Around the start of May, it gives the first notable honey flow of spring: beekeepers can then stop feeding their bees.