Dandelions are commonly seen as pesky weeds that invade lawns and gardens. However, these yellow flowers are also packed with a variety of health benefits that have been recognized for centuries. Here are some of the many benefits of dandelions:
Rich in Nutrients: Dandelions are a rich source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and calcium. These nutrients are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, strong bones, and optimal organ function.
Supports Digestion: Dandelion roots contain inulin, a type of fiber that supports digestive health by promoting the growth of good bacteria in the gut. This helps to improve digestion and prevent constipation.
Anti-Inflammatory: Dandelions are rich in antioxidants, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body. This is beneficial for preventing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Supports Liver Health: Dandelion root tea has been used for centuries to support liver health. The compounds in dandelion root help to promote liver function and prevent liver damage.
Diuretic: Dandelions are a natural diuretic, meaning they help to increase urine production and reduce water retention. This can be helpful for those with high blood pressure or other conditions that cause excess fluid buildup in the body.
Promotes Skin Health: Dandelions contain vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for skin health. The antioxidants in dandelions help to prevent damage from free radicals, which can cause premature aging and skin damage.
Due to these reasons, we now offer chemical and pesticide free, freeze-dried dandelion flowers. You can put this in salads, eat "as-is" or make a delicious tea which is quite often the method use them. Dandelion tea is so good, and so good for you, we love it here at Back Forty!
So what exactly is in a dandelion? See below for specific nutrition information.
It's not only important, but critical, that you don't use dandelions that have been sprayed with chemicals or pesticides, similar to the vast majority of food you get from supermarkets. Unless it is your yard and you know 100% for certain they, or the ground, nor the previous owners haven't ever sprayed or poisoned the ground, we would stay away from them.
We don't ever spray our garden, weeds, or anything here on our 42-acres. This creates a lot more work for us with weeds that we don't want, but we refuse to poison the ground with chemicals, which eventually finds their way into the food and water that we eventually consume. You will not find RoundUp, chemicals, or pesticides anywhere on our property, period.
Dandelions may be viewed as annoying weeds, but they offer a wide range of health benefits. Including them in your diet or using them as a herbal supplement may provide numerous benefits for your overall health and wellbeing. Of course, due to legal reasons, we cannot make any claims or guarantees about this - but after conducting your own research we are confident you will get draw your own conclusion and why you might consider using it.
There are countless articles and research showing the benefits of the dandelion flower, leaves or root. You can find a ton of information with an easy internet search, but we have provided a few if you want a quick way to learn more.
18 Health Benefits of Dandelions - A must read!
Benefits of Dandelions (Video)
Although the process is quite time consuming, it yields the best quality.
We hand pick each flower from the dandelion plant, have a two-cycle wash process, and then immediately they are freeze-dried. Once that process is complete, they are slightly chopped so they are a bit smaller, bagged into a mylar resealable bag which also contains an oxygen packet, and then heat sealed for triple protection. Since they are freeze-dried, they (nor any of our products) cannot go rancid or rot. If the bag is opened and left out for an extended period of time, the products will start absorbing moisture in the air and that can affect primarily, the texture. We always recommend sealing up the bag once opened and keeping the oxygen absorber in the bag.
If you have a heat sealing machine, that is best, but if not, just seal it up in the bag it came with (has a resealable/ziplock like seal.). You can also put in a jar, and oxygen absorber and use a food type sealing machine that removes the air and seals the jar.
You can now enjoy pesticide and chemical free, freeze-dried dandelion flowers, grown here at Back Forty Farms, that can be used in teas, salads, or several other ways to your liking.