Video: How to Harvest Dandelion

susan belsinger, contributor

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The common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is an easily recognizable weed, and one most homeowners try to eradicate from their lawns. But why do that when dandelion makes a splendid spring tonic? All parts of the plant are edible. The root is sweeter than the leaves, which tend to be bitter, so pick them when they are small. Leaves are good for stir-fries, soup and salad, and the flowers can be incorporated into veggie burgers. Dig with a trowel.

Not all wild plants are edible
Many, but not all, seasonal weeds are edible, but some are poisonous, so it's critical to identify the plants first before harvesting them and using them in your cooking. Get a good plant-identification guide; here are three of my favorites:

Edible Wild Plants Eastern/Central North America by Lee Allen Peterson

Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants by Steven Foster and James A. Duke

A Digger's Guide to Medicinal Plants by Allen Lockard and Alice Q. Swanson

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