Growing up, dandelions were always the enemy…
I remember my Dad devoting hours each summer to vigorously spraying them when they would pop up in the yard.
I also remember how annoyed I was during the first spring after we purchased our homestead when I realized the little yellow buggers were ALL OVER the yard and pastures.
My oh my… how times have changed.
Since my Lamb’s Quarter revelation several years ago, I tend to wholeheartedly agree with Ralph Waldo Emerson’s perspective on weeds:
“WHAT IS A WEED? A PLANT WHOSE VIRTUES HAVE NOT YET BEEN DISCOVERED.”
So, since changing my mindset a bit, I now get giddy when I see the little yellow blossoms pop up all over my yard. Not only are dandelions very edible, but they are also incredibly nutritious.
**My one caveat about dandelion recipes is this: if you do plan to harvest dandelions, be very certain that they have NOT been sprayed with any sort of chemical or herbicide. I don’t have to worry about that out here on our homestead, but would definitely think twice before foraging handfuls from your local park or neighbor’s yard.
See the recipes here: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2014/04/dandelion-recipes.html