Robust and tough
Dandelions can drive order-loving gardeners to despair. Many garden enthusiasts say they shouldn't disturb the beautiful greenery. But since the plant is quite persistent, even regular mowing hardly helps. On the contrary, it seems to promote growth. This is due to the long (up to 2 meters!), thick, turnip-like taproot, through which the dandelion gets enough water even in dry periods. If the flower head and leaves are mown off, the plant regenerates from the overly long root and grows again. The more often the dandelion is mown, the less vigorously the plant grows upwards; it simply blooms a few centimeters above the ground. Dandelions also need plenty of light to grow. A diligent gardener who mows their lawn regularly creates ideal growing conditions for the plant. Since dandelions are indicator plants for nitrogen, they also grow well wherever the lawn has been generously fertilized.
The good news for all gardeners: Where dandelions grow, the dense root system keeps water in the upper layers, which is also important for grass growth. Bees also enjoy dandelions: The yellow flowers provide them with energy during their foraging flights. To produce one kilogram of honey, a bee colony must visit an average of over 100,000 dandelion flowers.
Fresh to the table
Forget about being a weed: Dandelions were already a popular vegetable over 400 years ago. The young, slightly bitter-tasting leaves can be harvested in spring or purchased from well-stocked greengrocers and processed into delicious dishes. Among other things, the leaves (fresh or dried) can be used as a tea, and the roots are also suitable. The tea tastes somewhat bitter but prevents many illnesses. Not only the leaves, but also the flowers, buds, and roots can be used. Since they are also suitable for consumption, they can of course also be used as a garnish for dishes. The flowers are a great way to refine butter. It's visually beautiful and tastes delicious! The roots can be used to make a delicious coffee, which has a positive effect on the liver and digestive organs. It tastes especially delicious with a pinch of cinnamon. Dandelions have also had a good reputation as a medicinal plant for centuries: their leaves are bursting with healthy ingredients. Dandelion, for example, is repeatedly used successfully for gout and rheumatism, as well as for kidney, gallbladder, liver and stomach diseases.
TEXT: Victoria Wegner
