Benefits of dandelion coffee
Dandelion tops the list of herbaceous perennials. In folk medicine, not only flowers, but also roots are used. They contain the following useful elements:
- flavonoids;
- iron;
- sterols;
- potassium;
- protein substances;
- a nicotinic acid;
- organic acids;
- vitamins P, C and B2.
The benefits and harms of coffee made from dandelion roots are due to its rich composition. It is in demand among women who care about their health and figure. The substances contained in dandelion root give the skin elasticity and youth. They successfully cope with constipation and inflammatory processes in the digestive system.
The roots of the plant provoke the secretion of bile and stimulate the secretion of gastric juice. Due to their rich iron content, they help eliminate the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia. No less effective is observed in the fight against hypertension and insomnia. When consumed regularly, the drink can cleanse liver and gallbladder cells of toxic substances.
Application benefits
The main distinguishing feature of the coffee drink is the absence of caffeine in the composition. It has choleretic and diuretic properties without causing toxic effects on the body. Along with milk thistle decoction, the drink successfully copes with liver diseases. It is often used to prevent coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis. In addition, coffee made from dandelion roots is famous for its anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it possible to use it in the fight against certain ailments. Unlike regular coffee, dandelion drink has a calming effect on the body.
Beneficial properties of dandelion
Dandelion roots and leaves contain bitter glycosides taraxacin and taraxacerin, resinous substances, rubber, asparagine, choline, organic acids, dyes, fatty oils, vitamins and other substances. The leaves contain vitamin C, saponins, calcium, phosphorus and iron.
Dandelion is an excellent honey plant; the honey it produces is thick, golden, aromatic, with a rather sharp taste. The plant has a choleretic, antipyretic, laxative, expectorant, sedative, antispasmodic and mild hypnotic effect.
- An aqueous infusion of roots and leaves improves digestion, appetite and general metabolism, increases milk secretion in nursing women, and increases the overall tone of the body.
- Due to the presence of biologically active substances, dandelion food gruel passes through the intestines faster, and this helps reduce fermentation processes in colitis.
- Experimental chemical and pharmacological studies of dandelion confirmed anti-tuberculosis, antiviral, fungicidal, anthelmintic, anti-carcinogenic and anti-diabetic properties.
- Dandelion is recommended for diabetes, as a tonic for general weakness, and for the treatment of anemia.
- Powder from dried dandelion roots is used to enhance the removal of harmful substances from the body through sweat and urine, as an anti-sclerotic remedy for gout and rheumatism.
- A decoction, a thick extract, is used as a bitter to enhance the secretion of the digestive glands and as a choleretic agent.
What is dandelion coffee made from?
Dandelion coffee is made from the roots of the plant. They are pre-crushed and fried. Before brewing, the roots are crushed using a blender or coffee grinder. If it is not possible to prepare the drink at home, buy it ready-made. Ground dandelion roots are packaged in portioned bags, which are filled with water before use.
Attention! Dandelion root coffee can be used to combat and prevent serious diseases.
What does dandelion coffee go with?
The benefits and harms of dandelion coffee may vary depending on what is added to the drink to improve the taste. Most often, the remedy is enriched with:
- honey;
- cream;
- rosehip;
- cinnamon.
Proponents of a healthy lifestyle add sweetness to coffee using Jerusalem artichoke.
How to properly collect dandelion for making coffee
If you do not use the purchased option/there are a lot of such “weeds” in your garden, start by digging up the root. For one serving of treats, you need about 3-4 medium-sized plant roots. After completing field work:
- Clear the root of soil and excess shoots, rinse.
- Cut the root into 1.5-2 centimeter pieces.
- Process the obtained parts of the plant: fry in a frying pan without oil or bake in the oven until crunchy. At the same time, constantly make sure that the roots do not burn (otherwise the coffee will taste bitter).
- In this form, the grass can be dried for the winter or used immediately.
It is better to collect dandelion root in late autumn, when the leaves have withered, or in early spring before flowering, while the root is full of healthy juice.
In summer, it is better not to collect the grass; flowering takes all the strength from the plant, leaving almost no medicinal properties.
Dandelion is good because it grows everywhere; among gardeners it is a weed. But if you have already dug it up, try preparing a fragrant, invigorating treat.
What is dandelion coffee made from?
Dandelion coffee is made from the roots of the plant. They are pre-crushed and fried. Before brewing, the roots are crushed using a blender or coffee grinder. If it is not possible to prepare the drink at home, buy it ready-made. Ground dandelion roots are packaged in portioned bags, which are filled with water before use.
When to Harvest Dandelion Root
Harvesting dandelion roots should be done in early spring (April-early May), or at the end of September. In spring, it is important to collect the roots before the plant blooms. The beneficial properties of dandelion allow you to use all its parts to prepare various infusions. Harvesting the plant is not difficult as the flower grows everywhere.
Large dandelion roots must be peeled, dried for several days, washed, then cut and dried in a special dryer or on paper in a well-ventilated room.
How to make a coffee brew from dandelion roots
The raw materials for making coffee from dandelions are prepared in advance. Collection is carried out starting from the end of April. In rare cases, it is allowed to collect in early autumn. The process of procurement of raw materials is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- The roots are thoroughly cleaned of soil and washed with running water.
- The peeled roots are crushed into large pieces.
- The product is fried for 20 minutes at a temperature of 180°C.
- The fried roots are placed in a container with a lid.
Acorns will help increase the nutritional value of dandelion roots. They contain quercetin, which has antioxidant and diuretic properties. Acorns are harvested from late September to early October. It is necessary to give preference to firm fruits that are brown or greenish in color. The ripeness of the fruit is indicated by slight separation from the branches. Acorns that are pliable to pressure cannot be used as food, as they are worm-prone. Harvesting fruits for dandelion medicine is carried out according to the following principle:
- The acorns are filled with clean water for 20-30 minutes. The fruits that float to the surface are thrown away.
- Place acorns in a thin layer on a baking sheet and then place in the oven for 5 minutes. The temperature should be low.
- The finished and cooled fruits are peeled and then crushed using a meat grinder.
- The resulting mixture is dried again in the oven.
- Raw materials are placed in paper bags or glass jars.
Procurement of raw materials
To make dandelion coffee you will need the roots of the plant. You can buy it in spice stores or prepare it yourself. Dandelion is most rich in vitamins in the spring before flowering and in late autumn.
Dandelion has a tap root, so you will need a shovel to remove it. It is necessary to slightly dig up the plant and pull out the root. You need to dig up as many roots as possible, since volume is lost during drying.
The roots and soil should be placed in a container with cold water. This will make it easier to clean the plants. But first you need to trim off the small roots and leaves. Then the roots are thoroughly cleaned with a brush. All darkened areas must be cleaned until white. Clean roots are dried for 1-2 days. The preparatory process is almost complete. The next step is to process the roots for consumption.
The dried roots need to be carefully cut into pieces 1-1.5 cm in size. They need to be fried in a frying pan until dark in color and have a pleasant aroma. The process can also be carried out in the oven on a baking sheet. Roasted roots can be ground in a mortar or regular coffee grinder.
How to make coffee from dandelion roots
Making dandelion root coffee is as easy as making a natural coffee drink. For 1 tbsp. Hot water will require 1 tsp. pre-processed raw materials. Before cooking, the roots must be checked for integrity. After clearing the soil, they must be dried. Drying is carried out in a well-ventilated area or under the sun. The fact that the roots have completely dried out is indicated by a stop in the secretion of milky sap. When frying, no oil is used.
Experts recommend grinding the roots until finely ground. It is better to use a wooden or glass container to store prepared raw materials. You can also package the powder in cotton bags. The general shelf life of crushed dandelion roots is 1 year.
The easiest way
There are several ways to make coffee from dandelion roots. The first one is the simplest. The roots are cut into thin plastic sheets and stored in a cool place. As soon as you want to enjoy healing coffee from dandelion roots, fry the required amount (1 tbsp) in a dry frying pan, pour a liter of boiling water in a thermos, leave for two or three hours. Drink with sugar, honey, add milk. It all depends on desire.
How to make regular coffee from dandelions
The recipe for classic dandelion coffee does not require any special knowledge or skills. All that is required is to first take care of the preparation of raw materials. The drink preparation scheme is as follows:
- 1 tsp. crushed roots are poured into a glass and filled with hot water.
- After 5 minutes, the drink is filtered.
- To enrich the taste, any sweetener is added to coffee.
Comment! In stores, dandelion coffee is sold in portioned bags, so there is no need to measure the volume of raw materials used.
Dandelion Root Coffee Recipe with Cinnamon
Cinnamon helps make dandelion root coffee taste more tart. It improves blood circulation and has an antiseptic effect on the body. It is advisable to give preference to the Ceylon variety. If there is a need for coumarin, it is necessary to use cassia cinnamon. Coffee is prepared according to the following algorithm:
- The dry mixture of dandelion roots is poured into a cup and filled with water.
- After 3-5 minutes, filter the drink. If the coffee is purchased, then the need for straining disappears.
- Cinnamon is added to the finished drink. For 1 tsp. chopped dandelion roots will require ½ tsp. cinnamon.
Dandelion coffee recipes
Almost every recipe starts the same - a dandelion base. A tablespoon of crushed dandelions is poured into 0.5 liters of cold water. The liquid must be brought to a boil and simmer for 2-3 minutes. The drink is ready, just let it cool.
Coffee with honey
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of chopped roots and 300 ml of water. The drink is boiled for several minutes. Afterwards the drink is cooled and filtered. Add 2 teaspoons of honey and 40 ml of cream to each cup.
Dandelion coffee with milk
2 teaspoons of crushed dandelion should be prepared in a Turk like regular coffee. You will need 250 ml of water. The liquid is boiled for several minutes until it turns brown. The finished drink is filtered. Add 30 ml of milk and sugar to taste in cups.
Coffee with dandelions and chicory
Coffee is brewed in the ratio of 2 teaspoons of dandelions per 200 ml of water. During cooking, add 0.5 tablespoons of chopped chicory. The drink is filtered. If desired, add milk or cream.
Coffee with cinnamon
Coffee is prepared in the standard way. A pinch of cinnamon is added at your discretion either to the finished drink or during preparation. It is important not to overdo it with spices, as the drink will turn out cloying. The same goes for sugar; a drink with cinnamon can turn out too sweet.
More: Unusual combination of coffee and salt
Proper use of dandelion coffee
Even though dandelion coffee is a natural, caffeine-free drink, it is important to consume it in moderation. Doctors do not recommend drinking many cups a day at once. You need to start with one and be attentive to your body. For several weeks, the organs of the gastrointestinal tract will get used to the unusual coffee.
Pregnant and lactating women are advised to drink this coffee because it enhances milk production.
However, individuals with chronic illnesses should exercise extreme caution. Dandelion can change the chemical composition of medications taken, thereby causing harm to the body.
Also, if you dig up the roots yourself, you need to do this in environmentally friendly areas, otherwise the plants may accumulate toxins.
Drinks made from dandelion roots are contraindicated for people with allergies, diabetes and low blood clotting.
If heartburn and indigestion occur after drinking coffee, then this is a normal process, the symptoms should go away fairly quickly. But skin rashes are a bad sign and could indicate a dandelion allergy.
Reception features
It is recommended to take 1 cup of dandelion root coffee per day. Over time, an increase in the number of doses per day is allowed. At first, the organs of the digestive system will adapt to the new product. This may cause indigestion. Therefore, it is recommended to drink the drink in doses.
Important! In women during breastfeeding, coffee made from dandelion roots can increase milk production.
How can you use dandelion for health?
1. You can make coffee from dandelion. But it's actually dandelion tea. There are, of course, peculiarities of its preparation. And you will recognize them, they will be described below.
2. The very first and main feature in making dandelion tea or coffee is which part of the plant (roots or leaves) to use. Dandelion tea can be made from both the leaves of the plant and its roots.
3. Dandelion leaves can be used for salad. This green salad is rich in vitamins, minerals and beneficial phytonutrients.
This salad has only 25 calories and 3 grams of fiber per cup and contains calcium, iron, potassium and zinc.
Restrictions and contraindications
Despite the many beneficial properties, dandelion roots should be used with caution. People taking medications should be especially vigilant. Substances that make up dandelion roots have the ability to change the properties of certain medications. It is recommended to collect the plant in ecologically clean areas. This eliminates the possibility that toxins have accumulated in the plant. Experts do not recommend drinking coffee made from dandelion roots if you have the following diseases:
- diabetes;
- decreased blood clotting;
- allergic reaction to dandelion.
After consuming a medicinal product, it is advisable to pay attention to the body’s reaction. Indigestion and heartburn are considered normal. Such symptoms should disappear over time. The appearance of skin rashes and itching indicates an individual intolerance to the drink. In this case, it is better to refuse it.
Contraindications
The use of the drug is contraindicated in the following cases:
- Mechanical blockage of the bile ducts. In this case, we are talking specifically about acute obstruction of the bile ducts with stones (acute cholecystitis), and not about chronic cholecystitis, in which it is permissible to take solutions from dandelions.
- Peptic ulcer, since there is a risk of bleeding and perforation.
- Erosive gastritis. In this case, the dandelion solution contributes to even greater erosion of the gastric mucosa with the formation of deep, long-healing wounds.
- Intolerance to certain substances contained in the plant (formation of allergic reactions).
Information regarding the use of dandelion during pregnancy and lactation varies somewhat (there is no exact clinically confirmed data)
In this regard, it is necessary to take the decoction with extreme caution and under the supervision of a specialist.
Medicinal infusions are prepared from different parts of the dandelion
Dandelion decoction has only positive reviews if the rules of administration and preparation are followed. With regular use, it will help maintain health for a long time.
How I met this “coffee”
When I was a student, I was interested in tourism. I went hiking in the forest, in the taiga, and kayaked along rivers. He was so successful that he even passed the exam to become a sports tourism instructor. At that time, I was actively interested in the “survival” topic: how to build a shelter from leaves, sticks and a running squirrel, how to catch this squirrel, what you can eat.
Naturally I came across a recipe for dandelion coffee.
According to our country’s expert on wild plants, Natalya Zamyatina and her book “Robinson’s Kitchen”... Dandelion is the best substitute for coffee. You can immediately see a beaten man who has never drunk anything better than Moskovsky instant coffee. The best replacement, yeah, of course.
It would be a stretch to say that dandelion is wild chicory. I can say with much greater confidence that the whole process is hell.
I'm young and energetic! I decided to try cooking in the village. I went through this whole hellish process.
You won't believe the taste of instant coffee. Even a bit sweet. After drinking a cup, I realized that I was feeling truly intoxicated. The difference is that with such a degree of intoxication you cannot get up from your chair, but here you have coordination, even if you juggle axes. Well, I think, cool, I found a way to get drunk. But it turned out that there are no free dandelions.
It carried me through. I had never experienced anything in my life before, I thought that I would pour out my soul in this street house made of boards!
The truth was that it only affected me, and I wasn’t the only one who drank, so maybe it was because of something else.