How to Make Dandelion Tea With Fresh Dandelion Leaves

If you have a lawn that’s peppered with dandelions, celebrate it! Dandelions are a gold mine of nutrition, with some experts even proposing that the leaves of the plant have more nutritional value than spinach or kale! (So if you’re a wanna-be gardener, maybe you don’t have to try so hard after all!) In this blog post, take a walk through our backyard with me and we’ll collect some vitamin-packed dandelions. Then, keep reading to find out how to make dandelion tea with fresh dandelion leaves. Homemade tea is a wonderful way to easily reap the many benefits that dandelions have to offer.

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Benefits of Dandelion Greens

Okay, so what are the health benefits of consuming dandelion greens?

Dandelions have long been known for their medicinal properties. In fact, these non-native flowers were actually brought to North America on the Mayflower in the early 1600s. Understanding the many benefits of dandelions for food and medicine, European settlers brought them over to cultivate in their own gardens. Isn’t it amazing that many of us now consider these incredible plants as nothing more than a weed? 

Here are just a few of the amazing benefits of harvesting your own dandelions for teas or other recipes. (Keep reading for more ideas on how to consume all parts of the plant.)

• Blood sugar balancing. Consuming dandelions can help balance blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity due to their bioactive compounds, chicoric and chlorogenic.
• Packed with antioxidants. Dandelions have significant antioxidant properties that help prevent cell damage and protect the body from harmful free radicals. These medicinal plants also have anti-inflammatory properties that help the body heal. 
• Immune boosting. Making your own dandelion tea is a great way to boost the immune system! Raw dandelion greens are a natural source of vitamin C, containing 19.2 mg per cup of chopped greens. Dandelion greens aid in the production of white blood cells, which help the body fight off potential infections.
• Good for heart health. ​Dandelions may reduce triglyceride and cholesterol levels, helping to prevent heart disease. 
• May lower blood pressure. There have been some studies that show that dandelions might help to lower blood pressure. This could be because of their diuretic effect (reducing fluid retention) and/or because they contain potassium, which can help lower blood pressure.

There are so many dandelion tea benefits. These incredible plants are so accessible and so full of nutrients—consuming them basically seems like a no brainer! 

Disclaimer: It is possible for some people to experience side effects when consuming dandelions, including allergic reactions or digestive issues. If you notice any side effects, talk with your healthcare provider. Those who are taking blood thinners may also want to minimize their intake of dandelions due to their high vitamin K content.

Are all parts of dandelions edible?

Yes! While dandelions greens have dozens of benefits, the roots and flower petals are packed with vitamins and minerals, too! Using the entire dandelion plant is an amazing way to reap so many health benefits from what some people consider only “pesky weeds”. 

In addition to using the greens, many people enjoy making dandelion root tea (great for supporting liver health and the digestive system). Some even enjoy using roasted dandelion root tea as a coffee substitute, since the flavor is somewhat similar. 

In addition to the roots, dandelion flowers are a good source of vitamins A, C, E, and B. They’re a natural diuretic and can also help with kidney function and liver function. The flower part of the dandelion can be used in all sorts of dandelion recipes, including dandelion jelly, dandelion salve, and dandelion smoothies. 

Consuming dandelions may also help with weight loss (due to their diuretic effect), skin health, and more. 

So don’t stop with just the greens. Experiment around with using the whole plant! 

How to Forage for Dandelion Greens

The best time to harvest dandelion greens is in the springtime, when the plants are young and haven’t yet flowered. During this time of year, the leaves have a mild flavor. Once they get older in the summertime, they can become more bitter. 

Harvest in the morning if possible! Young dandelion leaves harvested before the heat of the day have a somewhat sweet flavor that’s perfect for tea.

​The best way to harvest is to simply pinch or cut the leaves from the plant. 

Important! Make sure to only harvest dandelions in areas that you know have not been sprayed with pesticides.

Supplies and Ingredients You’ll Need

Making dandelion tea is simple! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1/8-1/4 cup chopped dandelion greens
• Fine mesh strainer or tea ball
• Hot water 
• Cold water and ice (for iced tea)
• Optional: honey or other sweeteners

How to Make Dandelion Leaf Tea

To make hot tea:

1. Collect a handful of dandelion greens by pinching or cutting the leaves. The best times to harvest are in the springtime during the morning hours, when the leaves are young and mild. 
2. Rinse your greens and chop them up to release more of the flavor. 
3. Add approximately 1/8 cup chopped greens to 2 cups of hot water. 
4. Steep for 5-10 minutes.
5. Strain and enjoy! 
6. Optional: Add a splash of honey for a hint of sweetness, or garnish with some lemon slices for a fresh, summery flavor. 

To make iced tea:

1. Collect a handful of dandelion greens by pinching or cutting the leaves. The best times to harvest are in the springtime during the morning hours, when the leaves are young and mild. 
2. Rinse your greens and chop them up to release more of the flavor. 
3. Add approximately 1/8 cup chopped greens to 1 cup of hot water. 
4. Steep for 5-10 minutes.
5. Strain the leaves. If you want to add honey or other sweeteners, now is the time!
6. Lastly, fill your cup with ice cubes and cold water. Enjoy!

FAQs 

Can you make tea with dandelion flowers?

Absolutely! Dandelion flowers have a slightly sweeter taste than dandelion greens which makes for a gentle floral tea taste.

Dandelion flower tea is full of polyphenols and flavonoids and is known for its powerful antioxidant properties.

What flavors pair well with dandelions?

If you’re not a fan of the flavor of plain dandelion greens, add some lemon, mint, or green tea to the mix. It’s the perfect way to get the benefits of dandelion tea with a slightly lighter flavor. 

This dandelion tea recipe also pairs well with fruity herbal teas. 

Can you make tea from dandelion roots?

Dandelion roots are commonly used to make tea. This is sometimes also referred to as “dandelion coffee” because of the earthy, roasted notes that are reminiscent of coffee. You can use raw roots or roasted roots, but roasted typically creates a more palatable, coffee-like taste.