wild foods/foraging

[Nemesis]

I think we should make a data base on the forum of wild food/foraging.

Should we keep chat to a minimum in this thread and just post information as and when we come across it.


Warning The Information Posted In This Thread Is To Be Used As Reference Only Please Double Check Any Information, For Your Own Safety.


Dandelion as an Herbal Remedy
Dandelion leaves are natural diuretics and can help lower blood pressure and reduce water retention. The diuretic properties can also help to flush kidneys and remove excess salt from the urinary system. A side effect of chemical diuretics is potassium loss. Since dandelion leaves contain potassium, that loss is minimized.

Liver function may also be improved by the flower’s high levels of taraxacin. Additionally, the slightly bitter taste of the plant can also stimulate bile production and help clean the liver of toxins. This combined with the diuretic properties can make an effective “whole-body” detoxification treatment.

Dandelion tea has been used as a treatment for arthritis and joint pain for centuries and it is widely believed that it has anti-inflammatory properties. Dandelion is also high in inulin, which can help regulate blood sugar levels.

The white stick sap from the stem of dandelions can applied to warts several times a day to slowly dissolve them. Dry skin and eczema can also be treated by applying the sap.


Dandelion Herbal Drinks
When used for medicinal purposes, dandelion is most often consumed in tea form. Dandelion flower tea is relatively simple to make, just cover 8-10 flowers with boiling water in a coffee cup and allow to set for 5 minutes. Remove flowers, sweeten the tea to taste, and enjoy.
To increase the healing properties of the dandelion flower tea, add 1-2 fresh dandelion leaves to the flowers before brewing and allow to set for 7 minutes. This will be a more bitter tea.

Ground dandelion root can also be used to make tea by adding one teaspoon of dried root to boiling water and allowing to steep for five minutes. Dried root can also be used like coffee grounds to make a healthly alternative to the morning java.

Dandelion as a Food Source
All parts of the dandelion are edible. Raw dandelions greens taste like a slightly more bitter version of endive but the flowers have a slightly sweet taste. The roots are often dried and ground to be used in tea and as a coffee replacement.

Dandelion is a nutrient powerhouse. One cup of chopped raw dandelion leaves contains:
• 112% recommended daily value (DV) of vitamin A
• 32% DV of vitamin C
• 535% DV of vitamin K.
• 10% DV of Calcium
• 9% DV of Iron
• 2 grams of fiber (8% DV)

Dandelion leaves also contain Vitamin E, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, and Potassium. You get all of this for 25 calories and no cholesterol.
Dandelion greens can be used to replace lettuce in many salads. They are also good alternatives to most other cooked greens. Dandelion recipes are plentiful and I’ve included some at the end of the article.



Harvesting Dandelions
• Dandelions should always be picked from areas that haven’t been chemically treated.
• Roadside growths should be avoided.
• Always rinse flowers, stems, and leaves well before using.
• Roots should be thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt and debris.
• Dandelion greens for salads and greens recipes should be picked before the plant flowers to reduce bitterness.
• Dandelion flowers should be picked when the flower is fully open.
• Dandelion root is easier to harvest the day after a heavy rain

Preserving Dandelion

In general, dandelion should always be used freshly-picked. Obviously this isn’t possible in the winter months of most climates. There are a few good ways to preserve the plant so you can enjoy dandelions year-round.

Dandelion leaves and flowers can be frozen quickly by laying in a single layer on a cookie sheet and placing the sheet in the freezer for a few hours. After frozen, they should be placed in a tightly sealed plastic bag and placed in the freezer again. Leaves and flowers keep for six months to a year.

Dandelion roots are best preserved by drying. To dry, lie the roots flat on a cookie sheet and place in the oven at 125 or lower until the roots are completely dry. If you are planning on using the roots for dandelion tea or dandelion coffee, it would probably be best to grind them immediately after drying. Store in an air-tight container out of direct sunlight. Dried dandelion root lasts for a year to a year and a half.


http://melissabarrett.hubpages.com/hub/W...s-and-Food