Winter Foraging- Harvesting Dandelion Roots

victoria ward
6 days ago
3 min read

Harvesting in January? Indeed I am, today in the most shocking weather I am going to be brave, wrap-up warm and get outside to harvest some Dandelion roots in my wellies. The main purpose is to use them in a herbal fermentation brew I have been planning for some time.

The fermented herbal brew will be a gut health tonic extraodinaire, a combination of the top gut health herbs, decocted and then fermented with honey for extra potency. Not all the ingredients are foraged for this formulation, only the dandelion root. Dandelion is not the only native ingredient I am using, but the only native available at present. Dandelion's exotic companions, namely Turmeric and Liquorice root have arrived from afar and are waiting in the wings to begin this fermentation fun.

Health Benefits of Dandelion Root

Dandelion Root Nutritional Value

Dandelion roots are low in fat but high in fibre, they are rich in vitamins A, B and C. They contain a signficant amount of iron, potassium and calcium. They contain high levels of antioxidants too.

Medicinal Properties of Dandelion Roots

Dandelion Roots are seen as prime 'detoxifyers', they are a bitter digestive tonic and act on the organs of digestion including-

Pancreas
Gall bladder
Bile Duct
Liver

They are used for -

Improving portal (liver) circulation
Reducing gall bladder inflammation, gallstones
Liver disorders, mild jaundice
Mild laxative
Eliminating cholesterol
Digestive tonic
Indigestion
Improving appetite

Gut Health Benefits of Dandelion Roots

To add to the above, Dandelion Roots are full of Inulin, providing prebiotic fibre to feed the microbiota and improve gut health.

Skin Benefits of Dandelion Root

Did you know Dandelion Root Extract is used extensively in cosmetics? It has the following skin benefits-

Nutrient rich and nourishing to skin
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, reducing inflammation in skin tissues
Anti-bacterial- anti-acne
Hydrating
Beneficial for mature skin- reducing wrinkles and firming
Detoxifying

Lush use Dandelion Root and discuss some of the merits of Dandelion Root as a cosmetic product here

Check out the many products containing Dandelion Root here

Foraging And Harvesting Dandelion Roots

You may think winter is a strange time to grab your garden fork and head outdoors to dig, but for harvesting dandelion roots it is a perfect time. Choose a milder day, frost-free so the ground will be softer for digging and preferably dry, if you're lucky! Take care to choose an uncontaminated area, pollution free and identify your dandelion plants correctly.

Select larger plants if you can find them, preferably not too old as the roots will be woody.

Dig down deep, dandelion has a long, deep-reaching tap root (can be 12 inches long).

Winter is when the plant is dormant and storing energy in the roots, inulin will be concentrated, the frostier days sweeten the root, they become energy powerhouses. If you intend to eat the root raw the flavour will be milder in the winter.

Once dug, shake off loose dirt and then take them in for a wash. What happens next is up to you.

How To Use Your Foraged Dandelion Roots

They can be used in this fresh, raw state or they can be dried, roasted, decocted and even made into chips! Chop and freeze, or dehydrate and store. Younger roots can be used without peeling, older ones you may wish to peel. Roast like parsnips, add to soups and stews.

You can also think about formulating medicinal preparations or cosmetics.

Foraged Dandelion Root Recipes

There are so many ways to use your freshly foraged Dandelion Roots, they are such an underated source of highly beneficial compounds, all from a very humble plant.

My next foraging post will include the following and is exclusive content for my subscribers-

Foraged Dandelion Root- Healthy Wild Food Recipes

Foraged Dandelion Root- Medicinal Recipes

Foraged Dandelion Root- Cosmetic Recipes

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