Aunt Mayme's Attic

This time of year I’m always amazed how people just love to kill those beautiful flowers one finds in their lawn. Did you know that dandelions are a powerhouse of nutrition? From a liver cleanser to a diuretic, dandelions are the first line of defense when it comes to your health. Not to mention that the bees love them and the goldfinches eat them to help their color. They are great in salads, and they even make into cookies!

So this year, instead of allowing Mr. Mayme to mow over them (Oh, he hates to do this, believe me, but the grass must be cut), I decided I’d put them to better use than just looking at them and lamenting dandelion wine would take too long.

And my decision couldn’t have come at a better time as just the other day, I came across a couple of videos in my YouTube feed. One is called 3 Ways to Use Spring Dandelions by Doug and Stacy. http://bit.ly/3Km0753 One of these ways was Dandelion Tea. Simple and easy peasy.

Danu’s Irish Garden is a YouTube channel I also follow. Look up dandelions and she will show you how to make several different items from them; tinctures, concoctions and salves. I love her no-nonsense approach to using herbs and would give anything to have her knowledge. My friend says she is so much like me; but I think she’s more beautiful.

Now, back to making the tea. Pick a bunch of dandelion flower heads (I picked about four cups.) Bring them in and wash them in a 1:4 solution of vinegar and water. (I used apple cider vinegar).

Then rinse well and strain. Then place two cups each into a quart jar and add boiling water to the top. I also added some peppermint leaves for flavor.

Add a sweetener such as maple syrup, honey or stevia. I used honey; stevia (plant) is a great sweetener too and I have some in my cupboard. Put a lid on the jar to let them steep for 30 minutes, or longer. Strain and put in fridge. Add extra water if you wish.

What comes out is a refreshing tea, ready when it’s hot outside and you need a quick pick-me-up. Right there; out in your garden. Waiting for you.