Taraxacum officinale folia
On my U.K. adventure Dandelions, Taraxacum officinale, were abundant, growing out of cracks in walls, in fields, gardens and even sprouting out of the pavement.
Dandelions are native to the United Kingdom and basically most of Europe. There are over 200 different species and every part of the plant has healing properties. The flowers, although not used in medicine as often as the leaves and roots, have the nutritional and cleansing actions of both the leaves and roots just not as strong. I love to make Dandelion flower vinegar which I add to my beautiful fresh salads.
Dandelion Flower Vinegar
- Freshly chopped Dandelion flower heads (not the seed heads).
- Apple Cider vinegar with the mother in it.
- wide mouth glass jar with a lid, that is not metal and has a rubber seal.
- Muslin
- Bottle or jar with a non-metal cap to put the finished vinegar in.
Fill the jar 3/4 full with fresh Dandelion flower heads. Pour in Apple Cider vinegar until your flowers are totally covered. Push down, to expel all the air, with a spoon. Tightly cap and allow steeping in a dark cupboard for 14-28 days. Strain through some muslin and discard the flower heads to the compost heap. Pour your Dandelion vinegar into a bottle with a non-metal lid and cap tightly. Refrigerate and use within 1 year.