Algonquin Wild Green Salad

Most people think of those pesky yellow flowers that pop up in their lawns as weeds, but dandelions were actually once treasured by those in America, including several Native American tribes.

Various tribes considered dandelions to be a prized edible, a gastrointestinal aid, a cleansing alternative and a healing dressing for wounds.
They also believed that tea made from dandelion leaves was a potent medical wellness tonic. They would boil dandelions in water to treat kidney, skin and stomach problems as well as heartburn and swelling.

Some tribes, such as the Cherokee and Iroquoi,s even chewed the dandelion root to relieve tooth pain. Today, modern herbalists use dandelion leaves as a diuretic and to stimulate appetite and ease digestion.

Dandelions can be used in a variety of recipes. Dandelions greens can be eaten raw with salads, sautéed in a bit of olive oil, added to soups or boiled in a tea. Dandelions can also be made into wine.

The key to harvesting the leaves is to get them before the buds have blossomed (after that they are too bitter).

Dandelion leaves are a good source of potassium, vitamin A and vitamin C. The flowers and roots of dandelions are also edible.