How to Make Dandelion Tea (Recipe & Guide)

Making a delicious cup of dandelion flower tea is easier than you might think. All parts of the dandelion plant have been brewed as tea for centuries to promote digestion, reduce inflammation and help with weight loss. It can also be enjoyed as an infusion with your other favorite herbal teas. With its earthy flavor and bright yellow color, dandelion tea is sure to become one of your new favorite Spring treats!

The long-awaited spring is here and with that comes all the dandelions! For me, it is not a yard weed, but a beautiful edible plant. I even have an herb garden bed reserved specifically for this flower. Today, I think, is the perfect time to talk about dandelion tea because, if you are like me, you might happen to have an abundance of these flowers in your yard right now.

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What is a Dandelion?

Dandelion is a perennial herb that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is native to the Northern Hemisphere and found in many parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. The plant grows with bright yellow flowers that bloom from March to September. 

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a flowering plant that belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae). It is native to Europe and Asia, and can now be found in many parts of the world. Dandelion has bright yellow flowers that bloom from March to September, followed by fluffy white seedheads. The leaves, flowers, and root of the plant are all edible and can all be used to make dandelion tea. However, I am using only the flowers are they are the sweetest and least bitter part of the plant.

Origins and History

Dandelion tea has been enjoyed as a beverage for centuries and its history dates back to ancient times. In traditional Chinese medicine, it was believed that dandelion root could help with a wide range of health items including digestion issues, heart, and liver ailments. Over the years, this unique herbal infusion has gained popularity around the world due to its numerous health benefits. Today, people are rediscovering the power of dandelion tea for promoting better digestion, reducing inflammation, and aiding weight loss.

Mild and Earthy Taste of Dandelion Flower Tea

Dandelion Flower Tea has a very refreshing light flavor. I find it is delicate, like the flower itself! I recommend young flowers from a healthy plant, harvested in early Spring.

How to Make Dandelion Tea Taste Better

Making dandelion flower tea can be an enjoyable experience, but many people find the taste to be a bit too earthy and sometimes bitter. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to make this herbal infusion more palatable. Here are a few tips for making your dandelion tea taste better: 

• Add Natural Sweeteners: Honey, maple syrup, and other natural sweeteners can be added to dandelion tea to make it more enjoyable.
• Infuse with Other Herbs: Adding herbs like ginger, lemon balm, mint, or chamomile will help balance out the earthy flavors of the dandelion and make a tastier infusion.
• Use Only Dandelion Flowers: Using fresh dandelion flowers instead of dried ones may give your tea a milder taste.
• Steep for Less Time: If this is your first time making dandelion tea, consider steeping for only 3-5 minutes.

Health Benefits & Risks

Dandelion has long been used in herbal medicine, as it’s packed with vitamins such as A, B, C, E, and K, and minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It also contains antioxidants and is known to be beneficial for digestive issues and liver health; it is also said to be helpful with bloating, and menstruation cramps.

Health Risks

While dandelion is generally safe, please make sure to always check with your trusted medical professional before making any changes to your wellness routines! If you have allergies, certain medications, or blood thinners you will especially want to consult with your trusted medical professionals, first.

Is Dandelion Tea Caffeine Free?

Yes! Dandelion tea on its own is considered an herbal tea and contains no caffeine content.

Foraging and Preparing Dandelion Flowers

You most likely won’t have to travel far to forage some dandelions! In almost every backyard there is an abundance of these bright yellow flowers! The leaves, flowers, and roots of the dandelion plant are all edible and can be made into tea. For this recipe, however, I will only be using the dandelion flower. Here are some quick tips on how to harvest dandelion flowers for tea:

• Pick the young flowers in early spring! Especially where I live in the central Midwest, I recommend taking spring dandelion flowers for this recipe.
• Only harvest flowers that you know have not been treated with any pesticides, other chemicals, or pollutants.
• Use a field guide or ask your local naturalist to help you correctly identify the dandelion. While most can easily pick out this flower, it is a great habit to double-check as there are many look-alike plants in nature – one being edible and the other poisonous to humans. 
• Remove the green leaves (leave on the yellow flower), and remove any of the stem still attached. The leaves and roots are edible, but I prefer the lighter taste of just the flower. Do not eat the stem as it is very bitter.
• Wash and check for bugs before use.

Tea bag or Loose Leaf Alternatives

If you don’t plan to forage your own dandelions you can purchase this tea in most supermarkets, health food stores, or online. Tea bags are a great way to make dandelion tea quickly and easily. Tea bags offer a convenient way to prepare the tea without having to measure out the right amount of herbs. They come in a variety of sizes and varieties, so you’re sure to find something that suits your taste.

If you prefer a more traditional way of brewing your tea, loose-leaf dandelion tea is also available in many health food stores and online.

How to Make Dandelion Tea

Kitchen Tools

• Teapot 
• Infuser or Tea Strainer
• Cutting Board
• Pairing knife
• Stovetop Kettle or Electric Kettle

Ingredients

• Dandelion Flowers
• Filtered Water

Optional:

• Lemon Slices
• Honey
• Ginger
• Mint

Instructions

Wash and Prep Dandelion Flowers

Thoroughly rinse and check your flowers for any bugs or dirt. Then using a pairing knife remove the flowers from the rest of the plant.

Warm up Teapot Bring water to a boil on the stovetop or in an electric kettle. Pour a bit of hot water around in your teapot to warm it up. Discard the water.

Prepare Tea Add the dandelion flowers to the teapot.

Pour hot water over tea flowers.

Fit the lid onto the teapot and steep for 5-10 minutes.

If you are using an infuser, simply remove it from the teapot once the tea is finished steeping. if you are not using an infuser use a tea strainer to strain out flowers before serving.

Add honey and lemon juice, if desired.  

Enjoy your delicious cup of dandelion tea!

Recipe Tips

• Use filtered water
• Never harvest from areas with pesticides
• Rinse and check for bugs
• Make an herbal infusion with herbs like ginger, mint, and hibiscus.
• Sweeten with honey or sugar.

Why you will LOVE Dandelion tea!

• Dandelion tea is an incredibly beneficial and delicious herbal infusion that has been enjoyed for centuries. 
• Not only does it taste great, but it offers numerous health benefits as well. Drinking dandelion tea may help to aid digestion, reduce inflammation, improve skin health and even aid weight loss.
• Excellent source of vitamins and minerals, making this herbal tea even more beneficial!

Storage

Storage of Dandelion Tea is very important in order to ensure that it retains its potency and flavor. The dried flowers should be kept away from direct sunlight and stored in an airtight container or jar, such as a Mason jar. 

Shelf-Life

For best results only brew enough dandelion tea for the day. If you do have extra tea after brewing, this tea can be refrigerated for later. I find that no more than 2-3 days is best, after which it starts to taste a little off – best throw it out and start fresh!

FAQs

• What parts of Dandelion are edible? The flowers, leaves, and root are all edible! This post focuses on the flower, but the whole plant is useful and can be consumed in a variety of ways.
• What part of the Dandelion do you use to make Dandelion Tea? The flowers, leaves, and roots are edible, but the flowers of the dandelion plant are typically used to make dandelion tea. The flowers should be harvested in early spring when they are still young and the flavor is at its best. Care should be taken to ensure that the flower heads are free of pests or contamination before harvesting.
• Can I use Dandelions from my yard to make tea? Yes, you can absolutely use dandelions from your own yard to make tea! When gathering dandelions from your yard, it is important to pay attention to the source of the plant. Make sure that no pesticides have been used on the dandelion and that the area is free of contamination. Be sure to harvest the flowers before they go to seed. Additionally, you can also use dried dandelion flowers in tea if you are unable to find fresh ones.
• Is it ok to Drink Dandelion Tea every day? As with most herbs and vegetation consume in moderation.
• How Many Dandelions to Make Tea? The number of dandelions needed to make a cup of tea will vary slightly depending on the strength desired. For a stronger cup, 1-2 tablespoons of dried dandelion flowers should be used per 8 ounces of water, while for a milder cup of tea, only 1 teaspoon might suffice. If using fresh dandelions, a small handful of flower heads should be enough for one cup of tea. 

More Herbal Teas You Will Love!

• Butterfly Pea Tea
• Rosehip Tea Recipe
• Fennel Tea
• Sage Tea
• Bay Leaf Tea
• Oregano Tea

I hope you enjoy this tea recipe. Leave a comment below and let’s connect!