Survival Food for Utah Actually Grows in Your Lawn

All Parts of a Dandelion are Edible

You know that obnoxious weed with yellow flowers growing in your lawn every year? Instead of spraying it, maybe you should eat it. Turns out the humble dandelion is edible. The Utah State University Extension office even gives some recipes on their site.

Dandelion fritters includes the usual ingredients like egg, flour and milk along with as many dandelion flowers as you would like. Not only are you eating something that is easy to grow, you can dip it in syrup.

I'm sure I have eaten some dandelion greens in one of those salads that look like someone grabbed a patch of weeds and shoved them in a bag. Not my favorite unless it includes bacon crumbles and tons of dressing.

People also pickle parts of the dandelion. I don't know if it is an improvement over an actual pickle, but I would give it a try if offered.

Health Benefits of Dandelions

Web MD says that eating the greens can deliver antioxidants and lower your blood sugar. They also have potassium that can help with water retention and urine output. Dandelions will also help control your cholesterol as the greens affect lipid metabolism. 

It also has antioxidants that help protect your health and keep your immune system strong. This can protect your from cancers and other diseases that attack the cells.

Read More: Jerusalem Artichokes Can Feed a Utah Family in a Pinch

So, there you go. Start eating those dandelions when they pop up in your lawn. Even better, come harvest the ones from my front yard. I seem to have a knack for growing them.