4 Tasty Dandelion Tea Recipes

Dandelions are the stuff of wishes and dreams. When it comes to tea, they are an exquisite way to discover a variety of flavors from one simple plant. The leaves, flowers, and roots of the dandelion plant brew into three uniques beverages that offer nuanced flavors. The herbs are also the perfect backdrop for other herbal flavors, making it easy to experiment and uncover new flavored teas. Read on to find our favorite dandelion tea recipes and get a few tips for brewing the perfect cup.

What Is Dandelion Tea?

Dandelion tea is made from the leaves, flowers, and roots of the dandelion plant known as Taraxacum officinale. Tea made by infusing dandelion flowers brews into a vibrant yellow hue and features a slightly sweet, floral flavor with a mild body. Infusions using dandelion leaves tend to have mildly astringent notes and a grassy flavor. Teas that use dandelion root have a stronger flavor profile with earthy notes and a full body. Dandelion root tea is a great coffee substitute thanks to its strong taste profile.

Dandelion tea is often consumed for its health benefits. The tea is packed with antioxidants and vitamins that are essential for human health. Research shows that tea may help to streamline digestion and improve weight loss. By breaking down fats and carbohydrates more efficiently (1). It may also help you detox thanks to a high concentration of antioxidants.

The tea also contains high amounts of vitamin K and vitamin A, which play an essential role in eye health and immune response (2). Benefits of dandelion tea also include decreased inflammation and reduced risk of serious disease.

Tips To Make Tea With Dandelions

Dandelion tea can be made using fresh or dried parts of the dandelion plant. You can harvest the dandelions yourself or opt for pre-packaged dandelion teas. If you choose to brew homemade dandelion tea, drying the plant parts can make brewing faster and more efficient. The best way to dry dandelion leaves or flowers is to dry them in direct sunlight or to use a dehydrator.

Store your dried or fresh dandelion in airtight jars to preserve the flavor and aroma. Do not use a clear glass jar as sunlight can affect the look and taste of the dandelion tea. Instead, use dark glass jars or a tea tin. If you need help getting started with the right tools, check out our Tea Starter Bundle that has everything you need to brew a perfect cup.

Dandelion tea may develop bitter flavors. To balance out the astringent notes, you can use sweeteners like raw honey or blend the dandelion plant parts with other herbal tea leaves. Read on to discover our favorite dandelion tea recipes.

Simple Dandelion Leaf Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon dandelion greens
• 8-10 ounces of water
• Sweetener  - brown sugar, maple syrup, raw honey (OPTIONAL)

Instructions:

1. Start by harvesting fresh dandelion leaves. Pluck about 6 to 8 young leaves for the best flavor.
2. In a small saucepan on the stove, bring water to a roiling boil.
3. Place the dandelion leaves in a tea strainer in a teacup. Pour the hot water on top and let the leaves steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Longer steeping times result in stronger brews.
4. Remove the tea leaves and sweeten the tea as desired using sugar or coconut oil.

Pumpkin Spice Dandelion Coffee Recipe

This recipe celebrates the flavors of fall with pumpkin spice and blends it with the roasted notes of dandelion root. The resulting tea is warm and aromatic and the perfect companion for a cold afternoon day. You can purchase prepackaged pumpkin spice or make your own by blending cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and allspice.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon roasted dandelion root - ground
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 cup coconut milk or almond milk

Instructions:

1. If you have fresh roots, place them in a large cast-iron skillet on medium heat. Roast the roots until they turn dark brown.
2. Bring water to a rapid boil in a medium saucepan.
3. Add in the roasted dandelion root and pumpkin spice, then turn the heat to low. Simmer for 10 to 20 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into a teacup and sweeten as desired. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and a touch of whip cream for an indulgent treat.

Rosehips and Dandelion Flower Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon Cup & Leaf Organic Rosehip Tea
• 1 teaspoon dandelion flowers
• 12 ounces of water
• Sweetener (OPTIONAL)

Instructions:

1. Use a small saucepan to bring water to a rapid boil.
2. Add the dandelion flower and rosehips to the hot water and steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove the flowers and rosehips.
4. Sweeten with a dash of honey or a cinnamon stick and enjoy!

Apple Spice and Dandelion Root Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon Cup & Leaf Apple Spice Tea
• 1 teaspoon dandelion root
• 12 ounces of water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Sweetener

Instructions:

1. Bring water to a quick boil in a small saucepan.
2. Add the roasted dandelion, cinnamon, and apple spice to the boiling water.
3. Steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Add a touch of stevia or another sweetener as desired. Enjoy!

Discover Dandelion Flavors

Many herbalists and nature lovers use dandelions to make dandelion jelly, salads, and herbal teas. You can do the same by using the yellow flowers or dried roots to brew tasty dandelion teas. Some herbal teas like fresh dandelion root tea can affect blood pressure and cause unwanted side effects. Talk to a medical professional before brewing this tea if you are taking any medications.  

Dandelion tea can be brewed by infusion the flowers, leaves, or roots in hot water. Armed with these fun recipes, you're sure to brew up a tasty cup of dandelion tea you'll adore. All of these recipes can be brewed as iced tea using fresh plant parts or tea bags. Don't use cool water, simply brew according to the hot tea instructions and then allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Serve with ice cubes and a garnish for the perfect summertime drink. Pour yourself a cup of tea today and enjoy the flavor and benefits of dandelions.

Sources:

1. https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/22/9/1409/htm

2. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/supplement-guide-vitamin-a