Quick Answer
To make tea from dandelion leaves or roots, harvest fresh leaves in the morning, dry them if necessary, and steep 1-2 teaspoons in boiling water for 5-7 minutes. For roots, boil 2-3 teaspoons in water for 5 minutes, then strain and sweeten to taste.
Harvesting and Preparation
To make dandelion tea, start by harvesting fresh dandelion leaves in the morning, when they’re at their peak flavor and nutritional value. Use scissors to snip off the leaves, avoiding the milky sap that can give the tea a bitter taste. If you’re using dried leaves, steep 1 teaspoon in boiling water for 5-7 minutes. For fresh leaves, use 2 teaspoons and steep for the same amount of time.
Steeping and Straining
To steep the leaves, pour boiling water over them, then let it sit for 5-7 minutes. If using roots, boil 2-3 teaspoons in 8 ounces of water for 5 minutes. Strain the tea into a separate container using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to catch the solids. Discard the solids and enjoy your tea.
Tips and Variations
Dandelion tea can be enjoyed hot or iced, sweetened or unsweetened. Experiment with adding honey, lemon, or other herbs like peppermint to create unique flavor combinations. For a more robust tea, use a combination of leaves and roots. When foraging for wild dandelions, be sure to identify the plants correctly and avoid areas that may have been sprayed with pesticides or herbicides.
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