• Home
  • Recipes
    • SLOW COOKER RECIPES
    • BAKING
      • PIES & PASTRIES
      • CAKES & COOKIES
      • BREADS, BISCUITS, MUFFINS, DOUGHNUTS
    • CASSEROLES
    • CANNING, FREEZING, AND PRESERVING
    • MAIN DISHES
      • BEEF & LAMB
      • CHICKEN, TURKEY, POULTRY
      • PORK & HAM
      • SEAFOOD
    • VEGETABLES & SIDES
    • SOUPS
  • Home&Garden
    • DIY Crafts Art
    • Gardening
    • Home Decor
    • Family Fun
    • Frugal Living
  • Pets
    • Dogs
    • Our Cats…Chuckles, CJ, and Aiko
  • Holidays
    • New Years
    • Valentines Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Easter
    • Mothers Day
    • Fathers Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
  • Maine
    • Seacoast
    • Northwoods – Mountains, Lakes & Rivers
    • Countryside – Farms & Fairs
    • Historic Sites
    • Cuisine
  • About
  • Contact
    • Advertising & PR
    • Our Privacy Policy

The Wilderness Wife

Best Easy Recipes and Crafts for the Busy Mom

  • About The Wilderness Wife
  • Advertising & PR
  • CONTACT
  • PRESERVING AND CANNING FIDDLEHEADS
  • The Wilderness Wife Privacy Policy
  • Recipe Disclaimer

You are here: Home / Maine / A Culinary Spring in Maine – Dandelions and Fiddleheads

A Culinary Spring in Maine – Dandelions and Fiddleheads

by Sheryl Thompson 23 Comments

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
Yummly

Part 1 – Dandelions…. a spring culinary delight!

dandelion, dandelions, dandelion rcipes, how to cook dandelions, sauteed dandelions, wilted dandelions, fiddleheads

Dandelions ……weeds or food ……….frugal, nutritious, and tasty!

The dandelion… for the keeper of a pristine lawn they are nightmare but for the adventuresome cook, dandelions provide a free, very nutritious vegetable side dish.  Dandelions are a seasonal treat with a short window of opportunity to harvest.

Fresh, tasty dandelions greens…..salads, steamed, boiled, and sautéed!

Dandelions, dandelion, dandelion greens, steamed dandelions, sauteed dandelion, how to pick dandelion, how to cook dandelions

As the snow creeps back from the fields and melts along the stream shores, two favorite Maine delicacies appear – dandelions and fiddleheads. Today Bill spotted the tender fronds of young dandelions in the yard today so guess what’s on the menu for supper tonight. Like many things dandelions are an acquired taste but if you like spinach and beet greens, you’ll most likely enjoy dandelions too. They are very good for you; in fact, I’ve been told that they are one of the most nutritious of “vegetables”. If you compare a cup of dandelion greens to a cup of broccoli, the dandelion greens have 4 ½ times the Vitamin A, twice the amount of Vitamin K, twice the calcium and three times the iron.  Cost-wise they are as cheap as it gets because they are free.  Even if you don’t have a yard, who is going to object to you pulling a few weeds from a vacant lot or park ( I would steer clear of a dog park …lol)? Nutritious, available, and free…. It doesn’t get better than that!  Now I also mentioned fiddleheads but they are another week or so away from being ready to harvest so I’ll post about them later.

For now let’s talk dandelions.

This is what they look like in the wild ( or on your lawn) when they first poke up through the ground.

Dandelions, dandelion, dandelion greens, steamed dandelions, sauteed dandelion, how to pick dandelion, how to cook dandelions
Dandelions tucked amongst the dead grass on the lawn
Dandelions, dandelion, dandelion greens, steamed dandelions, sauteed dandelion, how to pick dandelion, how to cook dandelions
A little closer look

First, bypass any plants that are flowering or have started the process.  They are going to be tougher and more bitter, and not as nutritious as most of their energy has gone into the process of producing a blossom.  The blossoms themselves can be good for making wine and a few other things but these older greens aren’t “Good Eats” as Alton Brown would say.

Dandelions  are very easy to harvest. You can just pull them up.  They will have a long tap root that you will discard later (the tap root can be very bitter although some people use them in herbal medicine). Or you can insert a sharp knife just below the crown (see photo below) and cut, freeing the crown and greens from the tap root. The crown sits atop the taproot and includes the young buds and the tenderest leaves.  You will need to rinse the greens thoroughly with cold water to get rid of sand and any insects.  I like to submerge them in salty water for a few minutes as that will get rid of any bugs.

Dandelion diagram showing crown, Dandelions, dandelion, dandelion greens, steamed dandelions, sauteed dandelion, how to pick dandelion, how to cook dandelions
This is what the dandelion crown looks like.

Dandelion recipes….from lawn to table in just a few easy steps!

Dandelions can be eaten raw or cooked.  The raw greens can be eaten as a salad alone or added with other greens and will give a strong, peppery note. Usually they are torn or cut into 2 – 3 inch pieces and tossed with whatever dressing or vinaigrette you choose.

The easiest and most common way to cook them is to boil them, just like spinach or beet greens.  Leave the crowns attached to the leaves as the crowns are very nutritious and tasty.  Put them in a pot of boiling, salted water (the salt will help reduce the bitterness) and cook for about 10 minutes until the center rib is tender. Serve just as you would spinach or beet greens with butter, salt and pepper.

Here are 3 more recipes for dandelion greens: Sautéed Dandelion Greens, Traditional Dandelion Greens, and Wilted Dandelion Greens

Print

Sauteed Dandelion Greens

The Dandelion...nutritious and tasty...raw or cooked!
Print Recipe

A frugal, very healthy green rich in vitamins!

  • Author: The Wilderness Wife
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 20 mins
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
  • Category: Vegetable
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dandelion green
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • Optional – grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Wash greens thoroughly in salted water.
  2. Cut leaves in 2 inch pieces. I use scissors to make it quick.
  3. Cook greens uncovered in a small amount of salted water until just starting to become tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Drain greens and rinse thoroughly in a colander with cold water to stop cooking. Be sure to drain and press out all excess moisture.
  5. Sauté onion and onion in olive oil till translucent, add garlic sautéing for 2-3 minutes more. do not allow garlic to burn.
  6. Add dandelions and cook for 4-6 minutes more stirring to mix and coat with oil.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

 

Print

Traditional Dandelion Greens

The Dandelion...nutritious and tasty...raw or cooked!
Print Recipe

A delicious and nutritious vegetable side that is very frugal.

  • Author: The Wilderness Wife
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 55 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 mins
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: Vegetable Side Dish
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 inch piece of salt pork cut in 1/2 inch cubes
  • 3 lbs of dandelion greens
  • 1 tsp. of salt

Instructions

  1. In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the salt pork to golden brown in color.
  2. Add 6″ of water and heat to boiling.
  3. Add the dandelion greens, sprinkle salt over the dandelion greens and reduce heat. Simmer for 45 minutes.
  4. Drain well and serve with butter, cider vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

 

Print

Wilted Dandelion Greens

The Dandelion...nutritious and tasty...raw or cooked!
Print Recipe

Dandelion greens with bacon and Parmesan Cheese……yummy and loaded with vitamins.

  • Author: The Wilderness Wife
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 2 1x
  • Category: Vegetable Side Dish
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 slices of bacon
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 1 tbs. sugar
  • 1 tbs. cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese

Instructions

  1. In a skillet on medium heat, cook bacon until it is golden and ready to crumble. Remove the bacon from the pan, drain on paper towels, and crumble.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the bacon grease and cook until translucent and beginning to caramelize.
  3. Add sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper and heat to bubbling.
  4. Add dandelion greens and cook till the dandelion greens wilt, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Transfer to warm serving dish and sprinkle parmesan cheese and crumbles bacon over the dandelion greens.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Try dandelion greens, you may like them, and remember dandelion greens are good for you too!!!

Below are a number of posts about another Maine wild spring favorite, the Fiddlehead Fern.

Part 2 – A Culinary Spring in Maine – Fiddleheads

Fiddleheads – Basic Preparation

In Search fo the Elusive Fiddlehead Fern

PRESERVING AND CANNING FIDDLEHEADS

Cream of Fiddlehead Soup

Dijon Fiddleheads

Fiddlehead Casserole

Karen Porter’s Fiddlehead Dip

Fiddlehead Bacon Cheese Omelet

Yummly

Filed Under: Maine, Recipes, VEGETABLES & SIDES Tagged With: dandelion, dandelion crowns, dandelion nutrition facts, dandelions, dandelions with salt pork, how to cook dandelions, Maine recipe, Maine Recipes, old Maine recipes, sauteed dandelion, where to find dandelions, wilted dandelions

Comments

  1. Adelina Priddis says

    May 21, 2015 at 3:59 PM

    I’ve heard dandelion greens are good, but have yet to try it. I missed our chance as just about every plant flowered in our yard (and we had a nice field of dandelion booms going on!). Next time! Thanks for sharing on Weekend Bites

    Reply
  2. Sarah-Ann says

    May 20, 2015 at 12:19 PM

    All the different ways to cook them sound delicious. Thanks for sharing it with us.

    Reply
  3. Brittany says

    May 19, 2015 at 4:25 PM

    I’ve never tried these. Thanks for the tips & for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty 🙂

    Reply
  4. Tammy @ creativekkids says

    May 18, 2015 at 12:37 AM

    I’ve never tried to make these either, but there are a ton in my yard! Thanks for linking up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I have pinned your post to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Board.

    Reply
  5. Just Plain Marie says

    May 17, 2015 at 12:13 PM

    Oh, I love baby dandelion greens. 🙂 They don’t grow very well on our property, so I’m probably one of the few people wishing we had *more* dandelions.

    Reply
  6. Lisa Savage says

    May 17, 2015 at 8:27 AM

    I’ve never eaten dandelions. I can’t believe I just pulled a load up from my garden and threw them away! Thank you so much for linking up to #AllAboutYou

    Reply
  7. Kristina & Millie says

    May 14, 2015 at 11:28 AM

    we tried picking/eating dandelion greens before but I see our error – we picked after they had bloomed. So time to try again while young, tender and sweet (the greens not me lol). Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  8. Tanya says

    May 12, 2015 at 8:53 PM

    I have always wondered how to fix dandelion greens. I hope I get the chance to try it someday. Thanks for sharing on #smallvictoriessundaylink-up!

    Reply
  9. micupoftea says

    May 12, 2015 at 5:11 AM

    Fascinating- sounds delicious. Thx for sharing the recipe.

    Reply
  10. Lisa @ Fun Money Mom says

    May 11, 2015 at 4:18 PM

    I didn’t even know that dandelion was edible…I learn something new every day! Thanks so much for linking up with #ShareTheWealthSunday!

    xoxo
    Lisa

    Reply
    • Sheryl T says

      May 16, 2015 at 10:04 AM

      They sure are “good eats”! Very healthy and very tasty whether cooked or even eaten raw in a salad. Raw, they have a very peppery flavor, sort of like arugula. Enjoy and never be afraid to try something new.

      Reply
  11. Rhonda Gales says

    May 11, 2015 at 9:16 AM

    My yard is full of dandelions and considered a weed. I call lawn service to kill them. I don’t think I could get anyone in my family to eat them knowingly. I may try them in a salad. Thanks for sharing on Sunday’s Best.. I’m looking forward to seeing more of your posts. . .

    Reply
    • Sheryl T says

      May 16, 2015 at 10:20 AM

      Well, be careful if you use any from your yard as they use very strong pesticides to kill them. Go for a ride in the country and get them fro a field. Just wash them very thoroughly as you never know who if some critter “relieved” themselves on them. 😉

      Reply
  12. Deborah Davis says

    May 12, 2014 at 8:14 PM

    Hi Sheryl,
    Dandelion provides so many important health benefits so I have used dandelion in my salads and in my green smoothies, but I have not cooked them, so I was delighted to explore your recipes for cooked dandelion. Thank you so much for sharing these delicious recipes on the Healthy, Happy, Green & Natural Blog Hop! I appreciate it!

    Reply
  13. Stephanie says

    May 11, 2014 at 12:51 AM

    I’ve never tried cooking with dandelions, but you make it look easy and delicious! Thank you so much for linking up at Tasty Tuesday! Your recipe has been pinned to the Tasty Tuesday Pinterest board! Please join us again next week!

    Reply
  14. Marlin says

    May 8, 2014 at 6:44 PM

    Wow….I have a friends last week post on her Facebook wall asking for dandelion recipe. This is very interesting !! Great source !!

    Reply
  15. Debi and Charly @ Adorned From Above says

    May 6, 2014 at 2:41 PM

    We never thought of using dandelions to cook with. Of course I would need to get to them before my husband sprays them to kill them. Maybe next summer. I think he already started this year. This looks like fun. Thanks so much for sharing with Wednesday’s Adorned From Above Link Party.
    Debi and Charly

    Reply
  16. tara pittman says

    May 6, 2014 at 1:23 PM

    I had a lot of dandelions in my yard that I could have used.Maybe next time if they grow again

    Reply
    • Sheryl T says

      May 7, 2014 at 9:33 AM

      Trust me, Tara …they will come up again. They are weeds! People spend a lot to keep them out of their nicely manicured lawns!

      Reply
  17. Diane Balch says

    May 5, 2014 at 7:29 PM

    Great dandelion recipes. I have a post about them too you might enjoy: http://www.simplelivingeating.com/2014/04/dandelion-salad-adirondack-cookbook.html

    Reply
  18. Jess says

    May 5, 2014 at 12:08 PM

    Very interesting! I don’t think I’ve ever tried anything like this!

    Thanks for joining the Link Up this week!

    Reply
  19. crystal says

    May 2, 2014 at 7:22 PM

    I’ve always wanted to try Dandelion greens, maybe I should just get going to do it! 🙂

    Reply
  20. Suzanne of Simply Suzannes at Home says

    May 2, 2014 at 10:00 AM

    Suzanne of Simply Suzannes at Home

    Hi Sheryl, I was so surprised to see your dandelion post. I discovered them last Spring/Summer and mixed them in a salad. After doing a little research on them, I was surprised to read of their nutritional value.
    Please come by and see my post . . .
    http://simplysuzannes.blogspot.com/2013/08/lunch-with-dandelions.html
    Have a wonderful weekend,
    Suzanne

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign up for Wilderness Wife Newsletter

Our newsletter contains recipes, craft patterns, and interesting articles about Maine!
* = required field

powered by MailChimp!

Categories

Recent Comments

  • Sheryl Thompson on KitchenAid Honey Oatmeal Bread Recipe
  • Laura Norton on KitchenAid Honey Oatmeal Bread Recipe
  • Sheryl Thompson on KitchenAid Basic White Bread Recipe
  • Karin Schneider on KitchenAid Basic White Bread Recipe