Dandelion Root Coffee

Dandelion coffee is something that I am adamant that everyone should try. It is surprisingly delicious and tastes a lot like real coffee when properly prepared. In fact, in the old days when coffee was expensive and hard to import, folks used to cut their coffee  with dandelion root to stretch it out.

The bonus– dandelion root is very, very good for you. Dandelion roots act as a blood purifier that helps both kidneys and the liver to remove impurities. It helps your body absorb nutrients in your food and is a treasury of vitamins and minerals.

Dandelion root doesn’t contain caffeine which is great for those who love the coffee taste, but don’t like the twitchiness. For those of you who do rely on caffeine but want to cut down, adding dandelion root grinds in your coffee grinds is a great way to reduce the caffeine level.

There are a couple of different ways to prepare dandelion coffee, but here is how I do it.

Step 1 – Gather the roots

If you are not up to this part, you can buy dandelion root at many health food stores. It is a bit of work. If you do buy them, just jump to #5 in step 2.

1. Dig up a large bunch of dandelion roots. You’re going to need a fair bit. Remember to dig in an uncontaminated spot and if you can find loose soil and large plants, your life will be easier. Garden soil works pretty well.
2. Wash your dandelion roots as best as possible.

Question: When is the best time to gather dandelion roots?
Answer: They are traditionally gathered in the fall when roots of plants are said to contain the most medicinal qualities, but you can really gather them any time of year.

Step 2 – Dry the roots

1. Slice the dandelion roots into small pieces.
2. Spread the dandelion roots on cookie sheets.
3. Dry/roast 250°C for about an hour. As the roots dry, they will turn darker and shrink down to about ¼ of the original size. Alternatively, you can dehydrate your roots in a food dehydrator, or air dry on a screen.
4. After 1 hour or so, take the roots out and let them cool.
5. Grind them in a coffee grinder and spread on the cookie sheet again.
6. Roast at 250°C for about an hour. Be sure to stir them every so often with a spatula to assure even roasting.  You want them to get dark, dark brown.
7. Cool and store in glass jars.

Step 3 – Make the dandelion root coffee

1. Pour about 2 cups of boiled water over 3-6 tablespoons of dandelion coffee grinds.
2. Let steep for 10 minutes or so.
3. Strain. Serve with milk and honey if so desired.