Dandelion coffee

This is the loveliest, yummiest thing, not a bit like the instant stuff you can get at the health food shop.  All you need is a slightly messy garden with some dandelions in it.  Eat the leaves in salad and make coffee with the roots.  No need to buy special seed from the gardening catalogue, any old dandelions will do.

Leave a few to go to seed and you will have more next year. Dig up the largest plants, or save the roots of any that need to go because they are in the way.

Give them a good scrub then lay out to dry for a couple weeks.  Once they feel hard, pop on a baking tray and bake in a low oven for about ten minutes or until they have gone darker and smell roasted.  This is the secret, its the roasting that makes them taste so good.  Do keep an eye on them because its easy to burn them and they cook fast.

Dandelion roots drying

Let them cool then wizz in the blender.  Wait a while to let the dust settle before opening the lid of the blender.  Then spoon into a jar.

Dandelion coffee ready to use

To use, one scant dessert spoon or to your taste in a wee coffee filter, or cafetiere and add hot water and leave to brew for 3-5 minutes. 

Brewing the coffee

We like to add some of our homemade almond or cashew milk.