Environment
With the erratic weather patterns we are having, we are already seeing confusion in plant and insect life with it. Now is the time to open a few eyes to the joys of nature right in our own yards.
So often misunderstood but useful plants are eradicated and poisoned, leaving the natural environment as well as all that are sustained by it on a downward spiral. I can’t expound enough about a little book that turns your head around if it isn’t already earth conscious and what we are doing to her.
We are taught to conform the world around us for our own comfort and ease and excuse the consequences of our actions until they rebound upon us with disaster simply if it can extol some economic purpose.
A simple little common “weed” people are taught abhorrence for is one of our most valuable assets in the wild. Even its color of yellow is despised for its identity to it in our yards - The Blessed Dandelion
Yellow Food for thought:
With ever increasing appetites for manicured lawns, today’s society has taken upon itself to store more "nuts" than the gray squirrel.
Take for instance the attitude toward the perfect little survivalist known as the dandelion: Teraxacum officinale. It is thought to be a weed because of it's tenacious will to survive. It immediately mutates down below the length of the lawn mower to proliferate .
However few people realize it's highly nutritional value. Its greens have twice the fiber as asparagus, as much iron as spinach and more potassium than bananas. It contains double the protein than eggplant and fifty percent more Vitamin C than tomatoes, as well as vitamins B and A, citric acid, riboflavin and much more.
The roots of the little plant make a wonderful caffeine free coffee substitute (and the grounds are edible as well) and the yellow tops make a delightful addition to any salad.
It is said that Dandelions were among the original bitter herbs of the Christian Passover producing many cures for what ails you. It is believed to be the most useful, safest and effective European herbs, employing all parts of the plant.
Among them are help in alleviating gallstones, gout, warts, rheumatism and piles. It contains several active substances that make it one of the most effective of all plant diuretics. It possesses choleretic action and may also relieve the first stage of cirrhosis. It may be useful for anemia, constipation and indigestion. It is mentioned in herb books for pain killing, and is anti-bilious as well. It has dyeing qualities for apricot shades and purple. It is a compost accelerator when mixed with several other particular plants.
The greens should be picked early before it blooms to minimize the acidity, and can always be eaten when blanched. It can be used for soup, sausage, salad and even jello. Beers are made from the greens and wine from the flower tops.
You should always take note that poisons are spread everywhere on lawns so it is questionable as to the wisdom of using other than commercially grown plants. However you may know your own lawn to be safe. Do not collect plants close to the street where car exhaust contaminates everything and always wash thoroughly. If considering the medicinal uses, always check with your doctor first. Though safe, some people are sensitive to new introductions.
Knowing these facts wouldn't it be euphoric to see more usefully-brilliant, yellow lawns, than green toxic ones? I firmly believe a yellow lawn is a happy lawn. Not only does it dazzle the eyes but it feeds the body!
Dig up several deep tap roots. Wash thoroughly and pat dry. Place on baking sheet in oven on low heat 350. Roast carefully until toasty color and brittle. Crumble up with a spoon and place about a tablespoon in a cup with boiling water. Let Steep and serve with or without sweetener\cream. Enjoy!
Please look into “The Dandelion Celebration A guide to unexpected cuisine by Peter Gail. I found the book itself delicious!