A Dandy Green Smoothie

I’m easing my way into foraging by starting with the good ol’ dandelion. Yep, you can eat it! The whole darn thing. And what’s beautiful, besides its electric yellow petals, is that it grows just about everywhere and is useful in almost every way a plant can be. Use the greens in smoothies, sautéed, or in an omelet, the petals as an infusion (jelly, wine, syrup) and the roots can be roasted or used in a medicinal tincture.  (Just watch where you’re picking, go for an untouched/trampled area.)

And what’s more, dandelions are a ‘pioneer’ species, experts at living in damaged areas and repairing the soil. They’re the first step in the transformation of a damaged area back to a forest.

They improve the soil, they’re edible, and medicinal.

So why weed when you could harvest?!

Here is where my foraging adventures all began…with a dandy green smoothie!

A Dandy Green Smoothie

Blend:

1 scoop protein powder or 1/2 cup greek yogurt

1 frozen banana

1/2 cup chopped dandelion greens

a splash of orange juice

Add water and ice to desired thickness. And that’s it! You’re officially a forager.