Dandelion (taraxacum officinale) root is commonly used for culinary purposes. The root also is a source of nutrients. Dandelion root can be roasted and ground for dandelion root coffee. You can grow your own dandelions and process the roots or you can buy the roots and roast them.
Features
According to Prodigal Gardens, dandelion root has vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, and micronutrients. The root stimulates the digestive tract. Holistic Online notes that dandelion leaves and roots have been used for centuries for ailments including liver and kidney problems.
Grinding
You will need a large knife, a large bowl and a food processor to grind dandelion roots. Once you have procured the dandelion roots, use a heavy kitchen knife to cut the roots into thick chunks. Place the chunks in a bowl and cover with water. Mix the chunks by hand. The water will get cloudy. Drain, repeat until the water remains clear. Coarsely chop small amounts of the roots in a food processor. Continue to chop until all of the chunks are ground. Rinse the grounds thoroughly clean. Drain to speed drying time.
Roasting
You will need several cookie sheets, a spatula and glass containers. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Cover each cookie sheet with the grounds. Stack two cookie sheets on each oven rack or as many as your oven will hold. Since you are drying and roasting, leave the oven door cracked open to allow moisture to escape. Roast for two hours, frequently stirring with the spatula. Rotate cookie sheets for even roasting. When roasting is finished, there will be about 75 percent less than before roasting. The ground roots will turn the color of coffee when finished. Cool and store in a cool, dark cupboard.
Dandelion Root Coffee
You will need a coffee grinder (optional), a measuring spoon, a measuring cup and a stove-top coffee percolator. Use the roots as they were roasted or grind in a coffee grinder to a finer powder. Add one tbsp. grounds (more or less depending on the strength you desire) for each cup of cold water. Percolate in a coffee pot on the stove. You may have to experiment with percolating times to achieve desired strength. Drink with milk, raw sugar or honey to taste or drink it black.
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