While there is a wide variety of herbal teas out there that make use of any number of different herbs and plants, many people are often shocked when they find out that the thing they hate the most in their back garden, can actually be turned into its very own super delicious tea.
Many people simply see dandelions as weeds, popping up in all of the places they aren’t wanted.
But the reality is that this bright yellow flower can be transformed into an amazing herbal tea comparable to that of green tea or chamomile.
Now you’re probably wondering how you can transform this unwanted garden visitor into a delicious beverage for you to enjoy.
Don’t worry though, as in this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about how to make your very own dandelion tea at home, so you can make the most of this weed.
So, in order to learn how to make delicious dandelion tea at home, read on, and you’ll discover how to make your own dandelion tea!
A Step-By-Step Guide On How To Make The Perfect Dandelion Tea
Whilst some herbal teas can be somewhat difficult to make, dandelion tea is super simple to make, and if you’re looking to experiment with different herbal teas, then dandelion tea is probably one that you can try easily, especially if your garden is becoming overloaded with the things!
Things You’ll Need For The Perfect Cup Of Dandelion Tea
Dandelion Flowers
Unsurprisingly in order to make the perfect cup of dandelion tea, you’ll need some fresh dandelion flowers.
It’s important that you ensure that the dandelions you plan on using are fresh and healthy, and haven’t been eaten by any insects or bugs, as it could make them unsafe to use.
You’ll also want to remove the green part of the flowers entirely, because although some recipes call for you to use them, we’re just going to stick to using the flowers.
Water
The base of any tea, the water you use in your tea can actually have an effect on the taste, and if you’re looking to create a tea with a consistent flavor, then it might be better to opt for filtered water, as most tap water will contain minerals in, which could affect the overall taste of your tea!
Yes, that’s surprisingly all you need to turn your unwanted weeds into a delicious tea, and although some people do add different things to their dandelion tea to enhance the taste, we’ll mention that in a different section later on, for now, let’s focus on making our tea!
Making Your Dandelion Tea
In order to begin making your dandelion tea, you’ll first need to gather 10 fresh and healthy dandelion plants, and once you’re back inside, you’ll need to remove the flower of the plant away from the stem and the root, throwing the green parts away.
If you’re planning on using a pre-packed dandelion flower, which is harvested specifically for making dandelion tea, then you’ll want to use 2 tablespoons of the dandelion flower.
Whatever version of the dandelion flower you’re using, add them to a teapot. In the meantime, using either a kettle or a stovetop and saucepan, you’ll want to bring a teapot’s worth of water to a boil.
Once your water has reached boiling, pour the water into the teapot, and then allow the flowers to steep for 20 minutes.
This might seem like a long time, but since dandelions only have a mild flavor, you need to allow enough time to pass to allow it to transfer properly.
Once the tea has steeped for 20 minutes, you can then pour the tea into your mug of choice and enjoy. From here, you can add whatever you’d like to your dandelion tea to truly make it your own!
What To Add To Your Dandelion Tea
Although the initial taste of your dandelion tea is mainly dependent on the water you use, you might decide that it needs some additions in order to truly turn it into a beverage worth drinking every day.
So, if you’re looking for some inspiration on what you can add to your dandelion tea, then experiment with some of these amazing flavors:
Lemon
A common addition to many herbal teas, lemon juice is a great way to bring a level of zestiness to your teas.
It’s not all about taste though, as the vitamin C found in lemons is extremely healthy too, which makes the perfect companion to a super healthy dandelion tea.
Honey
Another population herbal tea ingredient, honey is often used to sweeten the tea, and many people agree that it’s an absolute must when making dandelion tea, plus, honey is a great reliever for a sore throat, (see also: What Tea Is Good For A Sore Throat?) and the sugar content is great at helping to pick your spirits off the ground when you’re ill, so definitely try it out sometime.
Ginger
An acquired taste, adding a few slices of ginger is a great way to truly bring your dandelion tea to life, and is also full of great nutrients too, which is why so many people add ginger to their herbal teas.
Although you won’t want to add too much, or it’ll quickly dominate the taste of your tea.
Vanilla
Of course, if you’re looking for something to taste good instantly, then a small dash of vanilla extract can go a long way, so if your dandelion tea isn’t quite to your taste, then try adding a 1/8th of a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and you’ll be sure to find that it’s quite the upgrade.
Conclusion
So there you have it, our guide on how you can turn what many consider to be a nuisance, into a nourishing and delicious herbal tea, and don’t forget to experiment with additional flavors too, enjoy!
