How To Roast Dandelion Root For Tea (Or Coffee)

Did you know that you can dig up and roast dandelion roots to make a delicious and nutritious tea? In fact, this tea is a great substitute for coffee, without the caffeine. Learn how to roast dandelion root for tea, and make the most of those dandelions growing on your lawn.

Dandelion root tea, also known as dandelion root coffee, is a dark roast and flavorful beverage. This caffeine free drink can be used as a coffee substitute, and replacement for regular coffee.

Ever since roasting chicory root for tea, I was determined to get my hands on some dandelion roots, which grow freely almost everywhere in spring.

Dandelions, also known by their scientific name of Taraxacum officinale, are members of the asteraceae family. They are often perceived to be unwanted weeds, when in fact they are valuable herbs.

The name "officinale" is a latin epithet that hints at the plant's use as a medicinal herb. The dandelion plant has long been used traditionally as a herbal medicine, throughout many cultures of the world, including Chinese medicine.

How simple it is to harvest these perennial herbs, and then roast and grind down the roots to make your own herbal tea.

What Is Dandelion Root Tea?

Dandelion root tea, also known as dandelion root coffee, is made with the roots of the dandelion plant. Unlike other parts of the dandelion, the roots are able to be roasted, which adds to the flavor of the brew.

The roots are harvested, washed, and then roasted until crispy and brown.

The roasting process contributes to a dark roasted flavor, similar to that of coffee. The tea is a great coffee substitute, especially if you are trying to avoid caffeine.

The roasted dandelion root can also be combined with roasted chicory, for yet another tasteful warm beverage.

Since dandelions are also beneficial herbs, the dandelion tea will include the medicinal properties of the dandelion root.

This herbal factor is important to consider, especially if there may be contraindications for use, as there can be with any medicinal herb.

As with the use of any medicinal herbs, it's always a good idea to be cleared by a medical professional if planning to consume dandelion tea. Herbs can cause conflict with certain medical treatments and medical conditions, so it's always best to be safe.

The Benefits Of Roasted Dandelion Root Tea (Or Coffee)

Although dandelions are mostly known for their reputation as an unwanted weed, these plants are actually full of beneficial properties.

The beneficial properties of dandelion are reported to be antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antiviral, anti fungal, anti-arthritic, anti bacterial, and immunoprotective.

All parts of the dandelion plant can be used, however it is most often the roots of the dandelion that are used to make the coffee substitute.

The plant is a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C, and also contains smaller amounts of vitamins B and D.

Dandelion also contains minerals, including zinc, magnesium, potassium, and iron.

Different parts of the dandelion, including the flower, leaves, and roots, will often have different uses, depending on the compounds found within that particular part of the plant.

• Dandelion root has been used to stimulate appetite, and has been used traditionally by herbalists for liver and gallbladder issues.

• The leaves of dandelion have been used for their diuretic properties, and also have culinary value. The greens add additional flavor when added to salads or other foods.

• The bright yellow flowers are also full of goodness, and can be used as a garnish for salads and baking. The petals as well can be used to make a delicious dandelion jelly.

A great resource which reviews the benefits of the dandelion plant is found in Springer Open, the Bulletin of the National Research Centre, titled: A Comprehensive Review Of The Benefits Of Taraxacum officinale on Human Health. This article reviews scientific literature throughout the PubMed database.

Who Should Not Use Dandelion Tea

Certain medical conditions or treatments may preclude the use of dandelion tea. Always check with your health care provider and get medical advice, to be on the safe side if you are not sure.

Dandelion tea is considered to be a medicinal herb, and some medical conditions or treatments preclude the use of this tea.

• Anyone with allergic reactions to plants in the Family asteraceae should avoid dandelion tea.

• Do not consume if pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are being treated for kidney or liver conditions.

• Certain medications are contraindicated with this tea, such as diuretics and lithium, as well as a number of antibiotics.

• Avoid using dandelion tea if on a blood thinner or receiving medication for high blood pressure.

• Before consuming roasted dandelion tea, check for any potential contraindications, and avoid use of dandelion tea if there is a potential risk.

An excellent resource on dandelion from Mount Sinai health library highlights some potential interactions to avoid with this herb.

Harvesting Dandelion Roots

Some considerations for harvesting dandelion roots:

• It's very important to harvest dandelion roots from safe areas, free of chemical treatment or animal waste.

• Choose an organic location for the harvest, to be on the safe side.

• Dandelion roots are fairly easy to harvest, although in mature plants the larger roots can grow quite deep.

• Dig down and around the plant with a sharp shovel, to loosen the roots from the soil. Once freed, pull up the parsnip shaped root.

• On younger plants the roots may be smaller in diameter than those that several years old. All sizes of roots can be used for roasting.

How To Roast Dandelion Root For Tea

Prepare The Roots For Roasting

• Prepare your dandelion roots for roasting by first removing the leaves from the roots.

• Cut the leaves off with a sharp knife. The dandelion greens can be saved to use in salads for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Give the roots a good rinse, to remove any dirt and debris from the garden.

• Allow the roots to dry. I let mine dry for several days before roasting, and the dried roots roasted nice and crispy in the oven when it was time to roast.

• On a cutting board, chop the roots into smaller pieces. This should be done before roasting, as these pieces will fit nicely into a coffee grinder after the roasting is complete.

• Spread the chopped roots out in a single layer on a baking sheet or cookie sheet.

Roasting The Roots

• If the dandelion roots are freshly harvested and soft, they will benefit from some drying time in the oven.

• To dry out fresh roots, bake in the oven at a lower temperature initially.

• Bake at 150°F for several hours to dry out the roots, unless they have been air dried for several days, which is also an option.

• Next, roast the roots at 350° F for approximately 30 to 40 minutes.

• Keep a close eye on the roasting roots to make sure that they do not burn.

• Remove the roasted pieces from the oven and allow to cool down.

Grinding the Roots

• When the roasted dandelion roots have cooled down, the next step is to grind them into a fine powder.

• This can be accomplished by grinding them with a coffee grinder, a blender, or a mortar and pestle.

• The roasted roots will grind into a fine power, along with some small pieces as well.

• Store the ground roots in an airtight container for later use, or until you are ready to make the tea.

• Make sure to label the container with the name of the grind, and date of storage.

Making Roasted Dandelion Root Tea (Coffee)

• This tea can have a slightly bitter taste in larger amounts, much like a roasted coffee. Therefore, the amount of the grind that you use will be dependent on your personal taste.

• Select 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon, per one cup of boiling water, depending on your taste.

• Since the ground roots may have some slightly larger pieces in the fine powder, its a good idea to use some type of strainer to remove the bits after steeping.

• Place the ground root into a tea ball, tea strainer, or reusable tea bags.

• A French press is also an option.

• Steep the cup of tea for 5 minutes, then add cream, milk, or sweetener.

Substitutions:

• Consider adding some roasted chicory root powder to your dandelion tea.

• The two roasted herbs compliment each other, and in combination provide a full and earthy flavorful drink.

• Cream and milk can be substituted with almond milk or oat milk.

• Sweetener can include sugar, honey or maple syrup.

• If you like cinnamon, consider adding a cinnamon stick to the coffee for additional flavor.

Dandelion Root Tea Recipe Card

Frequently Asked Questions

What's The Difference Between Dandelion Tea And Coffee?

Dandelion root tea and coffee are one and the same.

It should be noted however that dandelion tea can also be made with dandelion flowers and dandelion leaves.

Tea made with the flowers of the dandelion herb will not have the same roasted flavor of the roasted root, and can sometimes taste quite bitter.

Should Dandelion Root Be Roasted?

It's best to roast the dandelion root for tea, rather than use the raw root.

The roasting process helps to contribute to the fullness and roasted flavor of the dandelion tea or coffee.

Roasting also enables the roots to be ground into a fine powder. The roots become dark brown when roasted, and the ground powder is also the same dark color, very similar to ground coffee.

As soon as the roots begin to roast in the oven, the kitchen fills with the sweet scent of the roasting, similar to chicory. It smells as if there is something delicious baking in the oven.

Where Do I Get Dandelion Roots For Tea?

You can harvest your own dandelion roots if you have access to a patch of ground where dandelions grow, and are safe to harvest.

Dandelion roots can be dug from any location that is free from chemicals and waste, as long as you have access.

If you don't want to go through the process of digging, you can also purchase organic roasted dandelion root, which is cleaned, roasted, and ready to use.

Do You Need To Peel Dandelion Roots?

The peel of dandelion roots can be quite bitter. If using the roots in other recipes where bitterness is not preferred, it's a good idea to peel the roots.

In roasted dandelion root tea and coffee however, the subtle bitterness adds to the flavor of the brew.

There is no need to peel the skin from the dandelion roots when roasting them for tea.

What Are The Side Effects Of Roasted Dandelion Root Tea?

Roasted dandelion root tea can cause a number of side effects due to the herbal nature of the plant.

Potential side effects of dandelion root tea include gastrointestinal effects, such as heartburn, mild diarrhea, low blood sugar, and stomach irritation.

Start slowly with your use of the tea, until you know how you will tolerate the beverage.

Side effects may not be apparent immediately after use, so give it some time.

Is It Okay To Drink Roasted Dandelion Tea Every Day?

Drink dandelion tea in moderation, as with all other herbal teas.

Having a cup of the tea daily should be okay, as long as you monitor for side effects. Start slowly at first with your tea consumption.

Just remember that dandelion tea may have some contraindications, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medication. Be sure to check with your doctor first before consuming dandelion root tea, to be safe.

Conclusion

Although those pretty but pesky dandelions are generally considered to be a common weed, they are certainly much more than that.

If you haven't tried to roast dandelion root for tea, consider giving it a try this season.

The process doesn't take much effort at all, and it can be quite rewarding.

The dandelion roots smell great while roasting, and turn a rich dark brown when done.

Grinding the roasted roots is also easy, and the root powder looks just like coffee.

Roasted dandelion root tea, also known as dandelion coffee, is a flavorful coffee substitute that I will be adding to the pantry.

Have you ever tried to roast dandelion root for tea? Be sure to leave a comment below to share your experience!

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