3mo ago

How to dry dandelion flower?

Dandelion are in full blossom right now. I want to dry some flowers to have dandelion tee later in the season. How do I do that? Should I lay them on news paper? I don't now how to do it.

Bonus question: Do you know if I can eat cherries tree flowers?

Thank you follow foragers!

11 comments

You can also make dandelion tea from the leaves, which may be easier to dry than the petals.
- Won't it be less sweet? I never did dandelion tee before but my hand was cover in sticky flower sugar when I finished foraging. It never hapenned when I pick leaves.
  
  I'm not sure, actually! Maybe I'll do both and compare once they start growing this spring.
I did this a few years ago. Took the dandelion heads, removed the petals to like a paper towel, and put them in the fridge uncovered for a few days. While that was going on, I found a friend with a food dehydrator and borrowed it. Kept in a glass jar with a dessicant packet.
Or you can probably get by using a microwave like most herbs. Minute or so plus 15 sec bursts til dry and crumbly.
I would recommend using a basket for drying in a cool, location with some air flow. I used it last year for my Calendula flower heads. I might remove the bitter bottom of the flower before drying.
- Thank you for the advice. This is what I ended uo doing, except for the removal of the bottom. I'll try it. I may be too late.
  
  I just think that they are a little bitter but should be fine

11 comments