Dandelions as microgreens?

[Nicos]

I was wondering if anyone has tried sowing and growing dandelion seed heads to eat as microgreens?
I’ve eaten young dandelion leaves before they get bitter and it just struck me that I can’t see why they can’t be grown a bit like mustard and cress.
Has anyone actually tried this?

We get millions of ‘fairies’ in the fields , so collecting a pile to grow over winter on the windowsill wouldn’t be too hard.
I wonder how long they’d take to germinate etc….

[greenishfing]

I've never thought of it, Nicos. I think I would get great enjoyment while eating them that at least they weren't going to grow into full-sized plants with horrific roots that I'd struggle to dig up.

I've just noticed when you posted this. Isn't it amazing what we think about when we can't sleep.

[Andraste]

What an interesting experiment Never thought about it until your post. OH often picks a few leaves to add to a cheese sarny when out walking but I've never tried them myself.

I did a little Google & nearly fell of my chair when I saw there are actually companies selling the seed! Seems the young leaves are "nutrient rich" & a great microgreen choice

Google AI reckons "Dandelion seeds typically germinate in 7 to 14 days, though they can take up to 21 days depending on conditions".

Although I've no previous experience on the site, there was some decent info here: https://mpseeds.eu/dandelion-microgreens-seeds

They mention recommending "a blackout period of 4-6 days" "to promote deep root growth and stem elongation". Although they don't mention time to germination, they suggest "a total growing time ranging from 16 to 25 days, with an average of 18 days".

[Nicos]

Nice bit of info there Andraste- thanks for the info!🤗

[burnie]

I too have eaten the young leaves, I have been told that a coffee substitute can be made from the roasted roots, I was also told it is horrible tasting and not worth the effort, but seemingly it was done during WW!!.
I am in a constant battle trying to get rid of the blighters so haven't tried propagating them lol.

[Peanut]

Chicory root is used in camp coffee, we used to have that when I was kid. I might get a bottle

[mothhawk]

Dandelion is one of those plants to be careful with if you are taking blood thinners, and some other meds too I believe.

[rary]

I too have eaten the young leaves, I have been told that a coffee substitute can be made from the roasted roots, I was also told it is horrible tasting and not worth the effort, but seemingly it was done during WW!!.
I am in a constant battle trying to get rid of the blighters so haven't tried propagating them lol.

burnie, when I was a boy working in the local steelworks, one of the men I worked with used dandelion root to make his tea, he told me that he had some health issues and the doctor had advised him to take this as it was better for him rather than tea or coffee.
Some how I cant see doctors advising that nowadays,but then that must have been near thirty years ago