In a time when artisan brews fetch high prices, there is an unassuming coffee alternative gaining ground – dandelion root coffee.
In a time when artisan brews fetch high prices, there is an unassuming coffee alternative gaining ground – dandelion root coffee.
This abundant plant with sunny yellow flowers that many consider a weed holds a delicious secret. When roasted, its roots transform into the best dandelion coffee-like beverage, cherished by many for centuries.
Today, I aim to find out much more about this incredible brew. What is dandelion coffee and is it good for you? Does dandelion root contain caffeine? Read on to find out!
Overview: What Is Dandelion Coffee?
I bet that at one point or another you’ve gone for a walk and seen little plants with yellow flowers dotting a manicured lawn. If you ever wondered what they were, they’re probably dandelions (Taraxacum officinale).
Over the centuries, numerous civilizations have brewed the roots of these plants into dandelion root coffee. It’s one of the best coffee substitutes, and interestingly, stood in for scarce coffee beans during World War II.
To me, dandelion root is more than just a mere coffee substitute. It’s a beverage worthy of a place in the hallowed herbal coffee Hall of Fame. If you’re itching to reduce your caffeine intake or embrace sustainable local ingredients, this is one brew worth trying.
What Does Dandelion Coffee Taste Like?
While not technically coffee, this caffeine-free alternative shares several of its characteristics. Roasting its roots creates a subtle but lingering natural sweetness. It also brings out nutty and earthy notes reminiscent of chicory coffee.
Dandelion root flavor also has hints of chocolate, nuts and florals – a charming reminder of the plant’s origins. Furthermore, this coffee has a smooth, full-bodied mouthfeel and clean finish.
Notably, the taste varies depending on roast levels and coffee brewing methods. Case in point: this “coffee’s” subtle caramel undertones. These emerge only when the root is well-roasted, making it appealing to those who find traditional coffee too harsh or acidic.
If you’re new to dandelion root coffee, I recommend first trying it black. This will help you to appreciate its natural complexity. Then, feel free to pair it with milk, cream or milk alternatives. You may also add honey and maple syrup for sweetness.
Does Dandelion Root Have Caffeine?
Dandelion root coffee contains zero caffeine, despite offering a full-bodied, coffee-like taste experience. But hold up just a minute – dandelion root coffee won’t give you quite the buzz that coffee does. Still, many people report feeling energized after drinking it. This could be due to its rich nutrient profile, rather than any inherent stimulant effects.
Is Dandelion Coffee Good for You?
Dandelion coffee is good for you, in moderation. Dandelion root has a health profile all of its own, very different from coffee. One of its most well-known benefits is in supporting liver health. Along with milk thistle, it’s a superhero of natural detoxification.
Dandelion root powder also boosts gut health. It has inulin, a prebiotic fiber that feeds healthy gut bacteria, thus keeping the gut microbiome in check. Dandelion root is also essential in treating stomach aches. Many people report experiencing less bloating when consuming it as tea or coffee.
Even overall nutrition gets a boost from dandelion root coffee. It’s full of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, iron and vitamins A, C and K. Finally, some studies indicate that dandelion root coffee may enhance insulin sensitivity, helping to maintain a healthy blood sugar balance.
While this root may offer a lot of benefits, it isn’t a cure-all. Some (such as those allergic to ragweed) may experience side effects. These include heartburn, increased urination and skin irritation.
You should especially steer clear of drinking dandelion root coffee if you’re pregnant, take blood thinners or certain antibiotics. Ditto that if you’ve got kidney or liver troubles. Also, skip this coffee substitute if you take blood-thinning supplements (such as ginkgo and angelica) or diuretic herbs (such as juniper and horsetail).
Because of these risks, it’s imperative you speak with a doctor before you drink dandelion tea or coffee on the regular. In addition, how much dandelion root per day you take will depend on its form. Daily nutrition serving recommendations include:
1–2 teaspoons dandelion root extract
1–3 teaspoons dried dandelion root powder
2–8 grams fresh dandelion root
6–15 milliliters dandelion leaf tincture
2 teaspoons fresh dandelion leaf juice
How to Make Dandelion Coffee
Making dandelion coffee takes time and patience. But I promise you, the result is deeply satisfying. To brew this coffee, you’ll first need to harvest and roast dandelion roots, as detailed below.
Harvesting Dandelion Root
It’s crucial that you harvest roots from the dandelion plant at the right time (ideally in early spring, before flowering and late fall, after the first frost). Fall is actually a better time for this harvest. The roots contain more nutrients as the plant stores extra energy in the roots rather than expend it in producing flowers.
Always gather plants from pesticide-free areas, away from heavily trafficked roads. Also, avoid places frequented by pets. Remember the “Feech’s gift of dandelion leaves” scene in the Sopranos? And Tony’s jokey response of why Junior shouldn’t eat them? Yeah, that should tell you why!
Next, proceed as follows:
Gather a digging fork or dandelion digger, spade, clean basket, gloves and pruning shears.
Identify healthy dandelions for harvest. Look for full, green leaves with a robust rosette pattern.
If the soil is very dry, water the area the day before. This will make root removal easier.
On harvest day, insert your digger about 6-8 inches away from the center. Make sure to angle it inward beneath the root.
Use the digger to loosen the soil around the root while pulling up on the crown. Work carefully to extract as much of the root as possible.
After harvest, shake off excess soil and place all roots in your basket. Cut off any green tops and dandelion leaves, leaving about an inch of crown. Give these roots an initial rinse to remove stubborn soil.
Once home, fill a large sink or basin with cold water and scrub each root well. Cut away damaged sections or secondary roots.
Then, rinse the roots again under running water until the water runs clear before patting dry with clean kitchen towels.
You must ensure that you pick the right flowers. True dandelions have hollow stems containing a milky sap. They also show a single flower per stem. If you’re new to this, get an experienced forager to go with you.
Roasting Dandelion Root
Roasting is the secret sauce that transforms otherwise bland roots into a rich, aromatic brew. Unlike roasting coffee at home, this process is fairly simple. To begin:
Chop dried dandelion roots into smaller, 1/4-inch pieces.
Spread the roots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Place the baking tray onto the middle rack and set the oven timer for 35-40 minutes.
Check and turn the dandelion roots every 10 minutes. During this time, the roots will dry some more. At 15 minutes, and again at 25 minutes, turn the roots to prevent burning. During the final 10-15 minutes, watch for your desired color.
Remove the roasted dandelion root pieces from the oven once they’ve reached the desired color and are completely dry. You’ll know your roots are properly roasted when they snap clean when broken and emit a nutty aroma.
Immediately transfer to a cool parchment paper-lined baking sheet to stop the roasting process. Allow the roots to cool completely at room temperature for 30-40 minutes.
Store these roasted roots in an airtight container and, like coffee, only grind what you need.
Use your dandelion roots within three months of roasting.
Dandelion Coffee Recipe
I love experimenting with traditional and alternative brews. So, as you can imagine, I’m particularly excited to show you how to make dandelion coffee at home.
While there’s no shortage of where to buy dandelion coffee, making your own allows you to control roast levels and brew strengths. So, if you can, I’d recommend going the whole hog! For this dandelion root coffee recipe, you’ll need:
Ingredients
Fresh dried dandelion root (roughly 2 cups)
Hot water from your best gooseneck kettle
Optional flavor enhancers such as chicory root, cinnamon sticks or crushed whole cardamom
Equipment
Baking sheet
Wooden spoon or spatula
Heat-resistant gloves
Burr coffee grinder
Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
Coffee maker (French press, pour-over or drip coffee maker) or small pan
Reusable or paper coffee filter
Directions
Transfer cooled dandelion roots to your best burr coffee grinder. Grind on a medium to coarse setting.
Boil water in a gooseneck or other water kettle to just below boiling.
Add 1-2 tablespoons of roasted ground root per 8 ounces (240 milliliters) of water. Adjust to suit your personal preference.
Add dandelion root grounds to the coffee filter of your coffee maker (I recommend using the best drip coffee maker, French press or pour-over maker).
You may also add chicory root (to make dandelion chicory coffee), burdock root for an immune boost or yellow dock to ease inflammation. Cinnamon sticks and whole crushed cardamom are good, too. These additions safely enhance most dandelion coffee recipes.
Brew with just-below-boiling water, following your coffee maker’s instructions. If brewing with a French Press, steep for 5-10 minutes for the best flavor.
Some dandelion root recipes and preparations are akin to a sort of herbal tea. To make dandelion root this way:
Grind and add 1–2 tablespoons of ground root to a small pan with 12 ounces (350 milliliters) of cold water.
Feel free to add cinnamon sticks, cardamom or herbs like chicory root. Simmer for 10 minutes and strain using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Drink this dandelion infusion plain or with added milk or cream. Sweeten with sugar or a natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup or stevia.
Final Thoughts: Dandelion Root Coffee Benefits
Dandelion coffee is so much more than a caffeine-free beverage. It’s also a sustainable, health-conscious drink that promotes natural wellness.The best part? Its rich, roasted flavor satisfies all your coffee cravings without the jitters. Now, how cool is that!
So what are you waiting for? Get to brewing dandelion coffee today! And while you’re at it, experiment with different roast profiles and try various brewing methods. But don’t stop there! Go the extra mile and blend your dandelion root coffee with complementary herbs and spices to make it all your own.
Have you tried making dandelion root coffee at home? I’d love to hear about your experiences! Drop a comment below sharing your favorite roasting techniques, brewing methods and creative recipes.
Dandelion Coffee FAQ
Chop dug-up and cleaned dandelion roots into small pieces. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking tray and roast in a 350 degree-Fahrenheit (175 degree-Celsius) oven for 30-40 minutes. Then, depending on your coffee maker, grind on a medium to coarse setting, and brew like coffee.
Yes, besides being caffeine-free, it contains antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It also aids in digestion and liver health.
Increased urination, possible allergic reactions (especially if you’re allergic to ragweed) and potential interference with some medications like blood thinners and antibiotics.
Yes, like with coffee, you can add milk, cream or any other coffee additions to dandelion root coffee. This caffeine alternative pairs particularly well with plant-based milks like almond or oat milk.
