Dandelions are loved by everyone—from small children to the elderly! Because they're sunny flowers that, over time, form fluffy "caps" that we used to happily blow off as children. They're also a useful medicinal plant. But now I want to share some interesting facts about this sunny plant.
Firstly, these are pioneer flowers, as our great-grandmothers called them, because they are the first to appear in the meadows. But the most interesting thing is that after fires, plants stop growing for a long time, but dandelions are unaffected! Even after massive burning, they continue to grow.
What else is interesting:
- Dandelions are ruberals—weeds with a very high reproductive rate. This is due to their parachute-like seeds, which disperse instantly and over long distances. Moreover, they do not require fertilization. This means that each microscopic parachute is a maternal clone. A single dandelion can produce 300 or more seeds.
- The plant's leaves can completely replace arugula in taste.
- Dandelions can be used to create perfumes with a subtle bittersweet aroma and citrus notes.
- Translated from Latin, dandelion means "sedative." And in English or French (I can't remember exactly), it means "lion's teeth." But most surprisingly, in Russian, it means "to blow" (presumably related to the fluffy caps).
- The children made a wish and blew out parachutes.
- There's a photo of Marilyn Monroe blowing fluff. It was taken in 1951.
- Dandelions are used to advertise medicines and smartphones, as logos, and in comics. Even in Italy, designer lamps inspired by the flower have been created.
- There is even a book called “Dandelion Wine” created by an American science fiction writer.
Here are some amazing facts about the solar flower.
I just ordered the book "Dandelion Wine" by Ray Bradbury, they say it's worth checking out ☝️ So I'll "try" dandelion wine )) for now only in the form of a story.
I tried young dandelion leaves in a vegetable salad; they really did taste like arugula, though they also had a slightly bitter, pungent flavor. I'm not a fan of arugula, and therefore not of dandelions, but it was interesting to try. Mature leaves are very bitter and inedible; they definitely need to be soaked in water first.
I've heard that dandelion "coffee" is made from dandelions. I've had a drink made from ground roasted chicory root, and I like it. It's a great coffee substitute! I'd also like to try a drink made from dandelion root, but I haven't seen it for sale yet; I'll have to look for it.
Have you ever tried dandelion jam? I was offered it as a child, but I refused. I'd definitely try it now, but no one ever offers it anymore. 😂 There's also "dandelion honey," and I don't think it's the kind bees make when they fly over a dandelion field... it's made by people themselves. Have you ever come across recipes for this kind of "honey"?
What a fun idea with wine! It'll probably be a nice yellowish color and definitely clear. If you make it, be sure to share the results and recipe! I've tried dandelion jam, honey, and coffee! My mom used to make it too. I'll definitely post recipes soon—stay tuned for more updates.
I will definitely follow the publications and look forward to them!