Dandelion coffee (alsodandelion tea) is atisane made from the root of thedandelion plant. The roasted dandelion root pieces and the beverage have some resemblance tocoffee in appearance and taste, and it is thus commonly considered acoffee substitute.
The usage of the dandelion plant dates back to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. Additionally, for over a thousand years,Chinese traditional medicine has been known to incorporate the plant.[1]
Susanna Moodie explained how to prepare dandelion 'coffee' in her memoir of living in Canada,Roughing it in the Bush[2] (1852), where she mentions that she had heard of it from an article published in the 1830s inNew York Albion by a certain Dr. Harrison.Dandelion 'coffee' was later mentioned in aHarpers New Monthly Magazine story in 1886.[3] In 1919, dandelion root was noted as a source of cheap 'coffee'.[4] It has also been part of edible plant classes dating back at least to the 1970s.[5]
Harvesting dandelion roots requires differentiating 'true' dandelions (Taraxacum spp.) from other yellow daisy-like flowers such ascatsear andhawksbeard. True dandelions have a ground-levelrosette of deep-toothed leaves and hollow straw-like stems. Large plants that are 3–4 years old, with taproots approximately 0.5 inch (13 mm) in diameter, are harvested for dandelion coffee. These taproots are similar in appearance to palecarrots.
Dandelion roots that are harvested in the spring have sweeter and less bitter notes, while fall-harvested roots are richer and more bitter.[6]
The dandelion plant must be two years old before removing the root.[7][better source needed] After harvesting, the dandelion roots aredried, chopped, androasted. The roots are sliced lengthwise and placed to dry for two weeks in a warm area. When ready, the dried roots are oven-roasted and stored away. To prepare a cup, one will steep about 1 teaspoon of the root in hot water for around 10 minutes. Alternatively, packaged dandelion root coffee can be purchased. People often enjoy their dandelion coffee with cream and sugar.[8]
Although popular in alternative health circles and in Chinese medicine and central-eastern European folk medicine, there is no empirical evidence that dandelion root or its extracts can treat any medical condition.[9][10] In addition, very few high-quality clinical trials have been performed to investigate its effects.[11]
Health risks associated with dandelion root are uncommon; however, directly consuming the plant by mouth could lead to stomach discomfort, heartburn, allergic reactions, or diarrhea.[12]
UnroastedTaraxacum officinale (among otherdandelion species) root contains:
