Food as Medicine: Dandelion Greens

The dandelion plant is a wild and edible food rich in vitamin A. Dandelions have been used in traditional Native American, Arabic and Chinese medicine for centuries. Dandelion, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects, may be enjoyed as tea or in soups and salads.

Support our local farmers and nourish your body at the same time by picking up organic dandelion greens at the Bethesda Central Farmers Market at Spiral Path Farm from now until June. You may opt for in-market purchase or curbside pickup.

This quick and easy dish cooks in less than 5 minutes. The recipe also includes plenty of garlic and ginger to boost the antiviral properties.

Immune Supporting Dandelion Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

6 cups of roughly chopped dandelion greens, remove tough stems
5 cloves of garlic, minced or grated
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
3 tbl of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: scrambled eggs or ground meat

Directions:

Bring a deep pan or wok to high heat
Add oil and quickly add ginger and garlic
Add the greens and stir fry until greens start to wilt
Add salt, pepper and any optional ingredients
Stir fry until greens are cooked
Serve hot

References:

Dandelion. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/dandelion

Jia, Y.-Y., Guan, R.-F., Wu, Y.-H., Yu, X.-P., Lin, W.-Y., Zhang, Y.-Y., … Zhao, Y. (2014, April). Taraxacum mongolicum extract exhibits a protective effect on hepatocytes and an antiviral effect against hepatitis B virus in animal and human cells. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24481875

Khoo, H.-E., Prasad, K. N., Kong, K.-W., Jiang, Y., & Ismail, A. (2011, February 18). Carotenoids and their isomers: color pigments in fruits and vegetables. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21336241/

Park, C. M., Cho, C. W., & Song, Y. S. (2014, April). TOP 1 and 2, polysaccharides from Taraxacum officinale, inhibit NFκB-mediated inflammation and accelerate Nrf2-induced antioxidative potential through the modulation of PI3K-Akt signaling pathway in RAW 264.7 cells. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24447978

This website provides general information only. Content does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for medical guidance.