That spring carpet of yellow that stubbornly appears year after year might be considered a weed to some, but to bees and health experts, dandelions are food.
Both bees and butterfly larvae feast on dandelions in April and May. They are an important source of early pollen and nectar.
Dandelions have been an important food source for people since the dawn of humanity. The flowers, leaves and root are all edible. They are loaded with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Plus, some studies say that dandelions reduce inflammation.
Dandelions are often the source of wine, jelly, and gravies.
Check out the recipes at dandelionfestival.com.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.