Every year between April and May, those cheerful, bright yellow dandelion blooms start popping up everywhere—from wild meadows and roadsides to our local parks and backyards. While some might see them as just weeds, that bold splash of gold is actually a sign that summer is on the way! Plus, these edible wild plants are incredibly versatile if you know how to harvest them.
When is the Best Time to Pick Dandelion Leaves?
Dandelion leaves aren’t just for wild herb salads or a healthy boost in your morning green smoothie; those young leaves also make a fantastic herbal tea. For the best flavor and texture, look for the “baby” leaves—the ones that are a tender, bright green and about 2 to 4 inches long. These are much milder and easier on the palate.
The prime time to harvest the foliage is in April, right after the plant starts sprouting. Just a quick tip: don’t strip a single plant bare! Leave a few leaves behind so the dandelion stays healthy and keeps growing.
How to Harvest Dandelion Leaves Like a Pro
When you head out to forage, bring along a cloth bag or a basket. Gently pluck individual leaves from the plant, and try to keep your harvest out of the direct sun while you’re still in the field. If they sit in the heat too long, they’ll wilt and lose some of those beneficial nutrients we’re looking for.
When Should You Harvest Dandelion Flowers?
Once the dandelions hit their peak blooming phase, it’s time to go after those sunny yellow heads. Wait until the morning dew has completely evaporated and the flower heads are fully open before you start picking.
A Few Tips for Gathering Flowers
One thing to keep in mind: when you snap off the flowers, the stems release a milky sap. If you have sensitive skin, you might want to toss on a pair of gardening gloves to avoid any irritation. Work fairly quickly and pop the blooms straight into a mason jar, a bag, or a pouch.
Pro Tip: Dandelion flowers like to close up pretty fast once they’re picked, so try to use them or start your recipe shortly after you get back inside.
What to Do With Your Dandelion Harvest
Once you’ve gathered your leaves and blooms, the possibilities are endless! You can use them fresh, dry them for later, or even freeze them. You can eat this healthy powerhouse raw in salads, juice the greens for a smoothie, pickle the buds in oil (like “poor man’s capers”), or even make a medicinal tincture from the roots.
