Dandelion Vinegar?? Yes and so easy.

I'm the type of person that likes simple and easy. I don't like to have so many homemade, natural remedies stuffed in my cabinets gathering dust.  I want products I will use and really need.

So this spring, I looked out my window and saw the beautiful green grass and the lush dandelions blooming. Suddenly I wanted to eat some sautéed greens, so I went out and harvested some to eat that night.  How to?  Wash, tear the leaves. Put about 2 TB bacon grease in skillet. Heat up on medium heat and toss some minced scallions or chives in with the greens, and cook until well wilted. Delicious.

But dandelions are not only good, they are good FOR you too.  Dandelion blossoms are: antioxidant, boosts immune system, helps liver filter toxins and fights inflammation.  Hey, with my autoimmune issues I can use something anti-inflammatory!  So maybe I should preserve some of that goodness for the future. 

I did a little research, and found that Dandelion Vinegar is an easy way to do that.  Using Apple Cider Vinegar with Dandelion flowers is a powerful combo.  You can use this mix as a salad dressing, in cooking or stir-frying, and as general health shots (the vinegar promotes weight loss and cuts appetite if you take it daily by putting 1-2 Tablespoons of dandelion vinegar in 16 ounces of water mixed with or without honey).

Here are just a few added incentives of using vinegar with the sunny yellow blooms:  relieves leg cramps, high potassium content, eases digestion problems like IBS, constipation, bloating, indigestion and heartburn, helps the liver circulation and flushes out toxins, boosts energy as it contains amino acids, enzymes and relieves tiredness.

And how to get all that goodness?  Half-fill a quart mason jar with dandelion flowers (just the flower heads...no stems) on a warm sunny day after dew has dried.  Make sure no bugs steal a ride.  Pour apple cider vinegar over to cover up to the top of the jar.  Place the sealed jar in a nice sunny windowsill.  Shake daily and let soak 4-6 weeks.  Strain and keep on hand to make your recipes or use for a daily drink.

Have fun exploring dandelions...I'm having a blast!