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Dandelion Root Coffee
Dandelion Root Coffee is a traditional British recipe for a classic coffee-like drink made from an infusion of roast and ground dandelion roots. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic British version of: Dandelion Root Coffee.
prep time
10 minutes
cook time
5 minutes
Total Time:
15 minutes
Additional Time:
(+3 days drying)
Makes:
1 jar
Rating: 
Tags : Wild FoodVegetable RecipesBritish Recipes
I'm always on the lookout for new ways to use dandelions, especially if I can grub-up this pernicious weed and a visitor to this site pointed out the possibility of making dandelion 'coffee' to me. I'm used to various drinks similar to this one form Africa (baobab seed coffee anyone?) and this recipe intrigued me.
Method:
Grub up the dandelion roots, trim off the leaves with a sharp knife then wash the roots thoroughly. Place on brown paper and set over a radiator or in an airing cupboard to dry for between 2 and 3 days.
Cut the roots into 1cm lengths then line a grill (broiler) pan with foil and grill the root pieces under a hot grill. Turn them frequently and make certain that they cook evenly. Just like ordinary coffee, the darker you roast the roots the more intense the flavour of the final drink will be.
When cooked, transfer to a lidded jar, where the roasted roots will last for several months. To use, grid the roasted roots in a coffee grinder until you have a medium coarse powder. Add about 1 tsp per mug to a jar and pour boiling water over the top (use about the same quantities you would for instant coffee). Allow to infuse for a few minutes then strain into cups.
The drink has a distinctly nutty but bitter taste. My wife adds a spoon of honey to hers. If you normally take sugar in your tea or coffee then you will need to add sugar to this too. But I like mine neat (then I'm a fan of very dark coffee roasts).
