Delicious dandelions

Hello, I’m Amanda McNulty with Clemson Extension and Making It Grow. Dandelion leaves are packed full of nutrients, as many as are in kale, but dandelions can grow anywhere -- in the poorest soils or in lawns. The flowers are a lovely addition to salads or soups, and lots of people use the leaves in salads. To me, the raw leaves are unpleasantly bitter, and I’m a big arugula fan. Since learning more about them, I’m going to try cooking them like greens as lots of people say they’re absolutely delicious that way – I’ll probably put a little bacon grease like my family does when fixing collards. Be careful where you collect them – be certain that the area has not been sprayed with herbicides. And also make certain you have identified them correctly -- some look-alikes like cat ears have poisonous compounds.