Why can’t I stop talking about weeds? Because they are just as important as other plants. We talked about milk thistle already, but today we are going to discuss an even more prevalent weed known as the dandelion and how we can use it to make iced coffee without the coffee beans. Sounds ridiculous? Well, it is true, and Chris is going to show you how to do it!

While most of us spend a lot of time trying to rid our yards of this weed, we are actually overlooking the poor dandelion’s beneficial properties. Dandelions were well known in bygone years as a natural Spring tonic to detox and stimulate the body after a long winter of eating foods that had been put up. Dandelions are high in Vitamins K, A and C and contain the minerals Calcium, Manganese, Iron and Potassium. They protect bones, cleanse the liver, may help fight diabetes and are great for the skin (Source).

You can eat the leaves of dandelions in a salad, but I also have another way to enjoy some of the lowly dandelion’s benefits…by making iced not coffee. It turns out that you can steep dandelion tea with some chicory root to create a delicious cup of coffee without the actual coffee. It is dark and rich in flavor just like coffee without the caffeine. The dandelion version also helps to support and cleanse your liver, rather than add to its load like regular coffee. The tea can be served hot, but now that I am in Alabama, I will take mine on the rocks please.

Chris’ Famous Iced Not Coffee

Ingredients (click on blue links for what I use)

Roasted Dandelion Root Tea Bags

Roasted Chicory Root

Purified Water

Sweetener of Choice (we like pure maple syrup)

Coconut Milk (if desired)

Instructions (makes enough for the two of us)

Steep about 1 Tablespoon of chicory and one dandelion tea bag in boiling water for 5 minutes.

Remove chicory and tea bag.

Add sweetener of choice (we like maple syrup).

Allow to cool to room temperature.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

To serve, pour over ice cubes and add a splash of coconut milk if desired.

Here is Chris in action…

If you meet us on the road someday, Chris will be happy to make you a cup. If not, I hope you try it on your own and enjoy its many benefits!

Thanks for joining us for another Self Care Sunday!

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