Fried Dandelion blossoms

These delicious and crispy fried dandelion flowers, coated in batter, captivate with their savory taste and medicinal benefits. A whipped cream dip complements their sweetness.

Try these once-a-year dandelions before they’re gone!

Every time the field behind our house turns yellow, I pick dandelions before they turn white. Even though they bloom all summer, their taste changes. The other day, I gathered two baskets, and the house smelled like dandelions, with yellow pollen all over the kitchen. Luckily, we don’t suffer from pollen allergies. My son joked in the morning, ‘Are we having those flowers for lunch?’ I said, ‘Why not?’ He just rolled his eyes.

Last year, my kids loved elderflower fritters. So, why not try fried dandelions this time? For a change, I decided to make them sweet with cream and maple syrup.”

“Some people need flowers, some people need dandelions. It’s medicine, it’s what you need at that time in your life.” Sandra Cisneros

About dandelions

Dandelion is more than just a weed; it’s a medicinal powerhouse. Its benefits have been recognized since ancient times in China, Arabia, and Europe, where it was consumed raw, as juice, or in tonics. Traditionally, dandelions were valued for improving digestion and aiding liver health. People would chew the roots for pain relief, while steamed dandelion leaves were applied topically to soothe sore throats.

Today, dandelions are renowned for their diverse health benefits, yet they’re also gaining popularity in the culinary world. The blossoms, roots, and leaves are packed with nutrients. Dandelion roots are transformed into dandelion root coffee, while the leaves find their way into salads, smoothies, or pestos.

For those lucky enough to acquire young dandelion buds they can create delicious and unique dandelion capers, adding a flavorful touch to any savory dish.

Dandelion blossoms are versatile in the kitchen and excellent for making dandelion cupcakes, honey, or wine.

However, I also love using them to make natural remedies such as dandelion-infused oil, salve, lip balm, or cough syrup. 

How to forage dandelions

Dandelions have a big advantage: they’re easy to find and identify. They grow everywhere, so keep your eyes open. Look for fields without pesticides and other people collecting them. Also, be careful near roads where pollution might be or where dogs and cats often walk.

Pick dandelions on sunny days when the flowers are open and dry. It’s best to prepare them immediately because they don’t last long. Don’t put them in the fridge for later because they’ll close up.

Don’t wash them because the pollen gives them their taste and smell. Just make sure there are no bugs on them. To avoid bitterness, remove the green part at the base of the flower. You can cut it off with scissors or pinch and roll it until the yellow flowers come off. (Watch a video for help.)

Similarly, you fry elderflowers or zucchini flowers.

Deep Fried Dandelion recipe

Given their sweet taste, dandelions pair nicely with a sweet coating. Accompanied by homemade whipped cream, they make a tasty dessert that will pleasantly surprise your family or friends. If you prefer a savory version, sprinkle them with salt and pepper and serve them with white yogurt and mint dip or spread.

Can you eat raw dandelions?

All parts of the dandelion plant are fully edible in the cooked or raw version.  Moreover, they belong to one of the most nutritious plants and can be compared to superfoods. In this study, scientists studied more than 1000 foods and gave each of them a nutritional score. Dandelions greens ranked #23 on the list of the top 100 most nutritious foods, leaving spinach, sweet potatoes, ginger, carrot, rhubarb, and others behind. 

If you like to eat wild edibles in your dessert try these delicious and healthy pancakes with red clover petals and banana.

Dandelion fritter recipe

Considering their sweet taste dandelions go nicely with a sweet coating. accompanied with homemade whipped cream they can make a tasty dessert that will surprise your family or friends. If you wish to make their salty version don’t forget to accompany them with white yogurt and mint dip.

First step: Prepare the batter

In a medium bowl, whisk the egg and then mix in the cinnamon, raw honey, and almond flour until well combined.

Second step: Fry the dandelion blossoms

Heat the coconut oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Dip each dandelion head into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Place the coated dandelion heads into the hot oil and fry thoroughly until golden brown and crispy, about 30 seconds minutes per side.

Third step: Drain any excess oil and Serve immediately

Once fried, remove the dandelion fritters from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve the dandelion fritters hot with maple syrup or whipped cream for dipping.

These delicious crunchy dandelions make a vibrant snack, appetizer, or dessert. 

Few tips to make your fried dandelion blossoms perfect

• Stain: Before you begin, be aware that dandelions contain latex that can leave stains on your clothes and are hard to remove. So make sure you wear an apron or something you are okay with getting stained.
• Coating: The whole science is in the right choice and preparation of coating. Do not think of just mixing a little flour, eggs, and spices; soak the blossoms and throw them into the hot oil. Certainly not if you aim for perfection.
• Density of Coating: The mixture must be thick enough to cover the dandelion blossoms wrapped around the surface and not to run down anywhere. They say that when you drop a coating drop on an inverted spoon, it should stay nicely bulged and about half a centimeter tall. On the other hand, the batter must be thick enough. Otherwise, it will be spongy, rubbery, and tough after frying. Ideally, the soaking dipstick looks like thick cream or pancake dough.
• Last Minute: Definitely keep the coating from standing long and prepare it last minute before frying. Otherwise, it will become unnecessarily degraded and lose its taste, quality, and crispiness by standing idle too long.
• Speed of Frying: The longer you let the delicate flowers of the dandelion stay in the hot oil, the less you will find on the plate. They disappear in the heat. So fry for a short time at a higher temperature, aiming for a gold-colored coating. If you heat the saucepan well, fry one flower in 20-30 seconds.

What do fried dandelion blossoms taste like?

If you gather young dandelion petals, you’ll savor their sweet, honey-like flavor. However, if you opt for matured flowers, you might encounter some bitterness. The green parts can be bitter. Hold the stem in your left hand and pinch off the dried green petals underneath.

Can you eat raw dandelions?

All parts of the dandelion plant are entirely edible in the cooked or raw form. Moreover, they belong to one of the most nutritious plants and can be compared to superfoods. In this study, scientists studied more than 1,000 foods and gave each of them a nutritional score. Dandelion greens ranked #23 on the top 100 most nutritious foods list, leaving spinach, sweet potatoes, ginger, carrot, rhubarb, and others behind. 

If you like to eat wild edibles for dessert, try these delicious and healthy pancakes with red clover petals and banana.

Can you make Fried and savory Dandelion fritters vegan?

For vegan version, replace the egg with 1 cup of plant-based milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and 2 tablespoons of homemade almond flour. Fry the coated dandelion heads in coconut oil until golden brown, then serve with maple syrup or vegan whipped cream for dipping.