When to Harvest and How to Dry Dandelion Root

When to Harvest Dandelion Root

There are two optimal periods when the concentration of nutrients in the root of the plant will be maximum. In the first case, the collection is carried out in the spring before the dandelion begins to bloom. Depending on the weather and the region, this time falls on the end of April - May.

If you did not have time to prepare the roots spring, do not despair. The second stage of the collection begins in September-October, when the dandelions fade and their flower stalks begin to fade.

How to harvest dandelion root

Please note that you should not pick dandelions that grow in the city or near roads. For plants to be useful, look for them in the forest or pull them out of your garden plot.

If the soil is moist and loose, you can get the dandelion root by holding it at the base of the leaves. On dense and heavy soil, dig up the plants with a shovel.

In this case, remove the dandelion along with a clod of earth and free the root from the remnants of the soil.

The dandelion root goes deep into the ground, and it is far from always possible to get it completely. Don't worry: even such chopped underground parts are suitable for harvesting. Separate all the roots from the tops with your hands.

Rinse the roots thoroughly dandelion under running water. A toothbrush will help clean them from the remnants of the soil. After that, lay the blanks on a cloth or paper towel and let them dry well.

How to dry dandelion root

Cut the washed and dried roots of the plant into small circles 2–3 mm thick.

If you are using an electric dryer, spread the dandelions in a thin layer on the dryer tray. Set the temperature to 35-40 degrees and turn over root pieces every hour to dry evenly. The whole procedure will take approximately 8 hours.

In the oven, dandelions will dry out faster - an average of 3-6 hours. Spread the pieces in a thin layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Set the temperature at 40-50 degrees and send the raw material to dry. If your oven has a Fan mode, turn it on and leave the door closed. In other cases, you need to leave a small gap of 5-7 cm. Turn the dandelion roots every hour until they are dry.

Let the dandelion pieces cool completely at room temperature. Then put them in paper or fabric bags and send them to a dry, dark place, such as a kitchen cabinet. Under such conditions, dandelion root can be stored for up to 5 years.