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What is Dandelion Coffee?

G. Wiesen
G. Wiesen

Dandelion coffee is a hot beverage made using the ground roots of dandelions rather than traditional coffee beans. The resulting brew does not have caffeine but otherwise has a remarkably similar aroma and flavor to coffee, contains antioxidants, and can also be used as a laxative. It is typically made using roots that have been gathered, cleaned, dried out and roasted, then ground and used in the same way as ground coffee in a coffee maker. Dandelion coffee can be made quite easily in most homes, though it is also commercially available and sold at many major supermarkets and grocery stores.

Also called dandelion tea, dandelion coffee is a caffeine-free substitute for coffee that includes a number of potential health benefits as well. Dandelion roots are fairly rich in antioxidants and contain other vitamins and minerals such as calcium, potassium, and vitamin A. Much like coffee, the dandelion brew is a diuretic and will usually increase urination after drinking. The bitterness of the dandelion coffee will also cause a drinker’s stomach to produce more acids which can help alleviate constipation. This can, however, also cause upset stomach and diarrhea as potential side effects, so some caution should be taken when enjoying dandelion coffee for the first time.

Coffee beans and the roots of dandelions may be used to make dandelion coffee.
Coffee beans and the roots of dandelions may be used to make dandelion coffee.

To make homemade dandelion coffee, dandelion roots need to be harvested by digging the plants up out of the ground. Wild dandelions can have fairly thin roots, but dandelions that are encouraged to grow in looser soil can have thicker roots that often are better for coffee making. The leaves of dandelions are quite edible and can be cut off and washed during harvesting for use in salads. Dandelions tend to store nutrients in their roots during early spring and late fall, coming out of and leading into winter, so harvesting at this time can often provide the best potential nutrient value in the coffee.

Dandelion roots are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Dandelion roots are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

The roots should be cut off from the plants and cleaned thoroughly. This can be done with gentle scrubbing for each individual root, or repeated submersion of numerous roots in a large bucket of water. Once clean, the roots can then be cut into smaller pieces and ground in a food processor to a smaller consistency. These ground root pieces are then spread out onto one or more baking sheets and placed inside an oven heated to about 250° F (about 121° C) for about two hours.

Overuse of diuretics, such as dandelion beverages, may cause the kidneys to stop functioning properly.
Overuse of diuretics, such as dandelion beverages, may cause the kidneys to stop functioning properly.

During baking, the ground roots should be stirred occasionally to prevent burning, and the oven door should be left open to allow moisture to escape. Once dried out and roasted to the desired color, the roots are removed and allowed to cool. The root pieces can then be ground in a coffee grinder or food processor and used the same way as ground coffee beans to produce dandelion coffee.

Discussion Comments

fBoyle

I ordered dandelion "coffee" after hearing that it's a good substitute to the real thing. My package arrived yesterday and I prepared a cup right away. To my disappointment, it doesn't taste like coffee. It does have a bitter, nutty flavor and I suppose that mike reminisce some of coffee. I personally did not like the flavor. I might drink it once in a while for the health benefits, but it's not going to be my daily morning drink.

literally45

@fify-- Dandelion coffee truly tastes and smells a lot like coffee. I think it's the best coffee alternative out there. It's definitely best for those who can't have caffeine for various reasons. You can enjoy this in the morning in place of your regular cup of coffee and I promise you, you won't miss coffee at all. The great part about dandelion coffee is that one can enjoy it several times a day.

I love coffee but too much caffeine makes me edgy and gives me anxiety. So I could never have more than a single cup in a day but I always longed to have more of it, basically for the scent and taste as you mentioned. Dandelion coffee has totally replaced coffee for me. I can have two or three cups in a day and there are no side effects, no anxiety whatsoever. I add some milk and sugar to it, just as I would with coffee. You can even put various coffee flavoring syrups in it like hazelnut or caramel.

fify

Has anyone tried this product? Does dandelion coffee really smell and taste like coffee?

I love the smell and taste of coffee. But caffeine doesn't go down well with me. Even the decaffeinated ones give me heart palpitations. I need a substitute, but I don't know how I can make it to work without smelling fresh brewed coffee in the morning.

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    • Coffee beans and the roots of dandelions may be used to make dandelion coffee.
      By: amenic181
      Coffee beans and the roots of dandelions may be used to make dandelion coffee.
    • Dandelion roots are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
      By: altocumulus
      Dandelion roots are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
    • Overuse of diuretics, such as dandelion beverages, may cause the kidneys to stop functioning properly.
      By: 7activestudio
      Overuse of diuretics, such as dandelion beverages, may cause the kidneys to stop functioning properly.
    • Teas or coffees made from dandelion may cause diarrhea and stomach upset.
      By: ryanking999
      Teas or coffees made from dandelion may cause diarrhea and stomach upset.