Signs of Summer

Summer is on its way. How do I know?

I saw the sign today. The dandelion. The

dreaded weed. The above photo

is a real portrait of the official dandelion.

I know cause I took it myself.

The first known dandelion in Alberta.

Probably.

Everyone hates dandelions.

Personally, I love them. They are pretty

and unassuming. I would love some day

to run through a field of them. Naked.

Well, I might leave my socks on.

And dandelions are nutritious:

The leaves are nourishing, containing high amounts of Vitamins A, B complex and C, as well as calcium, phosphorus, iron, and many other trace elements.

I have a friend who is a caffeine addict, so he may be interested in this:

If you're looking for a good coffee substitute, here's one to try.
First, harvest some dandelion roots (late summer roots are the most 'fat' and full of healthful properties). Don't try to air dry them as they apparently are attractive to bugs and such, and don't dry well using slower methods. But if you dry them in the oven at about 200 degrees for an hour or two, they'll be ready quickly and won't lose much of their nutrient properties. Then, simply grind them like coffee, and prepare yourself a tasty beverage that isn't even all that bitter.

Hmm...not sure about that one. I have

tried dandelion wine and I must say it

is pretty gross. Dandelion coffee?

Seems dandelions are a big ingredient

in food - in Wilton, Maine there's a

cannery that imports and cans

only dandelion greens.

Some Facts:

Growing dandelion greens for market generates millions of dollars a year in the U.S.

Many popular herbal teas, weight-loss products and organic vitamin supplements contain dandelions. Check the ingredients.

Fifty five tons of coffee substitutes made from roasted dandelion roots are sold each year in England, Australia, and Canada.

Recipes using dandelions appear in one of every four general cookbooks in the U.S.

Dandelions are a favorite food of hogs, poultry, deer, silkworms, purple finches and gerbils.

Make liquid fertilizer by immersing a handful of dandelion leaves in a pint of water, bring it to a boil, cover and allow it to cool. After it is cooled, strain the liquid off, dilute with four parts of water. For a leaf spray, add one teaspoon of liquid soap (not detergent)

I really like it when dandelions dry up and

become fuzzy blowers. There is an artist who

sells lights that look like fuzzy blowers.

That's all for now, have a Dandy Day!