This coffee will take a little time and planning. But is
very much worth its full, robust flavor and slightly bitter,
chocolaty taste.
The health benefit here is that it reduces
our intake of caffeine without the loss of our herbal
morning ritual as we sit and reflect
on our day ahead.
1) PREPARE AHEAD OF TIME
2) Start with already dried Dandelion Roots, cut up,
not powdered.
(Can purchase or prepare yourself.)
3) Turn oven on 300 F for 5 minutes along with a large
un-oiled cast iron pan
or glass cook ware put in the oven at the same time so it
heats up too.
4) THE ROASTING PHASE:
a) Place the cut up Dandelion Roots in the hot, un-oiled
cast iron skillet or cook ware.
b) Close the oven door.
c) Every 1 to 2 minutes - open oven and swish the roots
around so they cook but not burn, only brown.
d) They are ready when they are a dark brown and
consistent chocolate like color.
e) Have ready a large cool, dry, un-oiled plate or paper
so that the roots can be spread and laid out in one layer to
cool.
This helps them to completely release any stored
moisture. This is necessary for grinding process.
f) Once cooled, I bottle into dry tight jars in a cool
dark place. Not refrigerator cool. I make
enough to last a couple weeks at a time
so its always fresh
and easily accessible.
5) BLENDING PHASE:
a) 75% Coffee and 25% Roasted Dandelion Root. It's best
to start with a higher percentage of coffee and adjust as
your taste buds dictate.
Going to 50% - 50% or even 25% -
50%.
b) Using the above percentages, grind Coffee & Dandelion
Rt. as you would your regular coffee.
c) Use same amt of water for the total amount of
Coffee/Dandelion Rt. Mix.
d) Optional: Top off Coffee / Dandelion with a pinch of
Cinnamon powder.
Relish in the amazing new aroma and flavor your coffee
now has. Its magnificent!
Important note on roasting
: recently, during a roasting day, I 'made a mistake'
and left the roots in the oven 'too long'. They got darker
than usual yet weren't burnt. So I still used them.
What an
experience during the coffee drinking moment ! So play
around with your roasting time and blend for your taste
buds.
Roasted Dandelion Roots are also a great snack too. They
give an interesting note to a trail mix or all by itself.
During the roasting time, prepare the roots
with olive or
sunflower oil in a cast iron pan. When done, add a little
ground up sea salt to taste, toss and then add to a trail
mix or even breakfast cereal.
Lastly but most importantly, as many of us receive
greater influence from our plants abilities and unique
qualities, please be mindful of over harvesting
and over
consuming. Continue to replant, replenish and respect
Natures balance.
