Dandy Liver-Loving Coffee

It may seem like an oxymoron to add a detoxifying herb to your coffee, but we believe that one is better than none…  it is all about balance! This recipe is essentially a cocktail of coffee and dandelion, inspired by the chicory-infused coffee that is often consumed in many cultures. The taste is rich and earthy, a beautiful reflection of the season. Dandelion is a traditional herbal bitter and contains important chemicals called sesquiterpenes and a prebiotic starch known as inulin.
 
This recipe uses the dandelion root and the leaf to add as many health benefits as possible. You can take a shortcut and purchase them both to use as-is or roast your own fresh roots as shown below. Makes two cups.
 
INGREDIENTS: 

 
INSTRUCTIONS:

• Dig the Dandelions from an area that you are certain has not been treated with any chemicals. Since it is the root that you want, try to dig deep enough to pull up the entire root.
• Wash thoroughly using hot water. Remember that the leaves are consumed as you would any other green leafy vegetable, so retain them for another use.
• Using a knife, lightly scrape the stubborn areas which will not wash off.
• Chop into evenly sized chunks, no more than 2 inches long.
• Place on a baking sheet and bake at 480F for approximately 1 hour. Leave the door slightly ajar for the first 30 minutes to allow the moisture to escape. The cooking time varies with the size of the root, and thicker pieces may require up to 2 hours. 
• Remove the roots when they are brittle and snap easily.
• Use a coffee grinder, or a mortar and pestle, to grind to a coarse powder.
• In a saucepan boil 12 oz of water. Add 1 teaspoon of the dried root, cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and add 1 tablespoon of the dried Dandelion leaf. Cover and leave to steep for another 5 minutes.
• Strain and retain the liquid. Due to evaporation, you will end up with about 8 oz of liquid. 
• Make your coffee in the usual way but replace about 1/3 of the coffee with the Dandelion brew. Adjust to taste.
• Drink lots of water after consuming this to help the cleansing process along.

Note: Follow steps 8 thru 12 only if using dried plant material only.