For many of us, this time of year is one we dread…unless you’ve been extremely diligent with your lawn care, it’s likely you’re looking out at a sea of dandelions in your yard. Many consider them to be pesky weeds that seem to have an aversion to lawn mowers or weed control products. 

But the Taraxacum Officinale, commonly known as the Dandelion, is not only a burst of sunshiny yellow on a warm spring day, but much of the plant is edible. According to Michigan State University; MSU Extension, the only part that shouldn’t be eaten is the stem, which contains a bitter, milky substance. 

So, unless you want to become a professional landscaper, let’s embrace the dandelion and cook up some tasty, unique spring-time treats! Check out these recipes below:

Dandelion Flower Cookies  (from The Splendid Table) 

Fried Dandelions  (from AllRecipes)

Dandelion Greens with Garlic  (from The Spruce Eats)

Dandelion Greens Salad  (from Food52)

Dandelion Jelly  (from Simply Canning) 

Dandelion Wine  (from The Spruce Eats)

Instead of dreading the annoying weed, pick some pretty posies. The culinary possibilities of the dandelion are endless!