Often disregarded as a ubiquitous garden weed, the dandelion is rarely thought of when we talk about herbal teas. However, dandelion tea has been enjoyed for centuries as a traditional herbal drink, valued for its distinctive flavour. It is a popular caffeine-free alternative to coffee and black tea.

What is dandelion?

Dandelions are flowering plants in the Asteraceae family, which also includes daisies, sunflowers, chrysanthemums and lettuce. Whether native or naturalised, dandelion plants are common across the world. They grow easily in temperate regions, where they commonly appear in gardens, on sports grounds and by the sides of the road.

Often overlooked, dandelion is a widely recognised plant with a long history of traditional use.

What part of the dandelion is used in tea?

Commonly, the dandelion tea you buy is made with common dandelion, known as the Taraxacum officinale. All parts of the plant—leaves, roots and flowers—can be used in tea. The leaves offer a light, grassy flavour, the roots, an earthy, bitter flavour, and the flowers, a floral, mildly-sweet flavour. 

Dandelion is often added to tea blends that focus on particular flavours. For example, when the tea is intended as a caffeine-free alternative to coffee, the roots are included in the blend, as is the case with Tea Tonic’s Dandelion Blend Tea, which includes roasted dandelion root.

When the tea needs to offer a light, fresh flavour, the leaves are chosen. Tea Tonic’s After the Feast tea combines dandelion leaves with other ingredients for this refreshing, post-meal beverage.

Dandelion Tea Characteristics:

Bitter profile
Dandelion tea is known for its distinctive bitter flavour, often associated with traditional herbal preparations. This bold taste pairs well with other botanicals and can be enjoyed as part of a daily tea ritual.

Naturally occurring compounds
Dandelion contains a range of naturally occurring plant compounds, including polyphenols and beta-carotene, which contribute to its colour and flavour profile.

Mineral content
Dandelion contains minerals such as iron, potassium, magnesium and calcium, which are naturally present in the plant.

Vitamin content
Dandelion, particularly the leaves, contains vitamins A, C and K.

Enjoyment
Dandelion tea offers a rich, earthy cup with a slightly roasted, bitter edge. It can be enjoyed on its own or blended with other herbs for a balanced flavour.

No Caffeine
Dandelion tea offers a rich, bitter flavour similar to coffee, without caffeine.

Tea - The Best Way to Enjoy Dandelion

Whilst dandelion is available in a range of formats (tablets, powders and liquid extracts), drinking it as a tea is probably the most enjoyable and accessible way to consume it. Brewing dandelion in hot water helps release its flavour and characteristic bitter notes.

Is Raw Dandelion Tea Safe to Drink?

Fresh dandelion can be used to make tea, and dried dandelion is also commonly used. Drying removes moisture from the plant, making it convenient to store and prepare. Choosing organic dandelion tea ensures it is grown without synthetic fertilisers, herbicides, or pesticides.

Organic Tea With Dandelion at Tea Tonic

Want to buy some dandelion tea? A great way to try out dandelion tea is to choose one of Tea Tonic’s blends. Our tea ingredients are organic, so you know your dandelion tea will be non-GMO and grown free of synthetic farm fertilisers, herbicides, and pesticides.

Enjoy the flavour of dandelion in the following tea blends:

• Luminous Calendula Tea: A savoury flavoured tea, combines Dandelion leaf, Nettle, Lemon Balm, Burdock and Calendula.
  
• After the Feast Tea: This fruity tea offers a refreshing flavour profile. It contains dandelion leaf, Peppermint, Moringa, Dandelion leaf, Monk Fruit, and Papaya pieces.
  
• Dandelion Blend Tea: With a sweet, roast flavour, this blend is a great caffeine-free substitute for coffee. It contains Roasted Dandelion Root, Rooibos, Australian Native Wattleseed, and Monk fruit.