There is something special about having a great cup of tea; it’s like unwinding in a mug. Dandelion tea can be just the right thing to help you relax, but how do you make it taste great!? Keep reading to learn how to make dandelion tea taste better.
Dandelion tea is great floral tea to enjoy when you want a cup of something hot, but it can be so much more delicious with a few simple additions. This guide will help you get a dreamy cup that will make your worries melt away!
What is Dandelion Tea?
Dandelion tea is just a blend of tea made from dandelion flowers, leaves, stems, or roots. The root of the dandelion is what most common brands of dandelion tea predominantly use. This herbal tea is available in grocery stores, cafes, and online.
Dandelion root has a coffee-like aroma and rich yet bitter taste, which is what this guide is here to help with!
Why Drink Dandelion Tea?
There are some surprising benefits of the humble dandelion. This plant that most people consider a nuisance has minerals like potassium, iron, and zinc, as well as a slew of vitamins. Drinking dandelion tea can be a great way to boost your body’s systems without even having to eat or take a supplement.
The dandelion root has a smell that is similar to coffee and an almost coffee-like flavor, so this tea can be good for those looking to transition from coffee to something caffeine-free.
How to Brew Dandelion Tea?
One great thing about dandelion tea is how easy it is to prepare. Fill a kettle or pot with water and place it over high heat on the stovetop. Heat the water to about 110°F, then pour the water over a tea bag, ball, or sieve of dandelion tea. Allow the tea to steep for up to 15 minutes, then remove the teabag. Enjoy this drink hot.
How to Make Dandelion Tea Taste Better
With so many vitamins and nutrients, you may want to make dandelion tea part of your routine, but with its slightly bitter taste, you will definitely want some help to make it taste better! Try these tricks to take your tea up a notch.
Drench in Dairy
Treating your tea to a little cream will bring balance to your cup. Heavy cream, half-and-half, or milk all add some creaminess and sweetness to the tea. Pour the dairy in after you remove the teabag, and stir. There may be clouds in your cup, but not in your mood with this cup!
Sprinkle in Cinnamon
Cinnamon has a great woodiness and warmth that makes it a great partner for dandelion tea! After steeping, sprinkle a little cinnamon into your tea and stir. The spice adds depth and richness to the dandelion’s earthy and bitter flavor.
Have Some Honey
This tea needs a little something sweet, and what could be better than honey!? Honey has a nice herbal, floral flavor on its own that pairs with many herbal teas very well. Dandelion tea is a little bitter, so adding the balancing sweetness of honey is just the trick!
Try it Iced
A great way to change up your tea experience is to simply change the temperature. Allow your dandelion tea to steep completely (add sweeteners now if you will be using them), then pour it over ice. A change of temperature makes this herbal tea a fun refreshment on a summer afternoon.
Make a Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is sugar syrup, and using this in your dandelion tea is just the touch of sweetness this tea needs without the graininess. Heat equal parts water and sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is boiling. Save this syrup for up to a week in the refrigerator. Add it to the tea in moderation because it will be very sweet!
Add in Milk Alternatives
A great thing about alternative kinds of milk is that they have more depth of flavor. Oat milk adds flavors of toasted oats, and nut milk adds nuttiness. No matter what your go-to milk alternative is, adding a few splashes to dandelion tea is sure to make the tea creamier and tastier!
Squeeze in Some Citrus
Lemon is the tea drinker’s friend! It goes so well with so many different teas, and dandelion tea is no exception. Garnish your mug with a slice of lemon or squeeze some straight into the tea. Lemon, or any citrus you choose, will add brightness and tartness to this herbal tea.
Can I Brew Dandelion Tea Using Dandelions From My Yard?
Technically, yes. You can use well-washed wild dandelions to make tea at home; however, it may not be the best idea. Many people use lawn treatments that contain harmful chemicals that will make you sick if you consume them, so using wild dandelions puts you at risk for contamination. Commercially available dandelion tea is affordable and widely available and your best bet for a safe cup!
Final Thoughts
While many people see dandelions as just a weed, they have so much more to offer. They are packed with vitamins and nutrients, and when brewed into tea, they can make for a very relaxing cup. The biggest drawback of dandelion tea is its naturally bitter taste. Using these tips can help take your tea from bitter to better!
You Might Also Like:
- Top 7 Chocolate Teas for the Tea and Chocolate Lover
- How to Sweeten Green Tea
- Six of the Best Tea Bag Holders for Tea Lovers
- How to Make Ginger Tea Taste Better
- Spilling the Tea on the Best Tea Storage Boxes
