Throughout most of history people ate a mostly vegetarian, local, organic, seasonal diet. After world war II when chemical fertilizers were created, factory farming became the norm and food began to travel longer distances. Food crops are now grown for their ability to withstand shipping rather than for nutrition. Plants such as dandelions that were once valued for nutrition are no longer eaten. People spend billions of dollars each year on chemicals to poison and destroy them. Then they spend more money on nutrient deficient iceburg lettuce to eat instead. Dandelions are one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet, loaded with vitamins A, C, K, iron, potassium, calcium and zinc. They are good for digestion-which means you will be able to absorb nutrients better, and they are good for the liver- which helps clear toxins out of your body. Pick them young, before they flower for the least bitterness. Violets are also loaded with vitamins A and C, as well as phytonutrients. One half cup of violet leaves can contain as much vitamin C as three oranges. The late Eull Gibbons called them "nature's vitamin pill". The flowers are also edible, and look pretty in salad and suspended in ice cubes in lemonade. Springtime is a great time to add some of nature's superfoods to your diet.
This has become my new favorite salad, the combination of bitter dandelion, sweet mango and tart lime is perfect.
April 17, 2024
