Commemorating the dandelion and the invention of the zipper

A Different View with Dave O’Connell

It may have passed you by because you were too busy mowing them into oblivion as they rose like Whac-a-Moles on your pristine lawn – but there were people of a different ilk across the planet celebrating their love of the humble dandelion all day long recently, to mark World Dandelion Day.

That might seem like a strange cause for celebration here in Ireland – although we have many who’ll travel to the ends of the earth just for the opening of a packet of crisps – but there are parts of the world where the dandelion is celebrated like a prized flower . . . and one with huge health benefits too.

Like in Italy, for example, where it is a very popular and favoured food.

Dandelion dishes can be found on the menus of many restaurants and they are even served at the wedding table.

Because the Italians say: “If you eat dandelion, then the disease passes by the door of the house.”

And of course, herbalists have given the erstwhile weed a whole new lease of life.

They will tell you, for example, that dandelion leaves are used to stimulate the appetite and help digestion.

Dandelion flower has antioxidant properties – and it may also help improve the immune system. Herbalists use dandelion root to detoxify the liver and gallbladder, and dandelion leaves to help kidney function.

It might also have escaped your attention that dandelions pack a whole lot of vitamins and minerals into a small plant — outstripping, some argue, even kale or spinach. Dandelion greens, in particular, are a great source of vitamins and minerals such as: Vitamins A, C and K.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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