Dandelion Chai Tea

“Dandelion is a wonderful food as well as a beneficial medicine. It supports overall health by gently working to improve the functioning of the liver, gallbladder, urinary and digestive systems. It is excellent for cleansing the skin.”
Backyard Medicine: Harvest and Make Your Own Herbal Remedies by Julie Bruton-Seal

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Dandelion Chai Spice blend is a spicy, caffeine-free tea nice in the fall and winter.

Dandelion root has long been used as a caffeine-free, coffee and tea substitute. Eating dandelion root is also a great way to solve your weed problem!

Some people like to dry-roast the dandelion root in a case-iron pan before brewing. This blend does not require dry-roasting the dandelion root but you might like to try dry-roasting the dandelion root and see if you like this spice blend better.

12 organic cinnamon sticks
4 whole organic nutmeg
20 whole organic cloves
20-25 whole organic green or black peppercorns
24 whole organic green cardamon pods
1/4c dried organic ginger
8 whole organic star anise (optional)
1tsp sea salt
1/2c garden dried dandelion root

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For best results use whole spices which keep much longer in storage. A frugal householder should consider buying spices whole and grinding fresh whenever possible.

Coarsely grind all the spices and dandelion root. The pieces should be like a very coarsely ground coffee. Store the tea blend in a glass jar.

To make the tea, boil 1L of filtered water and add a handful of the spice blend. Simmer for 20 minutes. Strain the tea and save the spices. The spice mixture can be used again until it loses its potency.

I like storing the brewed spiced drink in a thermos for later use. The spice mixture gives the drink a naturally sweet flavor. Add some organic whipping cream or homemade coconut milk for a ketogenic drink. If desired, add some local honey. This fragrant drink is great in cold weather.

Whole spices keep much longer in storage. The frugal householder should consider buying whole spices whenever possible.

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The spice mixture should be coarsely ground to make staining easier. This spice blend is made from dried, whole spices. It should be made in small amounts regularly for best results.

“Roasted dandelion root is a well known and caffeine-free coffee substitute. We grind the roasted root with a few pods of cardamon just before brewing; it’s also tasty with cinnamon and fennel seed.”