Dandelions: From weeds to cuisine

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The Wall Street Journal has an interesting story today headlined ‘It’s Salad Days for Weeds.’ Anne Marie Chaker reports that Coleman Family Farms in Carpinteria has seen a 25% increase in annual sales of its edible weeds. Green Acre Farms in Indiana has seen a 20% jump. Explanations include the growing popularity of organic foods and a return to simple, old-fashioned cooking. Supermarkets, Chaker writes, sold $2 million in dandelion greens in the 12-month period that ended in March, a 9% increase over the previous year. We admit a soft spot for the little dandelion, which could explain why the Home section headlined Emily Green’s feature on the plant, ‘Ode to the Dandelion, Jilted Flower of Spring.’ Apologies in advance to dandelion haters. Green finds there’s much to love about the wickedly clever plant.

-- Craig Nakano