dry my own dandilions?

Status
Not open for further replies.
R

redd1800

Joined
Apr 23, 2008
Messages
1,144
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Omagh, NI
I have loads growing in the front garden, and really want to tidy the place up and get rid of all the weeds. But it seems a shame to waste them. I have been feeding them fresh, but our garden has loads, and my in-laws garden round the corner has loads too, so the piggies will have far more then they can manage all summer.

Can piggies eat dried dandilions?

And how do you dry them? I thought maybe sticking them in the oven for half an hour??
 
This does seem to work for herbs drying them in the oven, so I don't see why it wouldn't work with dandies. Keep a close eye on them though, I would be scared of losing all the nutritional value if you leave them in the oven for too long. Another (takes a bit longer) method would be to spread them out in a single layer on a sheet of newspaper, and put them in a warm place out of direct sunlight. I've dried grass like this before and it works really well, when it's warm it only takes about 4 days. When you store them make sure it's not in an air tight container, you will get mould from the tiniest bit of moisture. Good luck, and let us know how they dry. I've never had so many that I've had to think about drying dandies, so you're very lucky!
 
rolleyes hadn't really thought about the loss of nutritional value, good point!

My airing cupboard may be a better option.

Will be starting my dandilion project over the weekend, should really do a pic thread, just to remind me this next year.
 
I've dried chillies in an airing cupboard before- so same principle I would have thought. :) Would be interested to know how you get on. x
 
I can't wait to see how you get on. There's a field behind my house (well not really a field, and there's never cows grazing there, it's more like a pathway between two fields) and there's loads of dandelions, so it'd be great to dry some. I'm always scared of feeding them too many dandelions at once. Anything that saves a bit of money and makes the piggies/bunnies happy :)

Anyone know how long they'll last when dried?
 
I did a bit of reading after you brought this up. I found quite a few references to drying dandelions leaves in dry places but nothing about how long they keep. However, it was suggested that dried leaves should be stored in a brown paper bag to stop them going mouldy. :)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top