Dandelion

That stubborn weed in your yard is actually a nourishing food. Dandelion greens are rich in vitamins A, C and K, along with calcium and potassium. Their slightly bitter taste is part of their charm, since bitter foods have traditionally been used to get digestion going. Roasted dandelion root also makes a rich, coffee-like tea.

Ways to try it:

• Toss young, tender leaves into a salad with lemon and olive oil
• Sauté larger leaves with garlic, just like spinach
• Brew roasted dandelion root tea as a caffeine-free afternoon drink

Only harvest from areas free of pesticides and pets. Dandelion has a mild diuretic effect and can interact with some medications, so check with your doctor or practitioner before taking it as a supplement or drinking the tea daily.