How to Grow ‘Coffee’ at Home (Surprisingly Easy)

[@ryanm968]

First time growing 'Chiavari' chicory this year and they've grown very well. I skinned them, sliced them as thing as I could (~2mm) and baked at 170C for 2 hours or so without dehydrating. I also went quite a bit darker than this (coffee bean colour) and I kept them as chips so they last longer too. They tasted great, much better than shop bought and plan to grow this every year. Chicory syrup is also lovely on desserts / ice cream.

[@CassiWooWoo]

Wow! Thanks for this, can’t wait to get stuck in, grow & harvest the plant & drink the results ☕️😋

[@GrowVeg]

Great ideas - thanks for sharing these!

[@fionnaheller1873]

Thank you for introducing this idea to everyone. Both chicory and dandelion are, in their various different concoctions and uses, extremely beneficial for health which is why our forebears grew those and other weeds rather than aspiring to perfectly mown grass and buying gallons of weedkiller. I am blessed with a large garden and fields so dedicating spaces to ''weeds'' is no hardship at all, and I do. My medicinal shelves are always full.

[@froginprogress8510]

I spent a year in an apothecary apprenticeship, and have two things to add here from my herbalist instructor. First, a good reason to grow chicory is that it likes kinda crappy soil, and that long taproot will suck up some pretty icky things. Second, if you're drinking dandelion anything, be aware that it has strong liver detoxifying properties that can cause nausea the first couple times if you have a heavy toxin load. Also, it is a potent diuretic. Don't drink it if you aren't going to be near a bathroom or suitable tinkle spots. I've never personally enjoyed dandelion coffee, but I do keep a jar of roasted roots to just periodically smell. Not sure if I'm just weird, but the smell has a mood-lifting effect for me. Something I learned by accident in my starting days as a landscaper was that if you want massive dandelion roots, break the top off a few times. Like, pop the leaves off but leave the rest. The thing will come back darn near doubled in size.

[@gaylekerr9826]

Question about the chicory root - you mentioned it was good to grow bc the root sucked up icky things, can you elaborate please? I was trying to think if you meant like good nutrients or if it was bad stuff to get out of the soil. Thanks.

[@froginprogress8510]

@@gaylekerr9826 I mean to be careful where you harvest it because it can pull up and store contaminants out of the soil that can be released during the roasting and steeping process. If you're gathering it from the wild, just keep in mind that whatever is around is likely to impact the plant. Where I live has chicory growing absolutely everywhere that has gross goings-on. The dump, the jail, the recycling places that people treat like dumps, just where the soil is disturbed and of questionable health. Growing it in pots or in the yard is extremely easy, and what was recommended to me as opposed to wild harvesting. Heavy metals are one of the main concerns.

[@gaylekerr9826]

@@froginprogress8510 Oh, golly! Thank you for the explanation! I appreciate you taking the time to clarify.

[@markm2302]

I enjoyed your post and really appreciate the suggestion for increasing the size of the root. And no, you are not weird lol.

[@lgrillo]

Thanks for this. I was wondering about those things beyond its taste, like how digestible is it, whether it contains anything like caffeine, etc. Very helpful.

[@pobo6113]

I knew about chicory, but I did not know about dandelions. I make dandelion tea and now I know how to make dandelion coffee. How fabulous. I can’t wait to try it. Thanks for sharing.

[@shalmaahad6915]

How do u make dandelion tea? I am thinking of trying too

[@pobo6113]

@@shalmaahad6915 you can dehydrate the dandelion leafs and steep in hot water. It is very medicinal and taste good too. I also love them fresh like spinach. I add them to my eggs or salads.

[@shalmaahad6915]

@@pobo6113 great Thank-you. Is that fresh leaves without cooking or dehydrating?

[@pobo6113]

@@shalmaahad6915 I dehydrate for tea, but use fresh for the others.

[@shalmaahad6915]

@@pobo6113 Thank you

[@inelouw]

These were both extremely common coffee substitutes in my country up to the 1980s! They have a negative image as a "poor man's coffee" but they're actually quite nice, as long as you don't expect them to taste exactly like coffee. Carob root and roasted acorns are also quite commonly used as coffee substitutes.

[@GrowVeg]

Yes, there are quite a few decent coffee substitutes. I reckon they're all due a renaissance!

[@donnabrooks1173]

That's so neat.

[@adairsulhoff5405]

I drink dandelion root coffee for the health benefits. It is great for liver and immunity. I really should grow it; thanks!

[@GrowVeg]

It's amazing how so many 'weeds' are so good for us!

[@donnabrooks1173]

It's also supposed to prevent cancers. Italians ate the leaves during the depression era in the USA. Best part is it's free food for the picking if no chemicals are used on the lawn. There are many weeds that can be eaten.

[@moonhunter9993]

Almost everyone in Southern Africa drinks a chicory/coffee blend. Really nice!

[@maxhunter3574]

Roasted chicory root is delicious! Dandelions are also great for your liver 👍

[@Jestersnake1]

I never thought of this. I feed my chickens chicory plants and dandelion flowers and leaves.

[@donnabrooks1173]

They must be really healthy chickens

[@walterbyrd8380]

Dandelions are amazing. Although considered a loathsome weed, it's seems to be one of the useful plants I can imagine. You can make wine with it, and all sorts of things.

[@GrowVeg]

It really is - that and nettles.

[@stephbets]

I grew up drinking chicory and dandelion! Considering the effect climate change is having on coffee bean growing regions I think the more alternatives we have the better!

[@GrowVeg]

Agreed! :-)

[@christinaevilsizer4929]

I am a heavy coffee drinker and I bought chicory seeds (I’m in New Orleans so it’s only natural) and I have been interested in dandelions for a few years now and this video was very informative and helpful! Thank you so very much friend ❤

[@GrowVeg]

So pleased you came across this video. It was a very satisfying and genuinely tasty project. :-)

[@michelefisher5171]

I’m living in Costa Rica right now-the best coffee grows in the mountains.

[@jodycody11]

there is a tea in America called Roastaroma that blends chicory, dandelion root and roasted barley with some spices that makes lovely a lovely coffee substitute...you are right on!!

[@GrowVeg]

Wow - that sounds like a superb blend!

[@trish3580]

Thank you for this video - fun to watch and intriguing too. Most coffee subs have both of these ingredients- it would be interesting to mix different ratios of the two to make a perfect blend.

[@GrowVeg]

Yes, I reckon a blend would be good fun to try.

[@lauryhales8050]

I was thinking this exact same thing!

[@semicolon4452]

Boiled chicory greens with a bit of lemon juice makes a great vegetable as a side for a lot of food, if you'd like to not waste the greens.

[@GrowVeg]

What a fab idea - thanks for sharing. :-)

[@brightantwerp]

Thanks for trying this! I thought about it, but did not dare. Since you tasted it first, I can give it a go. 💜

[@GrowVeg]

So pleased you're encouraged to try it for yourself. :-)

[@80sforever3]

I'm intrigued to know how they smell. I worked in coffee factory despite being allergic to them, always swooned by the lovely smell of roasting coffee

[@GrowVeg]

They have a kind of chocolatey/rooty smell - especially the dandelion. I love the smell of 'proper' coffee best though!

[@jovsitalo]

What an informative video! I had no idea you could make these mock coffee drinks. I will definitely give this a go. Lovely kitchen by the way! Many thanks from Michigan ❤

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks so much. Definitely worth trying out. They are genuinely good drinking.

[@Twistnsine]

I love chicory coffee and drink it instead of real coffee for personal health reasons. I will definitely try this 🤩🙏

[@CassiWooWoo]

You never cease to amaze me! Great comments from subscribers too! Will defo be giving this a try. Thank you to you & your experienced subscribers for their comments…can’t wait to try this! ✌️❤️🙏

[@GrowVeg]

So pleased you're going to give this a try - you'll love it I'm sure. :-)

[@rummykubby]

How fun! I'd heard of roasted chicory but never dandelion root. I'll have to give it a try. It was good to see the whole process, thank you for that.

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks for watching. I really enjoyed the whole process - very satisfying.

[@Digeroo123]

When I was a child my mother used to drink chicory or a coffee and chicory mix, It was a lot cheaper than pure coffee. For me the other use of dandelions is for my rhuharb. I take as many of the plants from the paths around our allotments as possible and put them around my rhubarb plants. The next field has a lot of dandelions in it so we get a lot of the seeds blowing in.

[@GrowVeg]

What a great idea!

[@ritaholcombe9905]

Is that some kind of companion planting??

[@carolinethomson1297]

This was utterly fascinating!

[@dwightj.7895]

Thanks for your time much appreciated.

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks for watching. :-)

[@honestlee4532]

To wash off the roots, I put them in a spaghetti strainer and blast them with the hose. I used the single stream setting and it's a bit like a power washer. If there is any soil left in the cracks, I use a little brush like an old tooth brush or something similar.

[@GrowVeg]

That's a great method. :-)

[@larrystrayer8336]

My mother grew both and did as you showed in this video. And mixed them. I think it was 1/3chicory 1/3 dandelions. Very good. 1/3 coffee

[@GrowVeg]

Great to hear that they mix so well. :-)

[@ritaholcombe9905]

I have to try that combo. I need to cut back on caffeine and cut back my budget too!

[@samvimes1482]

Great video! Used to drink loads of coffee but not anymore as this was clearly an unhealty dose. This would be a nice alternative to the store bought chicory coffee.

[@GrowVeg]

Absolutely! :-)

[@dianepuskas6362]

What an interesting video! Thanks for showing the process from start to finish and comparing chicory and dandelion coffees.

[@GrowVeg]

You're most welcome - thanks for watching. :-)

[@judifarrington9461]

Wow! Thank you for the taste test.

[@TLD48]

I love this!! I literally have dried dandelion roots in my pantry from the spring (that I forgot about!) I’m having dandelion coffee tomorrow!

[@GrowVeg]

Great to hear this! I hope you enjoy the coffee. :-)

[@fuzzytale]

Dandelions were actually introduced to the Americas as an imported salad crop, and now they grow like weeds everywhere here too! My brother used to make dandelion wine 40 years ago.

[@GrowVeg]

Dandelion wine - what a fab idea!

[@boscodiogigia]

Cichorium intybus, perfect pronuntiation. You are ready for latin!

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks so much! Gratias tibi.

[@Sypherz]

A couple of years ago I started saving the dandelion roots from the dandelions I was weeding out of my garden so that I could roast them and make tea. Absolutely love it! And it's really good for you as it is said to be a good detoxer. I love chicory flowers and could use more flowers in my garden - you've convinced me to grow chicory next year!

[@GrowVeg]

So pleased you've been convinced to try chicory next year. :-)

[@michaelgusovsky]

i made 'coffee' a month ago using honey locust beans, it tastes very nice, rich, a little sweet, maybe somewhat like chickory. most people don't know about honey locust beans, so, you can probably still find a bunch under any decent sized honey locust tree. takes a bit of effort to remove the beans from the pods, roast and grind them, but worth it, imho.

[@GrowVeg]

What a fab idea! :-)

[@kazparzyxzpenualt8111]

Have to get this Idea up and running. Coffee is getting so pricey! Thanks for the tip!

[@maryanna6302]

I've used the commercial ground chicory coffee substitute which dissolves. It's ok but a bit too burnt in flavor. I would definitely like to give both of these homemade types a go!

[@GrowVeg]

They are really top-notch. I was surprised how really rather good they are.

[@susanshardlow1881]

Chicory is a beautiful plant. It appeared down the lane where I live, the year after I grew it.

[@GrowVeg]

It is a real beauty. :-)

[@renamarsland9642]

I Looooooovvvvvveeeee my coffee…but with the price of it (like everything else) going up, it’s so great to know that I’ve got potential coffee growing in my own backyard!!! Thank you again for a great video!!

[@GrowVeg]

Absolutely! :-)

[@toniedalton5448]

Chicory is all over the mountains here. And a Southern alternative to coffee. But I like the flavors of mixing the two, New Orleans style. Ill have to try this and make my own. Good idea, thanks again.

[@GrowVeg]

So pleased you're inspired to try it. :-)

[@derickl436]

Brilliant! I'm going to have a go at this.

[@PennyFarmer-w8g]

I am super excited! I drink chicory from Luzianne. Can't wait to try dandelion...wooo hooo! Thank you!!! I saved this to watch again and make notes. yum

[@lornapenn-chester6867]

Brilliant ❤

[@PatrickKazmierczak-j6i]

I think I’m going to give it a go.

[@rossgoonan519]

Great video. Definitely giving this a try.

[@Pausereflectandbreathe]

Wow! I want to try this dandelion coffee and taste test it myself. Who knows if I will like it? Thank you for sharing this experiment! That is very interesting! ❤️

[@GrowVeg]

So pleased you found this interesting. Definitely try the dandelion coffee - it's jolly good!

[@archiehendricks6093]

If you grow dandelions in conditioned soil, the root and leaves will be more abundant. Been eating since 1959

[@donnag7095]

Chicory is very common in the low country (Charleston SC) and you're right not a bad substitute for coffee. Although the dandelion, I've not tried, but it sounds yummy. Thanks for sharing

[@GrowVeg]

It really is, I promise! :-)

[@sophialuypaert-vediclife4ever]

LOVE this video!!! I stop drinking coffee many years ago! too much caffeine! I will definetely add CHICORY to next year garden!! THANK YOU and HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and your family

[@GrowVeg]

That's wonderful to hear. Happy New Year to you too! :-)

[@Notturnoir]

I love root coffee!!!

[@iltapuhde]

Very nice video! I've been drinking both but just haven't done them myself. Maybe next year I will dig out some dandelion roots. Here dried dandelion root is also used in baking and in porridge.😊

[@GrowVeg]

Wow - dandelion has so many uses!

[@TroySwezey]

Seems chicory grows here in 6b so will definitely be giving this a go. Thanks for the tips. Glad you put 'coffee' in quotes as chicory coffee has a coffee-like taste but contains no caffeine.

[@GrowVeg]

Absolutely. Definitely needs the quote marks! :-)

[@thomaisdefois]

Great! Thanks a lot :)

[@85tv12]

I have become anaphylactic to coffee and miss it so much. I really want to try these substitutes now!

[@GrowVeg]

Give them a go - I really enjoy them. :-)

[@frankmckie2992]

Love it.... never thought dandelion as a weed more a natural flower but never knew it was edible, never mind for coffee lol .... thanks for that ❤👍

[@GrowVeg]

It has quite a few uses. It's great when a 'weed' reveals its true value like this. :-)

[@misterjib]

i grew chicory this year for this purpose but my roots weren't very substantial so abandoned roasting.

[@Miwako_vklolita]

thank you for this video. i just found out that caffeine makes me sick, needed something that could wake me up ready for work lol...the caffeine teas i buy are quite expensive for very little bags... so, gracias :)

[@dianamayfield5615]

I don't know if you've been to New Orleans in the US. Cafe DuMond is famous for its chickory coffee combo. Truly wonderful!

[@GrowVeg]

Not yet! But someone else has recommended the Cafe Du Mond, so would love to try that at some point.

[@trapped7534]

Very informative Ben,thanks so much.

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks for watching. :-)

[@kristinafrancis9695]

At my family cabin up in the Puget Sound of Washington State, I frequently saw what I identified as Chickory! Now I'm eager to harvest some - I'll have to bring my weed pulling fork with me though!!!

[@GrowVeg]

Definitely worth doing! :-)

[@sarahb2652]

This is so cool, thank you for sharing.😀👍

[@cassie_serenity]

Enjoyed the new camera takes. Great video!

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks so much. :-)

[@whatthefu3786]

That's funny, dandelions are called Löwenzahn in Germany and it means Lionstooth. Nice Video! Will try some of this.

[@GrowVeg]

That's fab to hear, thanks for sharing that. Definitely try some! :-)

[@KawakebAstra]

♥️Thx .. but the work .. USA Southerners always drank chicory instead of coffee ,)! also love dandelions salads

[@brucetidwell7715]

I've lived my whole life in Atlanta, Georgia, and that's not true. Only very poor people who couldn't afford coffee drank chicory, outside of Southern Louisiana where it is a local specialty. I think even there, it is most often drunk half and half with real coffee. Now that there are cheap brands of coffee, poor people only drink it out of tradition. These days it is not easy to find chicory in ordinary grocery stores, although it may be more common out in the country where people still remember it. It's mostly considered to be either a foodie specialty item, or a non caffeine health food.

[@GrowVeg]

I really rate it as a drink in its own right. Lovely depth of flavour and a welcome change to other caffeine-free hot drinks.

[@ucapanlebaran1444]

So beautiful there

[@phyllismcdaniel-cook946]

Interesting, may have to giver a try😊

[@jeningle8288]

Grown and used as a coffee alternative during the 2nd world war here in UK, so I understand

[@GrowVeg]

Even when I was young there were coffees thinned out with chicory. But I think chicory stands well on its own too.

[@klukkason]

I'm excited to harvest my dandelions next year and grow my own chicory now. Thank you! What is the coffee contraption you were using? I've never seen anything like it.

[@GrowVeg]

Thank you for watching. :-) The device is called an Aeropress: aeropress.com/

[@curiouslygeorgeous]

Would the spent grounds benefit the garden the way traditional coffee grounds do?

[@GrowVeg]

They could certainly be added to the compost heap, but I'm not sure they'd have the same properties of true coffee grounds.

[@laurieanne9712]

I have tried this in the DANDY BLEND. It's good, but as it says on the package it will stain your teeth. I added plant milk, but it still did.

[@chickadeecorner]

I drink dandy blend every day. So far no issues with staining 🤞🏼

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks for the warning.

[@ITWorksSoftware]

All coffee or tea will eventually stain your teeth. I drink coffee with a small straw, it helps prevent stains.

[@FishingForLife28]

I have been drinking black coffee everyday since I was 13. I definitely have stained my teeth drinking coffee

[@SaltyFlatEarth]

Yeah, it stains mine as well. I have to brush with activated charcoal once a week.

[@breaker6900]

Killed coffee plants twice now🤦🏻‍♂️ Think our summers are too hot. We love chicory in the New Orleans area, might as well try growing it.

[@GrowVeg]

Please do - it's easy to grow and the 'coffee' really does taste amazing!

[@fire.smok3]

Very cool!

[@johnbaxter189]

A link to that dehydrator wud be good, even a nice discount wud be appreciated.

[@GrowVeg]

I don't have any discount or anything like that - we're not sponsored by them. But the make of dehydrator I have in an Excalibur.

[@philliplarking3255]

Thanks so much. I've bought radicchio seeds to grow for the first time. Are they the same, or can I use those roots as well?

[@GrowVeg]

I’ve only heard of the original chicory, as shown in the video, being used. I’m not sure you’d get the same flavour/depth of taste with radicchio roots.

[@kneedownbrown]

As for the dandelion coffee, is best to harvest the root before it flowers? I heard some people say the flavour is best before the flower forms. Thanks for the video!

[@GrowVeg]

That's a good question and to be honest I'm a little unsure. I think the priority is for getting bigger roots - so the older and bigger the plants, the better.

[@ollvebranch]

I think ‘Camp Coffee’ is made from this. I remember getting this on a scout camp as a kid and thinking I was REALLY grown-up!

[@GrowVeg]

Yes indeed, Camp Coffee is made from chicory root.

[@paisleygirl3121]

Wow! I had no idea. Now I can hardly wait for the spring dandelions! (after the bees have had at them) 🐝

[@GrowVeg]

Yes, great idea to let the bees have their fill first. :-)

[@CardsbyMaaike]

`chickory is also love by mice or voles or what not ate them all on my allotment, left nice round holes like in a Bugs Bunny cartoon ;-) i grew them for the pretty flowers and they usually come in wildflower mixes

[@GrowVeg]

Is nothing sacred from those pesky mice?!

[@kooyawn00]

Here in New Orleans, we still mix chicory into coffee and you can buy it at the grocery or order it at places like Cafe du Monde. I believe it's a holdover from the Civil War blockade when they couldn't get real coffee.

[@GrowVeg]

Yes, I've heard the same. Great you're still able to find it. :-)

[@echognomecal6742]

Is it best to store pre-ground, like coffee or go ahead & grind it?

[@GrowVeg]

I think it's probably best to leave the roasted pieces as they are, particularly if producing larger batches, and then grind what you need, as you need it. For freshness.

[@echognomecal6742]

@@GrowVeg Thanks :) I'm thinking I can try the dandelion...PLENTY available lol I've always wanted to try the chicory, but not now that I know about the bitterness. Thanks for the info & entertainment

[@swatson1190]

Can I use it in a drip coffee maker? My parents used the chickory added to coffee to make the coffee go farther.

[@GrowVeg]

Yes, I imagine you could as it behaves in much the same way as normal coffee grounds.

[@mels2547]

How long was it on the dehydrator for, and what tempurature.

[@GrowVeg]

It was on overnight - about 12 hours - and set to around 57 Celsius, or 135 Fahrenheit. But check progress and remove once crispy dry.

[@MispelledOnPurpose]

Really enjoyed your video. Have you ever tried to make yopon coffee? I'm curious how that tastes.

[@GrowVeg]

I haven't tried that yet - a future project perhaps!

[@christytschappat2592]

Sounds interesting Ben, wonder what they would taste like together(?)

[@GrowVeg]

A few commenters here have said they taste very good blended together.

[@virginiawilliamson5569]

Hi Ben, what make is your dehydrator? It looks a good (smallish) size and I think rectangular trays are a better use of space than round ones. I assume you sourced it in the UK ...?

[@GrowVeg]

I bought it on Amazon. It's an American make called Excalibur, but bought on UK Amazon. It wasn't cheap, but it very robust and used all the time. I love it!

[@richardhigel5612]

Ben very good video. In the states there is a type of holly called Yaupon Holly(Ilex Vomitoria). You might do a little research. I believe that it is the only plant that has caffeine in the leaves in North America. Not sure if it is available in the Uk.

[@GrowVeg]

I hadn't heard about this plant until making this video. I think you can buy plants of it here, so this is something that may be worth investigating!

[@ralphneelands3990]

The Latin name is not promising lol

[@kazparzyxzpenualt8111]

Chicory was a Confederate alternative during the American Civil War. Britain and France tried hard to break the Federal naval blockade for the duration. Effective resupply of armaments was sporadic but coffee was not on the urgent list. Chicory was embraced and the pleasant result had lasting impressions. Blends also are not half bad at all.

[@GrowVeg]

Interesting to hear that history, thanks for sharing this. :-)

[@hoosierpioneer]

I've wanted to try something to cut the cost and the caffeine level of coffee. Going to make a place for chicory in my yard. Yes everyone I know caffeine is great but my heart can't take as much anymore!

[@GrowVeg]

Honestly, it's so worth growing!

[@larrymcgarage2152]

I was wondering about the caffeine myself. Do these plants contain any?

[@SoulsJourney]

There's a brand of coffee here called Cafe Du Monde that's a blend of coffee and chicory. I have a friend from New Orleans who says it's very popular in the South (although it's widely available now, even from the Zon) Still never occurred to me to try this!

[@capucinemaneckjee5276]

I visited New Orleans many years ago and since then I've been craving Cafe Du Monde - it's a wonderful mix.

[@GrowVeg]

Do give it a try. It tastes great!

[@johnransom1146]

Would the two be good blended?

[@GrowVeg]

Apparently there are commercially available blends of the two, so yes - would be great blended I reckon.

[@DownButNotOutYet]

Good morning Nigel, what a brilliant video, I am truly amazed. I do not drink coffee at all, unless I go with a friend which is not very often then we will enjoy a cappuccino, only one of course, but at home, no way. I buy good quality instant coffees, we do have a percolator and that is not too bad but it is made very seldom, thank goodness. I do enjoy coffee from the very expensive coffee machines and that is as far as it goes. Perhaps I should give the chicory and dandelion coffee a try, I probably would enjoy that very much. You have taught us well today, something exceptional. Thank you for sharing and showing the process. I had to laugh at the comment when the person mentioned wine was made, well it just goes to show. Have a great day, many blessings.

[@GrowVeg]

Thank you for your kind comments. I do think this is a project definitely worth trying - a very satisfying process with a genuinely tasty result!

[@Marra7777]

I have made dandelion "coffee" before. Indeed theres some roots in the fridge waiting to be converted, but i cant help feeling that all the effort and energy is worth the amount you get. Nice experiment though.

[@GrowVeg]

If you can get lots of roots and process them in one go, it's definitely worth it.

[@valoriegriego5212]

Howdy Ben! Another super video!👍The coffee substitute I purchase has both chicory and dandelion in it. I really enjoy it. It also has some other tasty naturals. I've been meaning to grow chicory since you mentioned it as a coffee substitute in one of your other videos. I'm going to give the dandelion a try first...we are still seeing upper 70s in Central Texas. We have dandelions everywhere.😃

[@GrowVeg]

Great to have so many dandelions - they're so useful. Definitely worth harvesting some to turn into a lovely warming brew. :-)

[@busker153]

I wonder if you just dried and powdered the roots, would they make a good drink? Or is the roasting necessary? Has anyone tried this?

[@GrowVeg]

I reckon the roasting is needed to develop the flavours and deepen the taste, otherwise might be a bit bland?

[@daviddunn29]

What make and model of stove do you have?

[@brucetidwell7715]

That is a very cool stove!

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks. :-) It's a Rangemaster Kitchener 90.

[@TimeSurfer206]

I LOVE the taste of Chicory. I LOVE the taste of Dandelion Roots! I still need the Covfefe, it is my Meth of choice, the only addiction besides food and oxygen I tolerate. And Braddah? Dandelions be mo' bettah fo wine.

[@GrowVeg]

Yes, I've head of dandelion wine also - well worth a try.

[@TimeSurfer206]

@@GrowVeg Jelly is also very sweet, too!

[@natnorthern]

I read somewhere that during the Occupation in Guernsey in WW2 they used parsnips to make "coffee" in a similar way. In the early years it was just to add to their existing rations of coffee but by the end they had very little coffee left and many people were using parsnips alone! I've not yet been brave enough to try it 😂

[@GrowVeg]

Oh wow - that is quite something. I'd quite like to try that myself. I suspect it won't be the best-tasting coffee though! But curious to give it a try.

[@paulpritchard1980]

The foodie in me would have mix them together. Who knows maybe they would complement each other.

[@GrowVeg]

That's not a bad idea! :-)

[@emmahughes2618]

Cool video 😊

[@rakiyeaah]

Nice video :) in italy we also drink barley coffee, you can often find it in cafes although it is seen as a grandma drink 😂 but it is delicious

[@GrowVeg]

Thank you - it is delicious!

[@andujarpain2629]

can you post the name of your dehydrator? thanks.

[@GrowVeg]

Of course. The make is Excalibur.

[@andujarpain2629]

@@GrowVeg Thank you very much. If you have any free minutes, can you tell us how you became so professional? Your editing, your camera work, your delivery, etc..? Did you teach yourself or in classes or a previous career? thanks! Have a good day.