Preserved Dandelion or wild mountain chicory in oil.
Dandelion, a prized and highly valued ingredient, is carefully harvested by hand before flowering using hoe and knife.
It is then cleaned and processed in the laboratory of a small mountain farm, maintaining its freshness. To preserve it,sunflower oil is used, which preserves and enhances its organoleptic qualities without altering them.
This artisanal and traditional dandelion preserve is without added preservatives, gluten-free and lactose-free, making it ideal for a variety of dietary needs.
Let’s discover together some creative ideas for using dandelion in oil in everyday cooking.
Dandelion in oil is a perfect ingredient to enrich and give a special touch to your recipes. Because of its versatility, it can be used in a wide range of dishes, from appetizers to side dishes to salads and cold dishes.
Use and Tasting of Wild Dandelion
Appetizers and appetizers:
Dandelion in oil is ideal for creating tasty appetizers and snacks. Try pairing it with alpine cheeses, cured meats, bacon or lard, served on crispy croutons or bruschetta. The contrast between the sweetness of the dandelion and the sharp flavor of the cured meats will make these combinations irresistible.
Salads and cold dishes:
To add a unique touch of flavor to your salads, combine dandelion greens in oil with fresh or cooked vegetables, such as spinach, arugula, or green beans. You can also use it as a special ingredient in cold pasta or rice salads, along with cherry tomatoes, olives, capers, and tuna in oil.
Side dishes and stuffed vegetables:
Dandelion greens in oil can be used to give an original twist to traditional side dishes, such as roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or caponata. Also, you can try making stuffed vegetables, such as peppers, zucchini or tomatoes, by stuffing them with a mix of dandelion in oil, rice, breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
Omelettes and quiches:
For a unique and flavorful dish, add dandelion greens in oil to omelets or quiches, along with onion, cheese, and bacon. The result will be a richly flavored and fragrant dish that will appeal to all palates.
Sauces and condiments:
Dandelion greens in oil can also be used to make unique sauces and dressings. Whisk together dandelion, olive oil, pine nuts, garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese to make an alternative pesto, perfect for dressing pasta, risotto, or crostini.
Using dandelion in oil in recipes not only enriches the flavor of dishes, but also provides health benefits due to its purifying and healing properties. Experiment with these ideas and other combinations to discover delicious new culinary creations with this versatile and tasty ingredient.
In the heart of the Brescian mountains: the authentic essence of Zeruna.
Azienda Agricola Zeruna, in Pertica Bassa in Valle Sabbia, is founded by Marco and Carmela. They are dedicated to wild herbs and local fruits.
They produce herbs in oil and jams without preservatives, and their farm is located next to a natural waterfall.
They follow only natural methods and respect biodiversity while valuing the Brescian territory and traditions.
Zeruna is sustainable and with the highest quality products, which is why we at bbuono decided to partner with them and bring their products to your table.
They offer a unique experience with direct hand harvesting and processing of their products on-site in the high mountains at over 700 meters.
Learn about the beautiful story of La Zeruna Farm and why we chose them as our partner.
Questions and answers about Wild Dandelion
What are dandelion buds (called “dandelion capers”)?
These are the buds of the dandelion harvested in spring (March-April) and home-preserved in vinegar or oil. They have an herbaceous-bitter taste reminiscent of capers, but more delicate. Excellent for those who love old-fashioned flavors and the wild herbs of our valleys. Few ingredients are used in quality preserves: selected buds, vinegar or EVO oil, salt and spices.
How to use dandelion buds in cooking?
Use them like capers to add character to cold and hot dishes.
Potato salads, tomatoes, cereals
Boiled eggs, “house” veal tonnato, meat tartare
Lake fish, bruschetta, flatbreads, flavored mayonnaise
Quick sauces: mince buds with parsley and anchovy
Quick Trick: Lightly rinse pickled buds before using; if they are pickled in oil, add only at the end of cooking.
Storage: how long do they last and how best to maintain them?
After opening, keep the jar in the refrigerator, with the buds always covered with oil or preserving liquid. Use a clean fork (no fingers) and seal tightly. Consume ideally within 10 to 15 days; refer to the manufacturer’s label for exact times and allergens. If the preserve is in oil, top up if needed; if it is pickled, taste and, if too savory, rinse before using.
How do you make dandelion bud preserves?
Artisanal process, few ingredients: hand-harvested in spring (March-April), brief passage in water and vinegar to “fix” the taste, dried and potted in vinegar or oil with salt and essential herbs. Let stand 7-10 days to harmonize the flavors. Quality clues: short ingredient list, extra virgin oil, no dyes/additives. Result: crisp buds with an herbaceous-sour profile, perfect for salads, eggs, lake fish and bruschetta.
Nutritional values Wild Dandelion
| Mean values | per 100 grams |
|---|---|
| Energy | 310 Kj 68 Kcal |
| Fats | 4.2 g |
| Saturated fatty acids | 1.2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7.8 g |
| Sugars | 2.8 g |
| Protein | 1.6 g |
| Halls | 1.4 g |
| Fibers | 0 gr |
Dandelion storage.
- The unopened jar should be stored in a cool, dry place away from light and heat sources until the expiration date indicated on the label.
- After opening, store in the refrigerator and use within 5 days.
- Packaged in 220 g glass jar.
- Shelf Life 18 months.
Marco Cuminale (verified owner) –
L’unico posto dove sono riuscito a trovare il succo di more, che voglio provare, e anche l’abbinamento col tarassaco in vasetto é stato molto armonioso, come la selvaticità del tarassaco e quella del rovo, come anche l’armoniosità e la connessione col nome (la selvaticità che nasconde la bontà), ancora i prodotti in sé non gli ho provati, ma ho trovato una connessione profonda, anche con mio padre che se né andato qualche giorno fa ed era molto buono (é successo qualche ora dopo che avevo ordinato), quindi una profonda connessione, sono convinto che anche i prodotti siano di qualità
Mattia Apostoli –
Ciao Marco, Grazie per la tua recensione e per aver condiviso la tua esperienza. Siamo sinceramente dispiaciuti per il lutto che hai subito e ti porgiamo le più sentite condoglianze da tutto il team di Bbuono per la perdita di tuo padre. 🖤 Ci fa piacere sapere che ti abbia colpito positivamente l’abbinamento tra la selvaticità del tarassaco e del rovo. Il modo in cui hai trovato un legame profondo con tuo padre attraverso i nostri prodotti è davvero toccante. Grazie ancora per aver scelto Bbuono e per aver condiviso con noi un momento così personale. Speriamo che i nostri prodotti possano portarti un po’ di conforto e piacere. Un abbraccio caloroso da tutto il team di Bbuono. 🌟🍇🌿