{This post is sponsored by Mountain Rose Herbs}
What if I told you that roasted dandelion root tasted almost exactly like coffee when brewed? Even more so when you add a pinch of roasted chicory root! I’ve heard this time and time again from people or read it on the internet, but I never actually believed it. I mean, really… how often does something healthy taste “just like” the regular version? After brewing up a hot mug of roasted dandelion root coffee I soon realized that this is indeed the case!
Wildcrafting Weeds
If you want to learn more about the edible and medicinal weeds that surround us and how to use them, check out my eBook: Wildcrafting Weeds: 20 Easy to Forage Edible and Medicinal Plants (that might be growing in your backyard)!
Gather & Root Online Foraging Course
My online foraging course is a great way to learn about wild edible and medicinal plants! Sign up to learn more about the gather + root online foraging course here.
Where to Get Dandelion Root
The best part is how easy this roasted dandelion root coffee is to make.
If you are foraging for your own dandelion roots, that is the hardest part!
While I do always forage for some dandelion root each fall for making homemade bitters or tea, it can be a tough to collect and get any kind of quantity.
That’s why I always have some dried dandelion root on hand from Mountain Rose Herbs!
Foraged and dried dandelion root pieces
Dandelion Root Coffee Benefits
One main benefit that dandelion root has over regular coffee is that it’s caffeine-free.
Wait a second, is that a benefit?! For those who are avoiding caffeine for whatever reason, but still long for that roasty, toasty flavor of coffee, it may be.
Read more about dandelion root benefits and uses in my post on Foraging for Dandelion Root.
Roasted Dandelion Root Coffee Recipe
This dandelion root “coffee” is actually made more like a strong tea, and has a slightly bitter (in a good way) taste.
I think the flavor is great with the addition of chicory root and cinnamon, but you really only need the roasted dandelion root in this recipe.
Foraged dandelion root and chicory root can be used, but they should be cut into small pieces and dried before roasting.
Roasting Dandelion Root
While you can buy pre-roasted dandelion root, I prefer to buy it raw and roast it myself, as I feel that the flavor is superior that way.
That also gives me more options for making bitters or tinctures or other uses that might be better with dried raw dandelion root.
Roasting dandelion root doesn’t take much effort or time.
Simply spread out the root pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in a 350°F oven for about 10-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
The longer you keep the roots in the oven, the darker the roast.
Make Dandelion Root Coffee
Once you have your roasted dandelion root pieces, it’s time to make coffee!
Put the roasted roots, cinnamon chips, and water into a pot and bring to a boil.
Boil for 5-10 minutes, then strain out the root pieces with a fine mesh sieve.
Serve the dandelion and chicory root “coffee” in a mug. Add cream and/or sweetener to taste if you like. Enjoy!
Honestly, this has become my new favorite hot drink!
Ever since I roasted up that pan of dandelion root I’ve been enjoying this flavorful coffee, as the mornings are becoming chilly with the fall weather.
It’s become my new addiction, but it’s sure nice to know that it’s a healthy one!
More Uses for Foraged Dandelion
Did you know there are over 50 ways to enjoy this amazingly versatile backyard “weed”?
Here are more ways to use dandelions:
- Dandelion Root Muffins
- Dandelion Root Bitters
- Dandelion Mead
- Dandelion Salve
- Dandelion Pesto
- Dandelion Kombucha
- Dandelion Soap
- Dandelion Vinegar
Roasted Dandelion Root Coffee with Chicory Root & Cinnamon
Ingredients
Roasted Dandelion Root
- 1/2 cup dried dandelion root pieces more or less
Dandelion Root Coffee
- 2 Tbsp roasted dandelion root
- 1 tsp roasted chicory root can roast it yourself
- 1 tsp cinnamon chips
- 2 cups water
Instructions
Roasted Dandelion Root
- Spread out the root pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in a 350°F oven for about 10-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- The longer you keep the roots in the oven, the darker the roast.
Dandelion Root Coffee
- Place all ingredients in a small pot and bring to a boil.
- Boil for 5-10 minutes, then strain out the root pieces with a fine mesh sieve.
- Serve the dandelion and chicory root "coffee" in a mug. Add cream and/or sweetener to taste if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Foraged dandelion and chicory roots can be used, but they should be cut into small pieces and dried before roasting.
- I think the flavor is great with the addition of chicory root and cinnamon, but you really only need the roasted dandelion root in this recipe.
I love dandelion coffee! I’ve never used cinnamon but am excited to try it! Elderberry is a wonderful addition and gives the fruity notes some coffees, especially those from Ethiopia tend to have!
Elderberry dandelion root would be wonderful!
Ack! I wanted a deep roast so set my timer to 10mins for a stir. My tea was completely burnt and smoking by 8 mins. Definitely recommend starting with 5 minutes and stirring every 3 mins after that until the perfect roast is achieved.
Sorry to hear the recipe didn’t work out for you!
Wow this tastes great. I’ve been on a Repairvite diet for 5 weeks and just had my first cup of this today. Really hit the spot. I added some Laird Superfood Creamer Unsweetened and it was a really nice coffee alternative. I ordered everything from Mountain Rose Herbs and roasted the dandelion root for 10 min at 350. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
You’re welcome. I’m so glad you loved it!
We have a coffee maker that uses those evil pods. However, we reuse them rather than throw them out, Just need a foil cover and voila!. I have been making roasted chicory and dandelion root coffee in them for months. It takes no time at all for those on the go. I have also found that can usually get two cups of flavorful brew by just cranking it up again.
THANK YOU! I was beginning to feel I threw away a lot of money on one of those coffee makes! Wonder if someone doesn’t sell empty positions for home recipes!
Dandelion root coffee is good to drink unsweetened. It works very well on the liver. The effect is even better when chicory root is added.
I’m so excited to try this! Once roasted, how long would the dandelion root store?
Hi Colleen
Thanks for this brilliant recipe and all the others. So many things to do with dandelions.
I’ve been a fan of this recipe for quite a while. I purchase your roasted dandelion roots and roasted chicory roots, I put those ingredients in a coffee grinder, grind them up, place in a coffee press with ground cinnamon, add hot water and steep. Much faster for those on the go! Thank you for the recipe and such wonderful products!
I’m about to start trying the dandelion coffee, but I have v little time in the morning. Would you know if can I brew at night and store in the freeZer for the following day? Thanks!
Yes you can store it in the fridge for several days or freezer for several weeks or more!
Our yard gets enough dandelions that I’m 90% sure I could forage enough to have a cup a day for a year!
I’m a recent follower and enjoy your site immensely. :)
Thanks for the post. Do you reuse the roasted chicory and dand. root when done boiling ?
No I just compost them. They could be used once more for a weaker brew, though.
This looks so good, I can’t drink coffee, so I’ll give this a try.
Thanks so much for this post. My wife is “quitting” coffee, so I’m going to surprise her with this recipe. Dandelion is a chore to forage in Florida, and I’m not certain I could do it any other season than Spring – Looks like Mountain Rose Herbs has a new customer :)
Hi Colleen,
Love your newsletters. I actually have been doing dandelion/chicory for years. Sometimes I add burdock root. I roast all my roots, then grind and put into my camping coffee pot and brew just like you would coffee. It comes out great. I then add some blackstrap molasses and your good to go. I can’t do caffeine anymore so finding alternatives to coffee which I always loved but it doesn’t like me, is a blessing. I enjoy hot beverages in the fall too.Up here in eastern Wa, it gets chilly in fall. Best to you and yours., Jacqui