Preserving dandelion flowers can be a great way to enjoy their unique flavor and nutritional benefits year-round. Freezing is a simple and effective method to keep dandelion flowers fresh for longer periods of time. By freezing dandelion flowers, you can have them on hand for use in recipes and teas whenever you want.
How do I lose weight without doing exercise?
Do you suffer with stubborn belly fat, that’s nearly impossible to shift no matter how much exercise you do?
Or perhaps you find it hard to follow a healthy diet because you simply feel too hungry and suffer with excessive cravings for sugar and carbs.
If this is the case, then you’re not alone.
In fact statistics show us that more than 1 in 3 adults in the US are considered to be overweight.
The main problem is that visceral fat that surrounds your belly puts a strain on your body, and can raise the risk of having high blood pressure or a heart attack.
When it comes to weight management, the most crucial factor in weight loss is calorie balance.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if you are gaining weight, you are consuming more calories than your body is using. Calories are crucial for managing your weight.
Whereas becoming skinny doesn’t also look very attractive, eating less and adopting a healthier lifestyle are the best strategies to reduce your calorie intake, while exercising is the best strategy to raise your calorie burning. That said, unless you’re aiming for an Olympic medal, taking a 20-minute walk regularly, or tending your flower garden is sufficient exercise unless you want to become a couch-potato.
Having more belly fat also means that you have some degree of insulin resistance, which can develop into type 2 diabetes if you don’t change your eating habits long term.
The good news is that there are certain herbs and natural remedies that can help you to burn fat around the belly area, by lowering certain hormones.
That being said, here are top 10 herbs & remedies that burn belly fat and support weight loss.
1. Turmeric & Black Pepper
One of the most powerful remedies to burn belly fat is turmeric with black pepper.
Turmeric is golden coloured spice and has been used for over 5000 years in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine.
This spice contains a natural ingredient called curcumin, which has been scientifically shown to support weight loss and fat burning by improving the flow of bile from your liver and gallbladder.
This digestive liquid helps break down your body fat whilst you are dieting or exercising, turning it into energy so you feel less hungry.
You can get turmeric in capsules with added black pepper.
Taking 2 of these per day helps to lower inflammation in your body, and speed up fat metabolism.
It’s important that you choose a brand which contains black pepper, as this increases the absorption of curcumin by 2000%
2. Raw Coconut Oil
The second remedy on our list is raw coconut oil. If you have ever tried to lose weight, but haven’t changed your cooking oils you may find it extremely difficult.
Regular vegetable oils like soy, canola, cottonseed and margarine cause inflammation in your liver and pancreas, making it very hard to lose weight.
However, switching to raw virgin coconut oil will supply medium chain fats that are easily broken down in the body and provide fuel directly to your cells.
I recommend cooking with raw coconut oil as it has a very high smoke point.
MCT’s in coconut oil reduce cravings naturally because they directly feed your cells with energy (ketones), making you feel more satisfied and less likely to cheat on your diet.
3. Green Tea
Next up is green tea. Green tea is one of the healthiest fat burning drinks on the planet, especially when it comes to burning stubborn belly fat.
If you often feel lethargic, tired and lacking energy when your following a diet or exercise plan, starting drinking 2-3 cups of matcha green tea per day.
The catechins called EGCG in green tea help your cells to burn body fat for fuel at 16% increased rate.
The subtle amounts of caffeine in green tea also stimulate your nervous system which increases the amount of calories you burn throughout the day.
4. Dandelion
Another excellent herb for weight loss is dandelion.
Dandelions are often considered to be a weed, but it turns out that it’s actually an extremely powerful herb with medicinal properties.
It contains a bitter compound called taraxacin, which stimulates the glands in your digestive system to release digestive juices.
Including bile from the gallbladder, saliva from the mouth, digestive enzymes from the pancreas and intestinal juices.
These all help you to digest foods that you eat, absorb nutrients and speed up the fat burning process.
On a side note, this herb is also loaded with potassium that helps to release trapped fluid retention in the body, and lowers inflammation.
5. Cinnamon.
Ceylon cinnamon is a delicious spice which you can purchase in powdered form or dried cinnamon sticks.
It’s often used for baking and cooking and has a beautiful aroma.
Eating cinnamon helps to lower your blood sugars, and allow fuel to enter your cells better by reducing the need for insulin in the body.
Insulin is the fat storage hormone, so whenever you want to lose weight, you need to focus on lowering this hormone.
Cinnamon’s powerful anti-oxidant properties help to lower insulin and inflammation so that your body can tap into its fat stores and burn them as a source of fuel.
6. Chromium
Now we will take a look at one of the most important and overlooked nutrients for burning fat.
Chromium. Chromium is a natural trace mineral and nutrient that rapidly helps to balance blood sugars when you’re trying to lose weight.
It’s excellent for anyone with belly fat, insulin resistance, diabetes or prediabetes.
You can take 1000mcg of chromium picolinate every single day to help reduce cravings because it helps your cells to accept fuel making you less hungry.
It also boosts glutathione, the master antioxidant made by your liver, which is important when flushing out toxins that may have been stored in your fat cells.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is very powerful for cleansing and burning fat.
Taking 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, mixed in a glass of water before each meal helps to improve digestion and burn off more calories.
Most people over the age of 30 suffer with some type of indigestion, such as GERD bloating or constipation which can lead to weight gain especially around the stomach.
When you consume apple cider vinegar, It brings the Ph. level of your stomach acids back down to their normal range between 1-3.
This normal acidity stimulates the release of bile and pancreatic enzymes which help you to absorb more nutrients from your food, burn more fat as a fuel, and flush out waste through the colon.
8. Black Seed Oil
Black seed oil is extracted from nigella sativa seeds and has been used in Asia for thousands of years for treating different health problems.
If you wish you can start taking a teaspoon of this in the morning, mixed in a glass of water.
You can even add this to your apple cider vinegar drink if you wish.
The active ingredient called thymoquinone has been shown to help activate beta cells in the pancreas to make insulin more sensitive.
This helps reduce the need to store extra body fat, and therefore helps in the elimination of fat around the stomach.
Black seed oil is labelled as “the cure of all but death” in some religions, which is fitting as it also has anti-cancer properties.
9. Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is a powerful liver cleansing herb.
If you have belly fat, this indicates that you also have a fatty liver.
What happens is, whenever you eat carbohydrates and junk foods your body turns them into blood sugars.
When there is too much sugar in the blood, the liver takes this excess sugar and converts it into fat.
Over time this fat builds up inside the liver, which then starts spilling over into the gut forming visceral and subcutaneous belly fat.
You can take freeze dried milk thistle 3 times per day to help detoxify your liver and help heal the liver cells from inflammation.
The silymarin compound in milk thistle helps you to lose belly fat by treating the underlying cause which is a fatty liver.
10. Rhodiola
The power of rhodiola cannot be underestimated.
If you feel stressed, anxious or tense then you may find it impossible to lose weight.
Mental stress and pressures stimulate the release of cortisol from your adrenal glands. This is a hormone which can cause you to gain weight, and feel more hungry.
Cortisol converts some of your muscle into sugar and fat, and commonly causes weight gain around the stomach, and cellulite around the legs.
To help manage stress, consider taking rhodiola daily.
This is an adaptogen herb which helps the body adapt to stress by balancing hormones.
After taking this for a few weeks you may notice that you’re getting better sleep, and you find it easier to manage stress with less cravings for sugar and junk foods.
Burning Fat at Maximum Potential
Now that you’re aware of some natural remedies that help you to burn fat, I want to share with you a few quick-fire tips on how to supercharge your body’s fat burning potential.
Firstly, you need to know that insulin is the main fat storage hormone, which you need to bring down if you want to burn off fat.
Cutting back on sugary foods, refined carbohydrates, and all grains will reduce insulin and therefore help your cells to burn fat as fuel.
Switching out refined carbs and eating more healthy fats from avocados, grass fed butter, raw coconut oil and olive oil will help you feel energized and satisfied after a meal.
Fasting between meals is important, because every time you eat or drink anything with calories you raise insulin, slowing down your weight loss.
Taking long and gentle walks in nature for 1 hour per day will calm down stress hormones and bring in more oxygen through your lungs to further improve fat burning.
Instead of focusing on calories in and calories out, focus on lowering insulin and you will soon notice that you know instinctually when to eat and when you are just eating emotionally.
In terms of exercise, high intensity interval training is the best way to burn fat, build muscle and keep the belly fat off long term.
If you still feel that you’re hungry all the time, make sure that you are getting enough omega-3 fats in your diet from shellfish and seafood like salmon, sardines along with pasture raised eggs and hormone-free red meat.
QUIZ:
My Weight Loss Transformation Started With This Strange Little Quiz…
Freezing dandelion flowers is a straightforward process that involves harvesting fresh blooms, cleaning them thoroughly, and then carefully placing them in airtight containers or freezer bags. By following a few simple steps, you can ensure that your frozen dandelion flowers retain their flavor and nutrients for months to come.
Whether you want to add dandelion flowers to salads, infuse them in oils, or brew them in teas, freezing is a convenient way to preserve their delicate petals. With the right preparation and storage, you can enjoy the taste and health benefits of dandelion flowers even when they are not in season.
Freezing Dandelion Flowers: A Step-by-Step Guide
When it comes to preserving dandelion flowers for later use, freezing can be a great option. The process of freezing dandelion flowers is simple and can help you enjoy these bright blooms even when they are out of season. Here is a step-by-step guide to freezing dandelion flowers.
1. Start by picking fresh dandelion flowers from a clean and pesticide-free area. Make sure to choose flowers that are fully bloomed and vibrant in color.
2. Once you have gathered the dandelion flowers, gently rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a paper towel or clean cloth.
3. Next, prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the dandelion flowers on the baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other.
4. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and allow the dandelion flowers to freeze for a few hours until they are completely solid.
5. Once the dandelion flowers are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to label the container with the date of freezing.
6. Store the frozen dandelion flowers in the freezer for up to 6 months. When you are ready to use them, simply remove the desired amount from the freezer and thaw them at room temperature before adding them to your dishes.
By following these simple steps, you can easily freeze dandelion flowers and enjoy their bright flavor and nutritional benefits throughout the year. Whether you want to add them to salads, soups, or teas, frozen dandelion flowers can be a versatile addition to your culinary creations.
Why Freeze Dandelion Flowers?
Freezing dandelion flowers is a great way to preserve their freshness and enjoy them later. Dandelion flowers can be used in various culinary creations, from teas and salads to desserts and cocktails. Freezing dandelion flowers allows you to have access to their vibrant color, delicate flavor, and nutritional benefits year-round.
When you freeze dandelion flowers, you are locking in their nutritional content. Dandelion flowers are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Freezing them preserves these nutrients, ensuring that you can enjoy their health benefits even after the flowers have been harvested.
Freezing dandelion flowers is also a convenient way to have them on hand whenever you need them. By freezing dandelion flowers in airtight containers or freezer bags, you can easily store them for future use. This way, you can enjoy the taste and benefits of dandelion flowers at any time of the year.
In addition to their culinary uses, frozen dandelion flowers can also be used for decorative purposes. You can use frozen dandelion flowers to add a touch of color and whimsy to drinks, desserts, or floral arrangements. The bright yellow petals of frozen dandelion flowers can brighten up any dish or table setting.
To freeze dandelion flowers, simply pick the flowers when they are fresh and vibrant, wash them thoroughly, and then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the flowers to a freezer-safe container or bag. Label the container with the date and use the frozen dandelion flowers within a few months for best quality. Enjoy the versatility and benefits of frozen dandelion flowers in your culinary and decorative endeavors!
| Benefits of Freezing Dandelion Flowers | How to Freeze Dandelion Flowers |
|---|---|
| Preserves freshness and flavor | Pick fresh flowers, wash, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container |
| Locks in nutrients and antioxidants | Store in airtight containers or freezer bags |
| Convenient for future use | Label containers with the date and use within a few months |
| Decorative and versatile | Enjoy in various culinary and decorative applications |
Preserving Dandelion’s Nutritional Value
Dandelions are not just pesky weeds; they are also incredibly nutritious plants that offer a variety of health benefits. If you have an abundance of dandelions in your garden or yard, you may be wondering how to preserve their nutritional value for future use. One way to do this is by freezing dandelion flowers.
When freezing dandelion flowers, it’s essential to start with fresh, vibrant blooms that have not wilted or started to turn brown. Pick the flowers early in the morning when they are at their freshest and most flavorful. Before freezing, make sure to clean the flowers thoroughly by rinsing them in cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
After cleaning the dandelion flowers, pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towel to remove excess moisture. Next, you can choose to freeze the flowers whole or separate the petals from the green sepals. To freeze the whole flower, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer and freeze for a few hours until they are firm. Once frozen, transfer the flowers to a freezer-safe container or bag for long-term storage.
If you prefer to separate the petals from the green sepals before freezing, gently remove the petals and discard the sepals. Spread the petals out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. Transfer the frozen petals to a freezer-safe container or bag for storage.
Freezing dandelion flowers is a great way to preserve their nutritional value for use in teas, salads, or other culinary creations. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the health benefits of dandelions all year round.
Using Frozen Dandelions in Recipes
When it comes to cooking with dandelions, freezing them can be a convenient way to preserve their freshness for later use. Frozen dandelions can be a versatile ingredient in various recipes, adding a unique and nutritious touch to your dishes.
One popular way to use frozen dandelions is in soups and stews. Simply thaw the frozen dandelions and add them to your favorite soup or stew recipe for an added burst of flavor and nutrition. Dandelions are known for their slightly bitter taste, which can complement the richness of a hearty soup or stew.
Another way to incorporate frozen dandelions into your cooking is by adding them to salads. Thawed dandelions can be a great addition to fresh green salads, providing a unique texture and flavor that can elevate the dish. You can mix them with other greens, nuts, seeds, and dressings to create a refreshing and nutritious salad.
Frozen dandelions can also be used in savory dishes such as stir-fries and pasta dishes. Simply sauté the thawed dandelions with other vegetables, proteins, and seasonings to create a flavorful and nutritious meal. The slightly bitter taste of dandelions can add depth to the dish and make it more interesting.
In conclusion, freezing dandelions can be a great way to preserve their freshness and use them in various recipes. Whether you choose to add them to soups, salads, or savory dishes, frozen dandelions can be a versatile ingredient that adds a unique touch to your cooking. Experiment with different recipes and enjoy the benefits of incorporating dandelions into your meals.
Convenience and Extended Shelf Life
Freezing dandelion flowers can be a convenient way to preserve them for later use while extending their shelf life. By freezing the flowers, you can ensure that you have a supply of fresh dandelion blooms on hand whenever you need them, regardless of the season. This method allows you to enjoy the health benefits and culinary versatility of dandelion flowers throughout the year.
When freezing dandelion flowers, it’s important to follow a few simple steps to ensure the best results. Start by harvesting fresh, vibrant flowers from a clean and pesticide-free area. Remove any stems or leaves attached to the flowers and give them a gentle rinse to remove any dirt or debris. Allow the flowers to dry completely before proceeding with the freezing process.
To freeze dandelion flowers, you can simply place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and put them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Once frozen, transfer the flowers to a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, frozen dandelion flowers can last for several months, maintaining their flavor and nutritional value.
Having a supply of frozen dandelion flowers on hand can make it easier to incorporate them into your cooking and baking. You can add frozen dandelion flowers to smoothies, salads, soups, and teas, or use them to make dandelion-infused oils, vinegars, or syrups. By freezing dandelion flowers, you can enjoy their unique taste and health benefits at any time, making them a convenient and versatile ingredient to have in your kitchen.
How to Freeze Dandelion Flowers
If you have an abundance of dandelion flowers and want to preserve them for later use, freezing them is a great option. Freezing dandelion flowers allows you to enjoy their vibrant color and unique flavor even when they are out of season. Here is a simple guide on how to freeze dandelion flowers effectively.
First, you need to gather fresh dandelion flowers. Choose flowers that are fully bloomed and free from any blemishes or pests. It’s best to pick the flowers in the morning when they are at their freshest.
Once you have collected the dandelion flowers, gently rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean towel to ensure they are clean and ready for freezing.
Next, you can decide whether you want to freeze the whole flowers or just the petals. If you prefer to freeze the whole flowers, carefully trim the stems to about 1-2 inches in length. If you want to freeze just the petals, gently remove them from the base of the flower.
For freezing, you can either spread the dandelion flowers on a baking sheet in a single layer or place them in airtight containers or freezer bags. Make sure to label the containers with the date so you can keep track of when the flowers were frozen.
Finally, place the dandelion flowers in the freezer and allow them to freeze for several hours or until completely frozen. Once frozen, you can use the flowers in soups, salads, teas, or other recipes as desired. Enjoy the taste of summer dandelions all year round with this simple freezing method.
Harvesting and Cleaning Dandelion Flowers
Dandelion flowers are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to teas. To ensure that your dandelion flowers are fresh and ready for use, it is important to properly harvest and clean them.
When harvesting dandelion flowers, look for plants that are free from pesticides and other chemicals. Choose flowers that are fully bloomed and vibrant in color, as these will have the most flavor. Use scissors or garden shears to cut the flowers, leaving about an inch of stem attached.
Once you have harvested your dandelion flowers, it is important to clean them thoroughly to remove any dirt, bugs, or other contaminants. Fill a bowl with cold water and gently swish the flowers around to loosen any debris. You can also soak the flowers in water for a few minutes to help remove any stubborn dirt.
After cleaning the flowers, lay them out on a clean towel to dry. Once they are dry, you can use them immediately in your cooking or freeze them for later use. Freezing dandelion flowers is a great way to preserve them for use throughout the year in various recipes.
By following these simple steps, you can harvest and clean dandelion flowers to ensure that they are fresh, flavorful, and ready for use in your favorite dishes. Enjoy the nutritional benefits and unique flavor of dandelion flowers in your cooking today!
Conclusion
Blanching dandelion flowers is a simple and effective way to preserve their freshness and vibrant color. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your dandelion flowers retain their nutritional value and flavor for future use. Here is a summary of the key points to remember:
- Blanching helps to preserve the color, texture, and flavor of dandelion flowers.
- Blanching involves quickly boiling the flowers in water, then cooling them in ice water.
- After blanching, dandelion flowers can be stored in the freezer for future use in salads, soups, or other dishes.
- Properly blanched dandelion flowers can last for several months in the freezer without losing their quality.
Dandelion greens… in the HarvestRight Freeze Dryer!
FAQ
Can you freeze dandelions?
Don’t know. Planned on starting a pot of dandelions to harvest the flowers myself, and freeze them until I have enough for a gallon. Just be sure you’re pulling flowers from areas that haven’t been sprayed with chemicals. You don’t want to drink wine spiked with weed killer. Ale’s What Cures You! You can definitely freeze the petals.
How do you store dandelion leaves?
Store loosely in an airtight container. Dehydrating: Lay flat in a single layer on a dehydrator try and dry until wilted. Dandelion Leaves – you can freeze or dehydrate the leaves for future use. Freezing: Rinse and trim the leaves. Give the leaves a quick blanch in boiling water for two minutes.
How do you Dry dandelion flowers?
The simplest option is to dry the flowers, which will keep them looking their best for a longer period of time. To dry dandelion flowers, start by tying them together in small bunches. Next, hang them upside down in a dark, dry place for 2-3 weeks.
How do you eat dandelion flowers?
1. Eating Dandelions Whether using the fresh leaves for a salad or added to your favorite cooked dish. The flowers can be boiled and then sautéed in a frying pan with your choice of seasoning. You can even make fritters out of dandelion flowers by dipping them in a tasty batter mix before deep frying them in oil.
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