Dandelions

Describing dandelions as "edible" is misleading. The term suggests that they should only be eaten in survival situations. (Would you ever describe spinach, or cheese, or pork, as simply "edible"?)

In reality, dandelions are a treasured leafy green in several European cuisines. They even have an entry in Larousse. Some excerpts from that article:

• "the English name is derived from the alternative French name dent-de-lion (literally 'lion's tooth', referring to its serrated leaves)"
  
• "Wild dandelion leaves should be picked before the plant has flowered..., when they are small and sweet." This line confuses me a bit. While our dandelion leaves are definitely better when small and tender, I find that they still have a pronounced (but pleasing) bitterness. I have never tasted a dandelion leaf I would describe as sweet. Perhaps we have a different variety than the Europeans?
  
• "In salads, dandelions are traditionally accompanied by diced bacon and garlic-flavoured croutons..., hard-boiled eggs or walnuts.

I love dandelions because they are one of the first weeds to pop up after the snow melts. The bacon-dandelion salad mentioned in Larousse has become a cherished springtime lunch in my kitchen.