The first thing you need to consider when heading out to gather dandelions is the environment you’re gathering from. Make sure they’re not growing anywhere that might be contaminated with chemicals or sprays. It’s always best to avoid roadsides, as these areas are often heavily sprayed.
I’m lucky enough to always have enough growing in my own yard this time of year to not have to worry about going anywhere else. If you live in a more urban area and don’t have your own yard to forage from, just make sure you know whether or not your foraging area is contaminant-free. You can always reach out to your local extension service for help if you need to. They’re a wealth of information for your community.
Once a dandelion patch has been located, simply pluck off the dandelion flower heads. You will need about two cups of petals for this recipe, so gather extra since all the green parts will be removed and discarded.
Note: I always try to leave plenty for our pollinator friends to enjoy.