Roots ~ autumn’s bounty

Autumn means time to dig roots. This is the time of year when my herbaceous perennials start dying off, sending their energy into the roots. With perennials and first year biennials, this is the best time for harvesting them.

Which roots can I harvest? Dandelion, valerian, marshmallow, elecampane, withania/ashwagandha, angelica, Panax ginseng and more.

What can I do with them? After digging them, you need to scrub them well.
🌱In the case of dandelion, you can roast to make 'coffee' (tasty with some salt in the brew, I kid you not!).
🌱If you have experience, you can tincture them in vodka (best under a trained herbalist as they will be aware of interactions with medications and contraindications).
🌱Some, like burdock, have been used traditionally in soups or stews.
🌱Others can be put into honey for preserving and it may make it tastier too.
🌱Marshmallow is one that is often made into a glyceract and can be easily made into a syrup with sugar. Sugar is a great preserver, much better than honey. This is the source of the original marshmallows.

The wonderful dandelion