There is more than one resident who may raise an eyebrow to recent efforts to revive the traditional Seward Dandelion Festival this spring. Hated weed or food of the Gods? The radiant dandelion has gotten bad press in Alaska as an invasive weed that is next to impossible to kill. Yet it is considered a delicacy by many Foodies, and for good reason, dandelions are highly nutritious.
The golden disks are loaded with trace minerals, which are just part of a package of some 64 nutrients and health-promoting substances which plant chemists have found. Dandelions contain more beta-carotene than carrots, more potassium than bananas, more lecithin than soybeans, more iron than spinach, and loads of Vitamins A, C, E, thiamin and riboflavin, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.
The Latin translation of its scientific name, Taraxacum officinale, means "official remedy for disorders." The Seward highway beautifier holds a strong reputation as a liver tonic, blood purifier, anemia arrester, vision improver, reducer of cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
"If you think you've never used dandelion as medicine, guess again. It's a prime ingredient in over half of all herb blends on the market, including formulas for weight loss, PMS, detoxification, and rejuvenation, along with liver, digestive, kidney and skin ailments!î says Joyce Wardwell in The Herbal Home Remedy Book. ìDandelion is such a wondrous source of minerals, vitamins, fiber, micronutrients, lecithin and biologically active substances that there is probably no existing condition that would not benefit from regularly consuming dandelions."
"Dandelion is one of the most complete plant foods on earth," suggests prominent herbalist Gregory Tilford. "All the vital nutrients are conveniently contained in a single source, in quantities that the body can easily process and fully absorb."
Italians have embraced dandelions and masked itís bitterness by serving it with breads and pastas, tomato-based sauces, sweet dressings, cheese, meats and condiments such as vinegar, lemon and garlic. Dandelions find their way into wine, homebrew, even soft drinks and lemonade. According to Dandelion Festival planners, dandelion cook-offs will be a key focal point in the Seward event, which is expected to be held in late May or early June.
"Growing dandelions for market is a $10 million a year industry and is growing." according Dr. Peter Gail, author of The Dandelion Celebration: A Guide to Unexpected Cuisine. Seward apparently has superior growing conditions for this controversial vegetable.
The Dandelion committee is looking for event venues, volunteers, and events ideas from anyone who smiles thinking of yellow pollen-kissed cheeks and angels wings floating on a childís breath. For more information, contact Marie Wagner at
dmea@netzero.net or 224-6471.
Marie Adds:
Plans are being made now for the Dandelion Festival to be held next spring in Seward. This year’s theme is “Celebrating the Bounty & Diversity of Nature”. The 3 day event planned for late May or early June will include seminars, workshops, demonstrations, a dandelion cook off, dandelion wine tasting, guided walks, music, art show, vendors and more. Some of the lecture topics might include edible wild plants, organic gardening, bird watching, insects & butterflies, herbicides & pesticides, food preservation, conservation, medicinal plants, weed pulls, plant identification, recycling. We are looking for individuals or groups who would like to participate in presentations or workshops to demonstrate various pioneer crafts such as candle making, bread making, soap making, toys, dolls, knitting, building log homes, de-mossing roofs, building for Alaska and so on.
There will be music and vendors from around the state. Some of the community partners that we have invited to participate are the National Park Service, Forest Service, Native Plant Society, garden clubs, Borough Extension Service, Alaskan wineries, Seniors, Youth, Native groups, Library, Chamber of Commerce, City of Seward, State of Alaska, Authors, Audubon Society, UAF, US EPA, artists and crafts people.
Currently we are seeking community input and assistance in selecting a date and location. Once that is established we can confirm our invitation to Dr. Peter Gail of Ohio, a prolific author, educator & entertainer. He is internationally known for his 43 years of research on how various cultures use backyard weeds for food & medicine. For more information on him you can check out www.edibleweeds.com and www.dandyblend.com
Any suggestions or planning assistance would be welcomed. This event is geared to Alaskans and timed to occur prior to the big influx of tourists. However, we will be promoting our festival not only throughout Alaska but in national publications. Please let us know your favorite national paper or magazine so that we may submit a notice in time for publication. Comments, questions and suggestions can be directed to Marie Wagner 224-6471 or dmea@netzero.net
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