The Roots and Foundation of Kilbarron Castle

Did you know that you can eat the leaves of the Dandelion! This commonly found plant seen growing on the verges of roads and laneways has traditionally had a bad press. As children we were told that the dandelion flower stem sap if touched would make you pee in bed and we made sure that we kept well away! Strangely, later we could attempt to tell the time by blowing the Dandelion seeds from the stem without any nocturnal danger!
The Dandelion plant is entirely edible, the roots can be used to make a coffee (more on that later). The leaves, stalks and even flowers (though they are less tasty) can be used to make a delicious fresh salad. Dandelion leaves taste slightly bitter (similar to arugula or rocket), and are best cultivated March – June.
This and other information on what wild plants are edible and what you can make with them will be demonstrated by Ursula Schloer at the Kilbarron Castle & Church Conservation Group Heritage week event on Sunday 17th August at the Mícheál Ó Cléirigh Primary School at Creevy, some two miles from Ballyshannon on the road to Rossnowlagh. Starts at 2.30pm and all events are free of charge.