WHAT IS DANDELION COFFEE?

For starters, it's caffeine free. The manufacturers claim that it's made without the use of chemicals or preservatives. Dandelions are specially farmed, and when harvested the roots are air-dried, roasted and ground. Then fresh water is added to produce a liquid extract, to be finally combined with lactose, producing the soluble granules of dandelion coffee. The granules look pretty similar to normal coffee.

HEALTH BENEFITS

I did a bit of surreptitious googling for this, and noted that Demented Poo Woman from "You Are What You Eat" has a recipe to make it yourself:

http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsit es/Y/yawye/da ndelion.html

Other claims I found included:

- helps combat liver problems, kidney problems and digestion problems
- is a mild natural laxative, a constipation remedy, a blood purifier, and an ideal diuretic due to its richness in minerals (it contains potassium, calcium, sodium, also phosphorous, iron, nickel, cobalt, tin, copper and zinc)
- is suitable for a diabetic diet due to its inulin content.
The packaging also suggests that it's good for people with delicate digestions.

PRICE

I got mine from Holland & Barretts - 100g costs £2.39. As far as I know it's only really available in health food shops; you can check the manufacturers website for more details of your local stockist (web link given at end of review). To give you some idea of the other sizes too, here are the online prices from one store:

http://www.yourhealthfoodstore.co.uk/details.php/ p2437lanessymi ngtonsinstantdandelion_coffee.html

100g - £3.59
300g - £8.19
500g - £11.99

PACKAGING

It comes in a cylindrical container, with a foil top below the lid to keep it fresh. When the foil is removed, the coffee smells mildly of caramel, which as you will see makes sense.

HOW TO MAKE IT

To make a cup of dandelion coffee, use one or two teaspoonfuls, or more if desired. Add hot water and milk to taste. I personally think it needs the milk, although it's quite acceptable black. But I think milk helps to bring more of the flavour out. I use two good teaspoons full, which is necessary - you'll see why when we get to the taste.

TASTE

It's like weak instant coffee with a mild, pleasant taste of caramel. That pretty much sums it up for me; no flowery elaboration necessary! Once brewed, it's looks like normal coffee and smells mildly of ... you guessed it, caramel!

CONCLUSION

I really like this stuff, although it might not be to the taste of hardcore coffee drinkers. It might, however, be a good way to stagger your craving if you are drinking too much caffeine. With it being caffeine free, it makes the perfect evening drink, with apparent added health benefits. I'd definitely say give it a whirl if you've got an open mind to this kind of thing, although it isn't the cheapest drink around it has to be said.

MANUFACTURER CONTACT DETAILS

G.R.LANE HEALTH PRODUCTS LIMITED
Sisson Road
Gloucester
England
GL2 0GR

Tel: (01452) 524012
Fax: (01452) 507930

Internet
URL: www.laneshealth.com

E-Mail: info@laneshealth.com