Dandelion is a bright golden-flowered plant with a deep, earthy taproot and tender green leaves, prized for its bittersweet, slightly nutty flavour in teas, roasted root blends, culinary dishes and beverages. At Austral Herbs, we supply it as certified organic and wildcrafted root, leaf and flowers, in bulk pack sizes from 250g to 10kg.
Dandelion
Premium Dandelion Australia
Key Takeaways
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Our dandelion range spans root, leaf and flowers across multiple variants: whole root, roasted root, root powder, leaf, flowers and tea cut.
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Dandelion root has a long history of traditional use, where it has been associated with digestion and liver support, though evidence remains limited[1].
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It suits culinary kitchens, tea and beverage manufacturers, food manufacturers and the wellness and naturopathy trade.
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The range includes Certified Organic (ACO) dandelions alongside wildcrafted, non-certified variants, so you can choose the certification level your product needs.
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Every variant is available in flexible pack sizes from 250g through to 10kg, from small batches to large-scale production.
Dandelion Specifications & Characteristics
| Attribute | Details |
| Botanical Name | Taraxacum officinale (family Asteraceae) |
| Common Name | Dandelion |
| Plant Part | Root, Leaf, Flower |
| Available Variants | Whole root, roasted root, root powder, leaf, flowers, tea cut |
| Flavour Profile | Earthy and bittersweet, with a roasted, slightly nutty depth in the roasted root and a green, leafy bitterness in the leaf |
| Aroma | Earthy and rooty, turning warm, toasty and coffee-like once roasted |
| Typical Applications | Herbal teas, roasted root coffee alternatives, beverage blends, culinary dishes, naturopathic blends |
| Certifications | Certified Organic (ACO) on the organic range, processed under HACCP food-safety standards; the range also includes wildcrafted, non-certified variants Organic and wildcrafted options available
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| Pack Sizes | 250g, 500g, 1kg, 5kg, 10kg |
What is Dandelion
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a flowering herb in the Asteraceae family, recognised by its bright yellow flower heads, jagged-toothed leaves and a sturdy taproot. It is native to Europe and Asia, and now grows widely across temperate regions around the world, including Australia. Every part of the plant has a use: the root, the leaf and the flower each bring their own flavour and qualities.
Dandelion has a long history of traditional use, particularly the root, which has historically been associated with digestion and liver support[1-1]. It also contains naturally occurring compounds that have drawn interest in research into its food and health applications[2], though such evidence remains limited and results have been mixed.
Benefits of Dandelion
Dandelion has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for centuries and is associated with several potential health benefits, though individual results may vary and professional guidance is recommended.
Digestive Support
Traditionally, dandelion root has been used to support healthy digestion and digestive function.
Liver Health
Traditional use and some research suggest dandelion root may help support normal liver function, although further human studies are needed.
Antioxidant Properties
Dandelion contains naturally occurring polyphenols and other antioxidant compounds that have been studied for their potential to help protect against oxidative stress.
Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using dandelion, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have an underlying health condition.
What Industries Can Dandelion Be Used In?
Tea blenders rely on dandelion leaf, roasted root and flowers as both base and accent ingredients in herbal infusions. The roasted root brings a smooth, coffee-like depth, while the leaf contributes a clean, green bitterness that balances sweeter botanicals. The tea cut is sized for even extraction, making it well suited to teabag and loose-leaf production where consistency matters.
Food manufacturers incorporate dandelion root powder and roasted root into baked goods, snack blends and flavour bases where an earthy, slightly bitter note is wanted. The powder mixes cleanly into dry formulations and doughs, while the roasted root adds depth to savoury and chocolate-adjacent recipes. Consistent particle size and reliable supply make it straightforward to scale into production runs.
Chefs use dandelion leaf and flowers to add a green, vegetal bitterness and a splash of golden colour to salads, sautés and garnishes. The leaf works much like a bitter salad green, while the flowers add visual appeal and a delicate floral note. Roasted roots can also be ground into rubs and finishing blends for a deeper, earthy flavour profile.
Naturopaths and wellness brands draw on dandelion root and leaf for the traditional botanical blends they formulate and supply. The root is a familiar component of bitters and tonic-style blends, while the leaf features in herbal tea formulations. Available as whole, cut and powdered variants, it slots easily into capsules, loose blends and bespoke formulations.
Beverage manufacturers use roasted dandelion root and root powder to build caffeine-free coffee alternatives, root-based lattes and bittersweet functional drinks. The roasted root delivers a rich, toasty flavour that stands in for coffee without the caffeine. Powdered variants dissolve and disperse readily, making them practical for instant blends, concentrates and ready-to-drink recipes at scale.
Craft makers use dandelion flowers and leaves for natural dyeing, botanical soaps and candles, and decorative projects. The golden flowers add soft yellow tones and a rustic, botanical look to handmade soaps, pressed-flower art and potpourri, while the dried leaf and root add earthy texture to natural craft blends.
Shop Our Dandelion Collection
Our dandelion collection covers root, leaf and flower across certified organic and wildcrafted variants. Choose the variant and certification level that suits your product and production scale.
Lightly Roasted Dandelion Root Organic
A gentler roast that keeps more of the root's natural earthiness while adding a soft, toasty warmth, this certified organic variant suits tea blends and milder coffee alternatives where you want depth without a heavy roasted edge.
Dandelion Root Roasted
A wildcrafted, full-roast dandelion root with a rich, coffee-like depth, this is the workhorse choice for caffeine-free coffee alternatives and roasted root teas produced at volume.
Dandelion Tea Organic
A certified organic dandelion tea cut sized for even extraction, ready to blend straight into teabag and loose-leaf products that call for a clean, green dandelion flavour.
Dandelion Root Powder
A finely milled wildcrafted root powder that disperses easily, ideal for capsules, instant beverage blends and dry food formulations where a smooth, consistent texture is needed.
Dandelion Root
Unroasted, wildcrafted whole dandelion root with a raw, earthy profile, well suited to decoctions, traditional bitter blends and any recipe that starts from the root in its natural state.
Dandelion Root Roasted Organic Powder
A certified organic roasted root in powder form, combining a toasty, coffee-like depth with the convenience of a ready-to-disperse powder for instant lattes, concentrates and beverage bases.
Roasted Dandelion Root Organic
A certified organic full-roast root with a deep, toasty flavour, this is the organic answer to a caffeine-free coffee alternative and roasted root tea range.
Dandelion Root Organic Powder
A certified organic roasted root in powder form, combining a toasty, coffee-like depth with the convenience of a ready-to-disperse powder for instant lattes, concentrates and beverage bases.
Dandelion Root Organic
Whole, unroasted certified organic dandelion root in its natural state, a versatile starting point for decoctions, bitters and traditional root blends.
Dandelion Leaf
Wildcrafted cut dandelion leaf with a green, leafy bitterness, suited to herbal tea blends and culinary uses that want the brightness of the leaf rather than the depth of the root.
Dandelion Leaf Organic
The certified organic dandelion leaf, carrying the same clean, vegetal bitterness for tea blenders and wellness brands that need an organic leaf ingredient.
Dandelion Flowers Organic
Certified organic dandelion flowers bring golden colour and a delicate floral note, ideal for decorative tea blends, infused recipes and garnishes that want visual lift.
Dandelion / Chicory Root Roasted Organic
A certified organic roasted blend of dandelion and chicory root, pre-combined for that classic caffeine-free coffee flavour, ready to use straight in coffee alternative and roasted beverage products.
Frequently Asked Questions
A certified organic roasted blend of dandelion and chicory root, pre-combined for that classic caffeine-free coffee flavour, ready to use straight in coffee alternative and roasted beverage products.
They come from the same plant but serve different purposes. The root is earthy and bittersweet, deepening to a coffee-like richness when roasted, and is used for teas and beverage blends. The leaf is greener and more vegetal, working well as a bitter salad green and in herbal tea blends.
How should dandelions be stored?
Keep dandelions in a cool, dry, dark place in a sealed container. Heat, moisture and light gradually break down the natural compounds, flavour and aroma, while moisture can also encourage clumping and spoilage. When stored correctly, dandelions can hold their quality for far longer.
What is the difference between your organic and wildcrafted dandelion?
Our certified organic dandelion is grown and processed to certified organic standards, which include restrictions on synthetic pesticides and fertilisers and independent auditing for compliance. Although our wildcrafted range is not certified organic, they are fully traceable, handled under the same strict HACCP food-safety standards, and meet our highest quality benchmarks.
Is dandelion safe to use in food and beverages?
Dandelion has a long history of use as a culinary ingredient and in teas and beverages, and our range is supplied as a raw food ingredient processed under HACCP-certified food-safety standards. As the manufacturer, you remain responsible for ensuring your finished product meets all applicable Australian food standards and regulations.
What pack size should I order for commercial use?
We recommend matching the pack size to your production scale: 250g and 500g suit recipe testing and small batches, while 1kg, 5kg and 10kg are better for ongoing production runs. All variants are available across the full 250g to 10kg range, so you can scale up as demand grows.
Pairs Well With
Rosehip
The bright, tart acidity of rosehip cuts through the natural bitterness of dandelion leaf, creating a vivid, well-balanced herbal tea blend with subtle fruity notes.
Burdock
Earthy burdock is the classic partner to dandelion root. Together they form the traditional dandelion-and-burdock pairing, a grounding, deeply bittersweet flavour profile that has anchored that blend for generations.
Chamomile
Gentle, apple-like chamomile flowers soften dandelion's robust, green edge, and the sweet floral notes create a smooth, mellow infusion that rounds out the blend.
Chicory
Chicory pairs seamlessly with roasted dandelion root, amplifying the rich, dark, smoky notes to create a caffeine-free, coffee-style blend that stands up well to milk and sweeteners.
Lemon Balm
The bright, citrus notes of lemon balm lift the deep, green taste of dandelion leaf, resulting in a refreshing, clean-tasting herbal brew well suited to a morning cup.
Liquorice
Naturally sweet liquorice root provides a rich, lingering sweetness that counterbalances dandelion's bitterness, creating a harmonious blend without any added sugar.
Footnotes
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Dandelion: Health Benefits, Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dandelion-health-benefits
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New Perspectives on the Effect of Dandelion, Its Food and Health Applications. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9002813/
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Any references to traditional or historical uses are for context only and do not represent any therapeutic claims for the products supplied by Austral Herbs. Austral Herbs supplies ingredients only and does not claim that any products are intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Customers should consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any ingredients, particularly if pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or managing a medical condition. Customers are responsible for ensuring that any finished products manufactured, marketed, or supplied using these ingredients comply with all applicable Australian laws and regulations, including those administered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and relevant food standards legislation.