Dandelion greens are a leafy green with 45 kcal and 3.5 g fiber per 100 g. Bitter when raw, mild when cooked, they're eaten across Mediterranean, Korean, and Appalachian cuisines. Like most cruciferous and bitter greens, the key is volume — a 100 g serving is calorie-free on a practical tracking level. Pair with olive oil to soften the bitter notes.
How should I track Dandelion greens, raw?
Dandelion greens, raw is a good source of iron. For consistent tracking of Dandelion greens, raw, weigh it raw. Cooking method changes both weight and calorie density — steaming barely changes anything, but roasting with oil or frying can double the calories. A systematic review (Whitton et al., Adv Nutr 2022) found vegetables are omitted from food logs 2–85% of the time, often because people assume they are "free" calorically. While most vegetables are indeed low-calorie, the fats added during cooking are not. Log the oil, butter, or dressing separately to keep your tracking accurate.