Nutritional Analysis And Cultivation Standardisation Of Taraxacum Officinale: Unlocking The Potential Of Ladakh's Underutilized Wild Vegetable

Abstract

Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) is a traditionally consumed wild vegetable in Ladakh, yet its nutritional potential and cultivation feasibility remain underexplored. This study aimed to standardize the cultivation of T. officinale under cold-arid conditions and assess its nutritional profile in comparison with spinach (Spinacia oleracea). Seeds collected from wild populations were subjected to cold stratification (0–4°C for two months) to overcome dormancy, enabling successful germination and establishment under greenhouse conditions. Plants exhibited rapid adaptability, with yields averaging 1.5 kg/m² and the potential for two harvests per season. Nutritional analysis of dried leaves revealed significantly higher protein (7494.68 mg/100 g), ash (12,070.6 mg/100 g), iron (6.84 mg/100 g), manganese (4.22 mg/100 g), and calcium (112.25 mg/100 g) contents compared with spinach, while phosphorus and potassium levels were comparatively lower. The findings highlight dandelion’s role as a nutrient-dense, culturally relevant food that can address micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron-deficiency anaemia among women and children in Ladakh. Standardized cultivation in kitchen gardens and protected environments offers a sustainable approach to dietary diversification, food sovereignty, and nutritional security in highaltitude cold deserts.