In the name of BYC Science, I have now poured myself a little cup of dandelion root "coffee"....
after the terrible time with the greens, I must say this is drinkable. Mostly, it smells good, somewhat nutty/chocolatey. Ok, definitely something to add to the list of Zombie Prep Skills. edited to add: this bitter aftertaste is really growing. ick.
But I'm texting DH to pick up the best stuff he can find on the way home. I'll just have to drink more herbal teas. I believe I'll dig out the old drip machine and use it just to keep a pot of my herbal tea hot all morning, and another in the afternoon.