Dandelion Jelly

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Dandelion Jelly is a golden, floral spread that captures the essence of springtime in a jar. Made from the sunny petals of common dandelions, this jelly has a light honey-like flavor with subtle herbal notes. It’s a fun and unique way to use edible flowers and makes a lovely homemade gift or addition to toast, biscuits, or tea-time treats.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

dandelion petals (only the yellow parts)waterlemon juicegranulated sugarsure-jell or another powdered pectin

directions

Collect fresh dandelion flowers from an area free of pesticides or chemicals.

Separate the yellow petals from the green parts to avoid bitterness.

Measure out the petals and place them in a pot with water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Remove from heat and let the mixture steep for several hours or overnight.

Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, discarding the petals.

Measure the infused liquid and pour it into a clean pot.

Add lemon juice and pectin, stirring to combine.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then add sugar and stir constantly.

Boil hard for 1-2 minutes or until the jelly reaches the desired consistency.

Ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch of headspace.

Seal with lids and process in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes.

Allow jars to cool and set at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 5 half-pint jars.Preparation time: 20 minutesSteeping time: 4-12 hoursCooking time: 15-20 minutesProcessing time: 5 minutesTotal time: 5-13 hours (including steeping)

Variations

Add a splash of vanilla extract for a floral vanilla twist.

Infuse the liquid with a cinnamon stick or fresh herbs like thyme or lavender for added depth.

Use orange juice instead of lemon for a citrusy variation.

Combine with other edible flower infusions like chamomile or violet for a custom blend.

storage/reheating

Store sealed jars of Dandelion Jelly in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 2-3 weeks.Reheat gently in the microwave or in a pan of warm water if the jelly thickens too much.

FAQs

Is it safe to eat dandelions?
Yes, as long as they come from an area free of pesticides or pollutants.

Why remove the green parts of the flower?
The green base can impart a bitter flavor, so only the yellow petals are used.

What does Dandelion Jelly taste like?
It has a mild, honey-like flavor with a delicate floral undertone.

Can I use liquid pectin instead?
Yes, but follow the instructions on the pectin package for best results.

Do I need to use lemon juice?
Yes, it adds acidity to help the jelly set and ensures food safety.

Can I skip the water bath canning?
If you plan to refrigerate and consume quickly, yes. For long-term storage, canning is recommended.

What if my jelly doesn’t set?
You can reboil it with additional pectin or use it as a syrup.

How long will it take to set?
Jelly usually sets within 24 hours, but sometimes may take a bit longer.

Can I freeze dandelion petals?
Yes, you can freeze petals for later use—just ensure they’re clean and dry.

Is this jelly good for gifts?
Absolutely! The golden color and unique flavor make it a charming homemade gift.

Conclusion

Dandelion Jelly is a whimsical and rewarding way to turn a humble wildflower into a gourmet treat. With its beautiful golden hue and subtly sweet flavor, it’s a unique addition to your pantry that captures the essence of spring in every spoonful. Perfect for gifting, spreading, or savoring by the spoonful, this jelly is a must-try for nature lovers and home canners alike.

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