Description
This Dandelion Honey recipe transforms fresh dandelion petals into a delicious, natural floral syrup that resembles honey in taste and texture. Using simple ingredients like dandelion petals, water, lemon juice, and sugar, this homemade honey alternative captures the essence of spring blooms and adds a unique sweetness to teas, desserts, and breakfast dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 cups dandelion flower heads (just the yellow petals, no green parts)
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 ½ to 2 cups granulated sugar (adjust to desired thickness and sweetness)
Instructions
- Prepare the dandelions: Collect fresh, pesticide-free dandelion flowers. Rinse them gently under cool water and let them dry completely. Carefully pluck the yellow petals from the green base, as the green parts can impart bitterness to the final product.
- Make the infusion: In a medium saucepan, combine the yellow dandelion petals with 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes to extract the floral flavors.
- Steep: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Cover the pot and allow the petals to steep in the hot water for 6 to 24 hours. Steeping for longer periods enhances the flavor intensity of the infusion.
- Strain: After steeping, strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove all petals and solids. Press the petals to extract as much liquid and flavor as possible. Discard the strained petals.
- Make the “honey”: Return the strained dandelion-infused liquid to the saucepan. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and between 1 ½ to 2 cups granulated sugar, adjusting the sugar quantity to reach your preferred sweetness and thickness. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 to 60 minutes. Stir occasionally until the syrup thickens to a honey-like consistency; remember it will thicken further as it cools.
- Cool & store: Allow the dandelion honey to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it to sterilized glass jars with lids. Store in a cool, dark place or refrigerate for longer shelf life. Use as a sweetener for teas, drizzles on pancakes, or in baking recipes.
Notes
- Ensure dandelion flowers are harvested from pesticide-free areas for safety.
- Removing the green parts of the flowers is crucial to avoid bitterness.
- The thickness of the honey depends on simmering time; longer cooking creates a thicker syrup.
- Store the honey in sterilized jars to keep it fresh and prevent spoilage.
- The infusion steeping time can range widely; extended steeping enhances flavor but can be adjusted to taste.
- Dandelion honey is a great natural alternative for those seeking a floral and unique sweetener.
