Description
Dandelion Syrup is a delightful, floral syrup crafted from fresh dandelion petals, offering a gentle honey-like sweetness with delicate earthy undertones. Perfect for drizzling over pancakes, yogurt, or ice cream, or enhancing your tea, this homemade syrup is a unique way to enjoy the benefits of wild edible flowers.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups dandelion petals (yellow parts only, no green base)
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cups granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Petals: Rinse the dandelion petals gently to remove any dirt or insects, ensuring you only use the yellow parts without the green base.
- Infuse the Petals: In a saucepan, combine the petals and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to extract the flowers’ essence.
- Steep the Mixture: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture steep for 1–2 hours, or overnight if you prefer a stronger floral flavor.
- Strain the Liquid: Strain the infused liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing down to extract all the liquid. Discard the used petals.
- Add Lemon and Sugar: Return the strained liquid to the saucepan, stir in the lemon juice and granulated sugar.
- Simmer to Thicken: Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup thickens slightly—remember it will thicken more as it cools.
- Store the Syrup: Pour the finished syrup into sterilized jars, allowing it to cool completely before sealing and storing in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Harvest dandelions only from pesticide-free areas to ensure safety and purity.
- The syrup can be refrigerated and stored for up to 2 months.
- For a warm, spiced variation, add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves during the simmering process.