Delightful Dandelion Jelly Recipe
Ever thought about transforming those sunny dandelions into a delightful jelly? This dandelion jelly recipe showcases the sweet, floral notes of dandelions, making it a unique and delightful spread for your morning toast or as a gift for friends.
Sure, it may sound unconventional, but trust me, this jelly has a taste that’s reminiscent of honey with a subtle floral essence. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the beauty and bounty of nature right from your backyard!
This jelly is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s also a conversation starter. Imagine the surprise on your friends’ faces when you share that the beautiful yellow flowers they see in their gardens can be turned into a luscious jelly!
A Sweet Twist with Dandelion Jelly
Transforming dandelions into jelly may sound unconventional, yet this vibrant spread is surprisingly delightful. The sweet, floral notes offer a unique flavor reminiscent of honey, adding a whimsical touch to your breakfast or afternoon tea. Perfect for enjoying on toasted bread or as a complement to biscuits, dandelion jelly brings a cheerful essence to your kitchen.
The Process of Making Dandelion Jelly
Creating dandelion jelly involves a few simple steps that yield a bright and delicious result.
Begin by preparing the dandelion flowers, ensuring only the yellow petals are used to harness their beautiful flavor.
Next, steep these flowers in boiling water, allowing their essence to infuse the liquid for a day, setting the stage for a wonderful jelly.
Straining and Cooking the Jelly
After steeping, the next step is to strain the mixture to extract the dandelion tea.
This key process reveals the aromatic liquid that will soon be transformed into jelly.
Combining the tea with lemon juice and fruit pectin, the mixture is brought to a rolling boil, where the magic truly happens.
Jarring the Flavors
Once the mixture reaches a boil, granulated sugar is added, creating a luscious sweetness that balances the floral notes.
Cook the concoction for just a couple of minutes to achieve the right thickness, then pour it into sterilized jars for storage.
This final step seals in the flavors, ensuring that each jar captures the essence of sunny dandelions.
Storage and Enjoyment
After allowing the jars to cool, store them in a cool, dark place to preserve their vibrant color and flavor until you’re ready to use them.
Each jar represents not only a delightful treat but also a celebration of nature’s bounty.
Spread the joy by sharing your homemade dandelion jelly with friends, sparking conversations about the wonders that can be created from backyard flowers.
Nutrition and Serving Ideas
With just 50 calories per tablespoon, dandelion jelly is a guilt-free indulgence that pairs well with various dishes.
Use it to enhance breakfast pancakes, or serve it alongside cheese platters for a unique twist.
This jelly not only adds flavor but also brings an element of surprise and delight to your culinary creations.
A Sweet Twist with Dandelion Jelly
This dandelion jelly is a vibrant and aromatic spread with a sweet, floral flavor that’s perfect for slathering on bread, biscuits, or pancakes. The jelly is bright in color and offers a gentle sweetness, making it an excellent addition to your pantry.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dandelion flowers, yellow parts only
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (like Sure-Jell)
- 5 cups granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Dandelions: Rinse the dandelion flowers thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or insects. Remove the green parts and use only the yellow petals.
- Make Dandelion Tea: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the dandelion petals and boil for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep for 24 hours.
- Strain the Liquid: After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to extract the dandelion tea. You should have about 3 cups of liquid.
- Cook the Jelly: Return the dandelion tea to the pot, and add the lemon juice and fruit pectin. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Once boiling, add the granulated sugar all at once and stir to dissolve.
- Boil and Jar: Bring the mixture back to a rapid boil and cook for 1-2 minutes. Test for thickness, then pour into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace. Seal the jars with lids and process in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes.
- Cool and Store: Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature. Store in a cool, dark place until ready to use.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 24 hours 25 minutes (includes steeping time)
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 5 half-pint jars
- Calories: 50 kcal per tablespoon
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g