Description
A delightful homemade dandelion honey recipe that captures the floral essence of fresh dandelion petals into a sweet, syrupy treat. Perfect as a natural sweetener or drizzle for teas, toast, and desserts, this infusion blends the bright flavors of lemon and optional vanilla for added depth.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh dandelion petals (only the yellow petals, discard the green parts)
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional Add-ins
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (for added brightness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dandelions: Collect pesticide-free dandelion flowers and gently pluck only the yellow petals, discarding the green parts to avoid bitterness.
- Make the Infusion: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the dandelion petals, remove from heat, cover, and let steep for about 12 hours or overnight to extract floral flavors.
- Strain the Liquid: After steeping, strain the petals using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to separate the infused water from the petals.
- Cook the Syrup: Return the infused water to the pot, bring it to a simmer over medium heat, then stir in the sugar and lemon juice. Let it simmer for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to syrup consistency.
- Optional Add-ins: Near the end of cooking, stir in lemon zest and vanilla extract if using, to enhance flavor depth.
- Cool & Store: Remove the pot from heat, allow the syrup to cool, then transfer into an airtight jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Notes
- Use only the yellow petals of dandelions to avoid bitterness from the green parts.
- Ensure dandelions are freshly picked from pesticide-free areas for safety.
- Steeping overnight allows maximum flavor extraction.
- Syrup thickness can be adjusted by simmering longer or shorter depending on preference.
- The honey-like syrup is not a true honey but a floral sweetener ideal for teas and desserts.
- Store the syrup refrigerated and consume within one month for best quality.
