Oh my goodness, have you ever thought about the incredible flavor and charm of Dandelion Jelly with Chamomile? It’s such a unique combination that totally transforms the ordinary into something extraordinary! Dandelion flowers bring a gentle sweetness, while chamomile adds that delightful floral note that’s just so comforting. Trust me, making your own jelly is not only satisfying, but it also allows you to control the ingredients and flavors—plus, there’s something magical about capturing the essence of spring in a jar!
This jelly is perfect for spreading on toast, drizzling over desserts, or even just enjoying by the spoonful! Seriously, once you taste it, you’ll understand why I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. Let’s dive into the delicious world of homemade dandelion jelly and get those jars ready for some sweet, sunny goodness!
Ingredients for Dandelion Jelly with Chamomile
Alright, let’s gather everything we need to create this delightful jelly! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups fresh dandelion flowers (Make sure to pick them on a sunny day for the best flavor!)
- 1 cup fresh chamomile flowers (Look for those little white petals and yellow centers; they’re wonderful!)
- 4 cups water (Just plain old water will do the trick!)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (Freshly squeezed for that zing!)
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (This helps our jelly set up nice and firm.)
- 5 cups granulated sugar (I know, it sounds like a lot, but trust me, it balances the flavors perfectly!)
Make sure your ingredients are fresh for the best results—especially those lovely flowers! Now, let’s get ready to make some jelly magic!
How to Prepare Dandelion Jelly with Chamomile
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and dive into the fun part—making the jelly! Follow these steps, and you’ll have jars of sunshine in no time!
Step 1: Gather the Flowers
First things first, let’s head outside to gather our dandelion and chamomile flowers! When you’re picking dandelions, look for those bright yellow blooms that are fully open—they’re the sweetest! For chamomile, you want those lovely little flowers with white petals and yellow centers. It’s best to pick them in the morning after the dew has dried for maximum flavor. Just be sure to avoid any flowers that are near busy roads or treated with chemicals. Freshness is key, so try to use your flowers the same day you pick them!
Step 2: Boil the Flowers
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil, then toss in your dandelion and chamomile flowers. Let them simmer for about 10 minutes. This is where the magic happens! The flowers will release their lovely flavors and aromas into the water. Give it a gentle stir occasionally to help with the extraction. You’ll know it’s ready when the water takes on a beautiful golden hue!
Step 3: Strain the Mixture
Once the flowers have steeped, it’s time to strain the mixture. Grab a fine mesh strainer or a cheesecloth and place it over a bowl or another pot. Carefully pour the flower-infused liquid through the strainer, letting it catch all the lovely solids. I like to press down gently on the flowers with a spatula to extract every last drop of that delicious liquid. You’ll be left with a clear, fragrant infusion that’s just waiting to become jelly!
Step 4: Add Lemon Juice and Pectin
Now, take your strained liquid and return it to the pot. Stir in 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice and the package of fruit pectin. This combination is what will help our jelly set nicely. Make sure to mix it well, so there are no lumps of pectin. You want to create a smooth base for your jelly!
Step 5: Boil and Mix in Sugar
Next up, bring the mixture back to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling away, carefully stir in the 5 cups of granulated sugar. I know, it seems like a lot, but trust me, it balances out the floral flavors beautifully! Keep stirring until the sugar dissolves completely, and then let it boil for an additional 1–2 minutes. You want to ensure everything is well combined and that the mixture is nice and hot!
Step 6: Final Boil and Pour
Alright, we’re almost there! After the last boil, it’s time to pour your jelly into sterilized jars. Make sure your jars are hot to avoid cracking—just pop them in the oven or run them through the dishwasher before use. Carefully ladle the hot jelly into each jar, leaving a little bit of space at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars to ensure a good seal, then screw on the lids tightly. Let them cool at room temperature, and soon you’ll have beautiful jars of Dandelion Jelly with Chamomile ready to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick to prepare—just about 45 minutes from start to finish!
- The unique floral flavor of dandelion and chamomile will surprise and delight your taste buds.
- Using fresh, foraged ingredients makes it an eco-friendly choice.
- Dandelions are packed with vitamins and nutrients, making this jelly a surprisingly healthy treat!
- Chamomile adds a calming effect, making this jelly perfect for soothing moments.
- It’s a fantastic conversation starter at brunch or tea parties; everyone will want to know your secret!
- Homemade jelly makes a thoughtful gift—who wouldn’t love a jar of sunshine?
Tips for Success with Dandelion Jelly with Chamomile
Now that you’re all set to make this delightful jelly, here are some of my top tips to ensure everything turns out absolutely perfect!
- Choose the Right Flowers: Make sure to pick your dandelion and chamomile flowers from areas free of pesticides and pollutants. Fresh, vibrant flowers make all the difference in flavor!
- Measure Carefully: When it comes to flowers, be sure to pack them lightly into your measuring cups. Too many flowers can lead to a jelly that’s too floral and not sweet enough, while too few can make it too sugary.
- Don’t Skimp on the Sugar: I know it sounds like a lot, but sugar is essential for both flavor and preservation. It helps your jelly set properly and prevents spoilage, so don’t try to reduce it!
- Stir Well: When you’re mixing the pectin and lemon juice into the liquid, make sure everything is well combined. Any lumps of pectin can lead to an uneven texture in your jelly.
- Watch the Timing: The final boil should be just 1-2 minutes after adding the sugar. If you boil too long, the jelly could become overly thick and hard to spread, so keep an eye on the clock!
- Use Hot Jars: To prevent cracking, always pour your hot jelly into sterilized jars that are also warm. This helps create a better seal and keeps your jelly fresh longer.
- Cool Slowly: Let your jars cool at room temperature without rushing them. This helps the jelly set properly and ensures you get that lovely, smooth texture you’re aiming for.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re ready to create your own jars of sunshine! Enjoy the process, and remember, the best part is tasting the fruits of your labor!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve whipped up your delicious Dandelion Jelly with Chamomile, it’s essential to store it properly to keep it fresh and tasty! Here’s how to do just that:
- Cool Completely: Before you store your jelly, make sure it’s completely cooled to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation inside the jars, which can lead to spoilage.
- Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Keep your sealed jars in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard. They should last for about a year if stored correctly. Just be sure to check for any signs of spoilage before using.
- Refrigerate After Opening: Once you open a jar, transfer it to the refrigerator. It should be good for about 3-4 weeks. Remember, the jelly is delicious, but if it starts to look or smell off, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
As for reheating, you typically won’t need to unless you want to use it as a warm topping or in a recipe. If you do want to warm it up, just scoop out what you need into a small saucepan over low heat, stirring gently until it’s just warmed through. Avoid boiling it, as that can affect the texture and flavor. Enjoy your lovely jars of sunshine whenever the mood strikes!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into our Dandelion Jelly with Chamomile! Keep in mind, these figures are estimates based on the ingredients we’ve used, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying in each delightful spoonful.
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
This jelly is a sweet treat that’s low in calories and free of cholesterol, making it a lovely addition to your meals without the guilt! Just remember to enjoy it in moderation, as those sugars can add up. Happy spreading!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried flowers instead of fresh?
While fresh flowers provide the best flavor and aroma, you can use dried chamomile. Just remember that dried dandelion flowers may not yield the same sweetness, so fresh is best if you can get your hands on them!
How long does the jelly last?
When stored properly in a cool, dark place, your Dandelion Jelly with Chamomile can last for about a year. Once opened, keep it in the fridge and enjoy within 3-4 weeks.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet jelly, you can reduce the sugar a bit. Just keep in mind that sugar also helps with preservation and texture, so make adjustments carefully.
What do I do if my jelly doesn’t set?
If your jelly hasn’t set after cooling, don’t panic! You can reheat it, add a bit more pectin, and boil it again. Just follow the same process as before, and it should set up nicely this time.
Is this recipe vegan?
You bet! This Dandelion Jelly with Chamomile is entirely vegan-friendly, so enjoy it guilt-free!
Can I use this jelly in recipes?
Definitely! This jelly is fabulous as a topping for toast, but it also works great in desserts, drizzled over cheesecake, or even as a sweet addition to salad dressings. Get creative!
What’s the best way to serve it?
Serve it on warm toast, scones, or pancakes for a delightful breakfast treat. It also makes a wonderful gift when packaged in pretty jars—everyone loves a homemade touch!
Dandelion Jelly with Chamomile: 7 Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 jars 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A sweet and floral jelly made from dandelion flowers and chamomile.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dandelion flowers
- 1 cup chamomile flowers
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin
- 5 cups sugar
Instructions
- Gather dandelion and chamomile flowers.
- Boil flowers in water for 10 minutes.
- Strain the mixture to remove flowers.
- Add lemon juice and fruit pectin to the liquid.
- Bring to a boil, then mix in sugar.
- Boil for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Pour into sterilized jars and seal.
Notes
- Use fresh flowers for best flavor.
- Ensure jars are properly sterilized.
- Store jelly in a cool, dark place.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Dandelion Jelly, Chamomile Jelly, Flower Jelly, Homemade Jelly
