Oh my goodness, have you ever tried Old-Fashioned Dandelion Jelly? It’s like capturing the essence of spring in a jar! I remember the first time I made it; I was wandering around my garden, and I couldn’t believe those bright yellow flowers could turn into such a delightful sweet spread. It’s not just the beautiful golden color that gets me, but the floral, honey-like flavor that’s so unique. Imagine slathering this on warm toast or using it in a creative dessert! Trust me, it’s a conversation starter at any breakfast table. Plus, it’s a fun way to embrace foraging and make something truly special from what nature offers. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe and bring a taste of sunshine to our kitchens!
Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Dandelion Jelly
Making Old-Fashioned Dandelion Jelly is super simple, and you only need a few ingredients that come together to create something magical. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups dandelion flowers: Make sure they’re fresh and free from pesticides. These vibrant blooms are the star of the show!
- 4 cups water: This will be the base for your dandelion tea.
- 1/4 cup lemon juice: Fresh is best! It adds a lovely brightness to the jelly.
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin: This helps your jelly set perfectly, so don’t skip it!
- 5 cups granulated sugar: Yes, it sounds like a lot, but this is what gives your jelly that sweet, delightful flavor!
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be ready to create a jar of sunshine that’s bursting with flavor. Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Old-Fashioned Dandelion Jelly
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and create this delightful jelly! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be savoring the taste of spring in no time!
Step 1: Wash the Dandelion Flowers
First things first, let’s give those dandelion flowers a good wash. It’s super important to ensure they’re free from any pesticides or dirt. Just rinse them gently under cold water; you want to keep those lovely blooms intact. This step really helps in keeping the flavor pure and delightful, so don’t skip it!
Step 2: Make Dandelion Tea
Next up, let’s turn those flowers into dandelion tea! In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, toss in the washed dandelion flowers and reduce the heat to a simmer. Now, here’s the fun part: let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell like a spring meadow! After the time is up, strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to get about 4 cups of dandelion tea. This is the base of your jelly!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together! In the same pot, add the strained dandelion tea, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, and the package of fruit pectin. Stir it well and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, it’s time to sweeten the deal! Gradually stir in 5 cups of granulated sugar, and keep that boiling action going for about 1 minute. Be sure to stir constantly, so it doesn’t stick or scorch. This is what will give your jelly that perfectly sweet flavor.
Step 4: Jar the Jelly
Finally, let’s get this beautiful jelly into jars! Pour the hot jelly mixture into your sterilized jars, filling them up to about a quarter inch from the top. Don’t forget to wipe the rims clean with a cloth to ensure a good seal. Seal them immediately with the lids, and let them cool upside down for a little while. This helps create a vacuum seal, keeping your jelly fresh and delicious!
Tips for Success with Old-Fashioned Dandelion Jelly
Alright, let’s make sure your Old-Fashioned Dandelion Jelly turns out absolutely perfect! First off, when you’re out foraging those dandelion flowers, be picky! Choose blooms that are bright and fully opened—these will give you the best flavor. And please, avoid any flowers from areas that may have been treated with pesticides; we want all that natural goodness!
Once your jelly is jarred, store it in a cool, dark place. A pantry is perfect! If you keep it in the fridge, that’s great too, but it’s really not necessary until you open a jar. And remember, the flavor will deepen as it sits, so if you can resist, try waiting a week before digging in. It’s so worth it! Happy jarring!
Nutritional Information for Old-Fashioned Dandelion Jelly
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of this delightful treat! Each tablespoon of Old-Fashioned Dandelion Jelly packs about 50 calories, making it a sweet indulgence without too much guilt. Here’s the breakdown:
- Calories: 50
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
It’s all about enjoying the flavors without overloading on the heaviness! This jelly is vegan-friendly and a lovely addition to your breakfast or dessert, giving you that sweet floral taste of spring in every bite. Enjoy it in moderation, and savor the unique goodness!
FAQ about Old-Fashioned Dandelion Jelly
Can I use other flowers for jelly?
Absolutely! While dandelions are a classic choice, you can get creative with other edible flowers like violets, hibiscus, or even elderflowers. Just make sure they’re also free from pesticides and safe to eat. Each flower will give your jelly a unique flavor, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite!
How long does the jelly last?
Once you’ve sealed your jars, Old-Fashioned Dandelion Jelly can last up to a year if stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, it’s best to keep it in the fridge, where it should stay fresh for about a month. You’ll know it’s time to toss it if you see any mold or if it starts to smell off. But trust me, it’ll likely be gone before you even have to worry about that!
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes! This Old-Fashioned Dandelion Jelly is entirely vegan-friendly since it contains no animal products. The sugar used is plant-based, and the fruit pectin is also derived from fruits. So go ahead and enjoy this delightful spread without any worries about dietary restrictions!
Why You’ll Love Old-Fashioned Dandelion Jelly
- Unique Flavor: Experience a sweet, floral taste that’s unlike any other jelly!
- Simplicity: This recipe is easy to follow, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned canners alike.
- Seasonal Enjoyment: Embrace the beauty of spring by using fresh dandelion flowers, connecting you to nature.
- Conversation Starter: Impress your friends and family with this charming, homemade jelly that sparks curiosity.
- Vegan-Friendly: Enjoy a delicious spread that fits perfectly into a plant-based lifestyle.
For more information on the benefits of foraging and using wildflowers in cooking, check out this resource on foraging.
Additionally, if you’re interested in learning more about the nutritional aspects of dandelions, you can visit this Healthline article that discusses their health benefits.
Lastly, if you’re looking for more delicious recipes, check out this Spiced Apple Cider recipe for a perfect pairing with your jelly!
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Old-Fashioned Dandelion Jelly: 5 Steps to Flavorful Bliss
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 5 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Old-Fashioned Dandelion Jelly is a sweet and floral spread made from dandelion flowers. It’s a unique way to enjoy the flavors of spring.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dandelion flowers
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin
- 5 cups granulated sugar
Instructions
- Wash dandelion flowers thoroughly.
- Boil water in a pot, add dandelion flowers, and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Strain the liquid through a fine mesh to get 4 cups of dandelion tea.
- Add lemon juice and pectin to the tea, then bring to a boil.
- Stir in sugar and boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour into sterilized jars and seal immediately.
Notes
- Ensure flowers are free from pesticides.
- Use fresh flowers for the best flavor.
- Store jars in a cool, dark place.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Canning
- 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, Old-Fashioned Jelly, Dandelion Recipe
