Description
Dandelion Syrup is a delightful, naturally floral sweetener made from freshly picked dandelion petals simmered with sugar and citrus juice. This homemade syrup is perfect for drizzling over pancakes, yogurt, desserts, or sweetening tea and cocktails. Using foraged dandelions ensures a pure, vibrant flavor and celebrates seasonal wild ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 cups dandelion petals (yellow parts only, packed)
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon orange juice (optional)
- 3 1/2 cups granulated sugar
Instructions
- Rinse Petals: Gently rinse the dandelion petals in a colander to remove any dirt or insects, ensuring they are clean for use.
- Simmer Petals: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed petals with 4 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes to extract the floral flavors.
- Steep Mixture: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the petals to steep in the hot water for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight to maximize flavor infusion.
- Strain Liquid: Strain the dandelion water through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean saucepan. Press on the petals to extract as much liquid as possible, then discard the petals.
- Add Citrus and Sugar: Stir in the lemon juice, optional orange juice, and granulated sugar into the strained liquid.
- Reduce to Syrup: Bring the mixture back to a boil over medium heat, then lower to a simmer. Stir occasionally and simmer for 45 to 60 minutes, until the syrup thickens to a desirable consistency.
- Cool and Store: Pour the finished syrup into sterilized jars and let cool completely before sealing. Store the syrup in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Only harvest dandelions from areas free of pesticides and chemicals to ensure safety and purity.
- This syrup is versatile and can be used to sweeten tea, drizzle over pancakes, yogurt, or desserts, or mix into cocktails for a floral twist.
- For a stronger floral flavor, increase the amount of dandelion petals and allow them to steep overnight.
