Sunshine Syrup Homemade Dandelion Nectar

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever fancied bottling sunshine? This dandelion syrup recipe does just that. Honestly, it's like liquid gold and it is delicious! Its taste is unique. It's both floral and slightly grassy.

Brief Overview

The dandelion flower syrup has a long history in folk medicine. It's super easy to make, taking about 3 hours total.

This will give you about 1.5 cups of syrup. That is enough for plenty of treats.

Main Benefits

Beyond the flavour, this homemade dandelion syrup may have some great benefits. People say dandelions are good for you. Perfect for adding a unique twist to your spring brunch.

What makes this recipe special? It’s foraging dandelion syrup ! It's a lovely wildflower syrup recipe .

Let's dive into what you'll need.

Dandelion Nectar: Ingredients You'll Need

Alright, so what exactly goes into making this liquid sunshine? Here's your shopping...or foraging, list:

• 4 cups (packed) of dandelion petals. Make sure they're pesticide free!.
• 4 cups of water, the stuff we need to live.
• 4 cups of granulated sugar.
• The juice of one lemon.

Making Sunshine Syrup: step-by-step Guide

Right, let's get to the fun part! Follow these steps to make your own batch of sunshine.

1. Pick and Prep: Rinse 4 cups of your dandelion flowers and remove all green bits .
2. Soak: Put the petals in a pot with 4 cups of water, then leave in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
3. Simmer: Gently simmer this for 30 minutes.
4. Strain: Get rid of the petals, squeeze for every bit of liquid.
5. Add sugar and lemon: Put the liquid back in the pot. Add sugar and the lemon juice from 1 lemon.
6. Simmer Again: Stir until sugar dissolves, then simmer for 15 minutes until it coats a spoon.
7. Cool and Store: Let it cool a bit before pouring it into clean jars.

Honestly, making your own edible flower syrup is a great thing to do.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Sunshine Syrup

Ready to bottle some sunshine? This dandelion syrup recipe is easier than you think. Honestly, the hardest part is gathering the flowers. Let's get prepped.

Main Ingredients: What You'll Need

Here's what you need to make this magical syrup. Getting the right ingredients is super important. It really dictates the flavor of your dandelion flower syrup and ensures you get the most out of the dandelion syrup benefits .

• Dandelion Flowers: 4 cups (packed, about 100g ) dandelion petals only. Seriously, find flowers free of nasties.
• Water: 4 cups ( 950ml ) .
• Granulated Sugar: 4 cups ( 800g ). This adds needed sweetness and keeps it shelf stable.
• Lemon Juice: Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons or 30ml ). Fresh is best, trust me.

Look for dandelions that are bright and open. You want the petals only, no green bits. The green part makes it taste bitter. I learned that the hard way.

Seasoning Notes: Adding Extra Zing

This homemade dandelion syrup is lovely on its own. But here are few tips. You can try adding rosemary or thyme during cooking. Spring syrup recipes are always fun to experiment with.

For a wildflower syrup recipe twist, try orange juice instead of lemon. It'll give it a slightly different flavor profile.

If you don't have any lemon, you can use 1/2 tsp of Citric Acid instead. The dandelion nectar recipe shines either way.

Trying to make it vegan honey alternative ? Try agave syrup!

Equipment Needed: Simple Tools

You don't need a fancy kitchen. Just these basics:

• A large pot or saucepan.
• A fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth lined colander.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Glass jars or bottles for storing ( sterilized, of course ).

Don't have a sieve? Tights work in a pinch - new, clean ones, obviously! For your storage glass jars, you need to sterilize them.

I boil mine for 10 minutes . It keeps it safe and prevents spoilage. Trust me, you don't want any mold in your foraging dandelion syrup .

Sunshine Syrup: Your Guide to Homemade Dandelion Nectar

Right then, fancy making some sunshine in a jar? Let's dive into this dandelion syrup recipe . honestly, this isn't just any wildflower syrup recipe ; it's like bottling up spring! It brings a bright, floral flavour.

I've seen folks put it on everything. Pancakes to posh cocktails, you name it. This dandelion flower syrup is a total game changer.

You know? Let's get started!

Prep Steps: Getting Your Dandelions Ready

Mise en place is key, my friend. First, you'll need 4 cups of packed dandelion petals. Make sure these are pesticide free darlings.

We don't want any nasties in our homemade dandelion syrup . Rinse them gently and snip off all the green bits.

Trust me, the green parts are bitter than a politician's promise. Once you do this, you are going to place them in a pot and soak them with 4 cups of water in the fridge.

Next, sort out your workspace. Have your sugar, lemon, and pot at the ready. Finally, safety first, kids! Watch out for those pesky stinging nettles when you're foraging dandelion syrup ingredients.

step-by-step: Simmering Your Way to Sweetness

1. Soak your dandelions in the fridge with water for 2 hours .
2. Bring the dandelion petals and water to a simmer for 30 minutes .
3. Strain the mixture with sieve. Squeeze all that goodness out!
4. Return liquid to pot, add 4 cups of sugar and juice of 1 lemon .
5. Simmer for 15 minutes until it coats the back of spoon.
6. Cool slightly and pour into sterilized jars.

Pro Tips for Syrup Perfection

Want to avoid a sticky disaster? Simmer gently. Not boiling. Overcooking turns it into dandelion rock. Nobody wants that, right? A common mistake is not removing all the green bits from the edible flower syrup .

Also, make sure you've properly sterilised your jars.

If you are looking to add a different flavor profile and make this a real Spring syrup recipes. Try adding some rosemary sprig to the boiling mix

As for make-ahead? Absolutely! This keeps for 2 weeks in the fridge. You can freeze it too. I did it once and had dandelion sunshine in December! And don't forget to explore the dandelion syrup benefits apparently, it's good for you!

Bonus points if you tell everyone this is your family's secret dandelion nectar recipe .

Nobody needs to know you learned it from a silly blog.

Alright, so you've got your Sunshine Syrup: Homemade Dandelion Nectar simmering away. Now what? Let's talk about a few extra bits and bobs to make sure you nail this dandelion syrup recipe .

Honestly, it's easier than doing the washing up!

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions

Right, plating and presentation. Drizzle this homemade dandelion syrup over pancakes for a sunny start. Or, get fancy and use it to glaze a cake. A little goes a long way!

Pair it with a simple scone and clotted cream. And think about drinks! This edible flower syrup shines in sparkling water or even a G&T. A summery twist!

Storage Tips

This stuff keeps pretty well. For refrigeration, aim for up to 2 weeks, stored in a sterilised jar. Freezing works a treat if you want it for longer.

Just remember to leave space in the jar, as it expands.

Reheating? No need! Just take it out of the fridge or freezer and let it come to room temperature. Give it a shake before using.

Variations

Feeling adventurous? A simple swap is using agave for a vegan honey alternative . It changes the flavour slightly, but hey, variety is the spice of life! It is also easy to infuse the syrup.

Try adding a sprig of rosemary during the second simmer for a subtle herbal note.

You can also adapt this wildflower syrup recipe with other foraged goodies. Just be extra sure you can identify them. For spring syrup recipes , think elderflower for a floral punch.

Nutrition Basics

Okay, let's keep it real: dandelion syrup benefits are more about the joy than hardcore nutrition. One tablespoon has 60-80 calories, mainly from the sugar.

There's not a lot of vitamins, but think of it as sunshine in a spoon. It has that distinctive dandelion nectar recipe .

Foraging for dandelions and making dandelion flower syrup is also a great way to get some fresh air and connect with nature! Did you know that dandelions are one of the first flowers to appear in spring, providing a crucial source of nectar for bees.

So, there you have it. Go forth and create some liquid sunshine. I hope you create a perfect foraging dandelion syrup today! If I can make this dandelion honey , so can you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Dandelion Syrup Recipe really worth the effort? Picking all those dandelions seems like a faff!

Absolutely! Think of it as a free, delicious taste of sunshine. While picking the dandelions takes a bit of time, the resulting syrup is unlike anything you can buy. It's got a unique floral sweetness that elevates everything from pancakes to cocktails a proper treat for the taste buds!

My dandelion syrup is bitter! What did I do wrong?

Bitterness in dandelion syrup usually comes from the green parts of the flower. Make sure you're only using the yellow petals and meticulously remove any green calyx or stem. Soaking the petals in water can also help leach out some of the bitterness, so don't skip that step!

How long does this dandelion syrup recipe last, and what's the best way to store it?

When stored properly in sterilized jars or bottles, your dandelion syrup will keep in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it in freezer safe containers for up to 6 months. Just be sure to leave a little headroom in the container, as the syrup will expand when frozen.

Can I use this dandelion syrup recipe as a honey substitute for vegans?

Yes, dandelion syrup can definitely be used as a honey substitute for vegans! It has a similar consistency and sweetness, although the flavor is a bit more floral and less intense. It works beautifully in tea, drizzled over porridge, or even as a glaze for roasted vegetables. It's a cracking alternative!

My syrup didn't thicken up much during cooking. What now?

Don't worry! Dandelion syrup thickens more as it cools. If it's still too thin after cooling completely, you can simmer it for a few more minutes, but be careful not to overcook it or it'll become hard like candy. Aim for a consistency that lightly coats the back of a spoon.

Can I experiment with different flavors when making this Dandelion Syrup Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. Adding a sprig of rosemary or thyme during the simmering process can give it an herbal twist. Or, experiment with different citrus juices like orange or grapefruit instead of lemon. It's your chance to create a signature syrup - fancy, innit?