Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh dandelion petals (yellow parts only, no green stems)
- 4 cups water
- 1 package fruit pectin (about 1.75 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 5 cups granulated sugar
Instructions
- Harvest and Prepare the Dandelions: Start by picking vibrant yellow dandelion petals, avoiding the green parts to prevent bitterness. Rinse petals gently in cool water to remove any dirt or tiny insects.
- Steep the Petals: Place the clean petals in a large bowl and pour boiling water over them. Cover and let them steep for 24 hours at room temperature to extract the delicate floral flavor and color.
- Strain the Petal Infusion: After steeping, strain the liquid through a fine mesh or cheesecloth, pressing gently to extract every bit of flavor while discarding the petals.
- Prepare the Jelly Mixture: Pour the dandelion infusion into a large pot and add lemon juice and pectin. Stir well before introducing sugar to ensure even distribution.
- Cook and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Add sugar and continue boiling hard for 1 to 2 minutes until the jelly reaches gel point (around 220°F or 104°C).
- Jar and Seal: Quickly ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving appropriate headspace. Wipe rims clean, seal tightly, and process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes to safely preserve your jelly.
Notes
- Pick petals early in the morning when they are freshest for best flavor and color.
- Use only yellow petals to avoid bitterness from green parts.
- Test gel point using a candy thermometer or by placing a small amount on a chilled spoon to check if it wrinkles.
- Properly sterilize jars and lids to extend shelf life and prevent spoilage.
- Label jars with date to keep track of freshness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 24 hours steeping)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling and Hot Water Bath Canning
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Dandelion jelly, homemade jelly, flower jelly, wildflower jelly, foraged jelly, spring jelly, floral jelly