Dandelion Jelly recipe: Simple Steps to Preserve those little drops of sunshine

Marie Overton
May 5
3 min read

Spring is a magical time filled with bright flowers and fresh flavors that lift our spirits. One of the most delightful and unique ways to capture the essence of spring is by making Dandelion Jelly or Sunshine Jelly as it is sometimes called. This sweet jelly, made from the sunny dandelion flowers that seem to pop up everywhere, is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Follow this recipe to create your batch and preserve the wonders of spring in a jar.

Let's dive into the process of crafting this sweet, honey-like delight!

What is Dandelion Jelly?

Bright yellow dandelions in a woven basket, sunlight enhancing their vibrant petals, evoking a cheerful, sunny mood.

Dandelion jelly is a sweet spread made from the petals of dandelion flowers. It offers a flavor that's a blend of honey and floral notes, showcasing the unexpected versatility of this often-misunderstood flower. Did you know that dandelions are packed with vitamins A, C, and K? They also contain antioxidants, making your homemade jelly not just tasty but nutritious too.

Ingredients You'll Need

To make your dandelion jelly, gather the following ingredients:

4 cup of dandelion petals
8 cups of water
3 tablespoons of lemon juice
8 tablespoons pectin
6 3/4 cups of granulated sugar
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon of butter (to reduce foaming)

When foraging, ensure that you are picking flowers from an area free of pesticides or chemicals. Choosing organic places is essential. Remember, you will only need the petals for making the jelly!

How to Prepare Dandelion Jelly

Hands picking dandelions in a grassy garden with a woven basket. White fence in the background, sunny day, cheerful mood.

Step 1: Harvesting the Dandelions

The first step involves foraging for those beautiful yellow flowers.

Look for a sunny area in your yard or a park where dandelions thrive. To ensure a sweeter jelly, pick the flowers while they are fully open, typically in mid-morning. Take care to remove any green parts, as they can impart bitterness to your jelly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dandelion tea

Hands plucking dandelion petals over a measuring cup. "4 cups Dandelion Petals" text. Basket and granite countertop in the background.

Once you have your dandelion petals, it’s time to extract their goodness.

Boil 8 cups of water in a large pot.
Stir in the dandelion petals and let them simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to bloom.
After simmering, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, discarding the petals but saving the tea.

Step 3: Making the Jelly

Now that you have your dandelion tea, it's jelly-making time!

Pouring yellow liquid into pot on speckled countertop, surrounded by a cup, butter dish, wooden spoon, and empty mug.

In the same large pot, combine 5 1/2 cups of dandelion tea with the lemon juice.
Add the pectin, stirring to dissolve and prevent clumps.
Bring the mixture to a rapid boil, stirring frequently.
Once boiling, add the sugar all at once and continue stirring.
Bring the mixture back to a boil for exactly 1 minute.
If desired, add half a teaspoon of butter to help reduce foaming.

Step 4: Canning the Jelly

You're close to enjoying your homemade jelly! Here’s how to preserve it.

Jars of yellow liquid on a speckled countertop with jar lids nearby, a funnel, and a ladle in a pot. A pink cloth is to the side.

Using a ladle, carefully fill your hot, half pint jars with the hot jelly, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace.
Clean the rims of the jars with a damp cloth for a good seal.
Place the lids and rings on until they are fingertip tight.
Process them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes if at sea level. Don't forget to adjust the processing time if above 1000ft in elevation.
Once finished, turn off the heat, remove the lid and allow them to cool for 5 minutes.
Carefully remove the jars and set them on the a heat resistant surface to cool.
Leave the jars undisturbed for 24 hours before checking for a seal. You know it has sealed well if the center of the lid is depressed down. Then, remove the lid and wash off the outside of the jar. Store it in a cool, dry, dark location for up to 3 years. After that the nutritional value begins to decrease. If any jars didn't seal, place them in the refrigerator and use them right away.

Step 5: Enjoying Your Dandelion Jelly

Feel free to decorate your jars with simple labels that highlight the uniqueness of your dandelion jelly. It can be spread on toast, stirred into yogurt, or used as a glaze for meats. The possibilities are endless!

Tips for Making the Best Dandelion Jelly

Timing the Harvest: Pick dandelions in the spring when they are fresh and vibrant for the best flavor.
Flavor Exploration: Try adding vanilla, orange or cinnamon for a unique twist on traditional dandelion jelly.

Celebrating Spring with Dandelion Jelly

Dandelion Jelly is a fun way to embrace the arrival of spring while enjoying a unique culinary experience. With its bright color and floral flavor, it is sure to surprise anyone who tastes it. Plus, you will take pride in creating something special from nature’s gifts.

So embrace the magic of dandelions, and fill your kitchen with sunshine! By following these easy steps, you can enjoy the flavors of spring with your homemade dandelion jelly all year round!