Make A Dandelion Honey: A Vegan-friendly Delight (Video)

Q: Can I Eat Dandelions Raw?

Yes, you can!u003cbru003eDandelions are edible and their leaves, flowers and roots have culinary uses. Just make sure they come from a safe, pesticide-free area. Use them in salads or cook them with garlic for a tasty side dish.u003cbru003eHowever, if you have allergies or specific health conditions, consult a professional. Avoid dandelions from chemically treated areas.

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Homemade Dandelion Honey is a fantastic vegan-friendly alternative to traditional honey. It has the same delicious taste as blossom honey from bees. It is an excellent substitute for vegans or anyone who wants to avoid conventional honey.

What you need to make this homemade dandelion honey recipe: dandelion petals, lemon, water and granulated sugar.

The ratios I used are:

50g (about 1/2 cup) of dandelion petals per litre of water (4 cups).
1:1 ratio of liquid to sugar.

Video guide

This was the first time I made honey from dandelions. It resulted in a slightly runny consistency, which is still amazing on pancakes. I probably should have cooked it longer. But this will definitely be our go-to recipe for dandelion honey and for stocking our pantry.

Homemade dandelion honey recipe

Make a Dandelion Honey: A vegan-friendly delight

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

100g dandelion heads, stalked (about 150-200 dandelion heads)
1 lemon, thinly sliced
2 litres of water(8 cups)
about 2kg (10 cups) of granulated sugar

Directions

Start by removing the stems and green parts under the petals from the dandelion heads.
Thinly slice a lemon to prepare for the infusion.
Dandelion Infusion
Place the dandelion tops, lemon slices and water in a large saucepan.
Bring to the boil over a medium heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and allow to simmer for about 5 minutes.
Cover and leave on the worktop until the liquid has cooled completely. You can also leave it overnight. This will help to extract the flavours from the ingredients.
Strain
Carefully strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the dandelion heads and lemon slices.
Press down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
Cook
Weigh the strained liquid.
Add an equal amount of sugar to the liquid in a 1:1 ratio. For example, if you have 2litres of dandelion infusion, you should add 2 kg of granulated sugar.
Place the saucepan on the stove and heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Simmer for about 2 hours or until the liquid has reduced and thickened to a honey-like consistency. This time may vary depending on the amount of liquid.
Cool and store
Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the mixture to sterilised jars or containers, ensuring they are airtight.
Store in a cool, dark place for best results.

Recipe Video

Creative ways to enjoy honey made from dandelions

Homemade dandelion honey can be a wonderful addition to many dishes. Here are some creative ways to enjoy it:

Try this pancake recipe for one, from The Bella Vita Blog, and let it drown in your freshly made dandelion honey.
Make this amazing Philadelphia cheesecake from Simply Scrumptious Eats, and drizzle honey made form dandelion flowers on top. You are welcome 🙂
Drizzle over desserts: Add a generous drizzle of dandelion honey to your favourite dessert such as ice cream, pancakes or crêpes.
Sweeten tea: Replace regular honey with honey made from dandelions in your tea.
Homemade Lemonade: Use as a sweetener in homemade lemonade for a touch of spring.
Salad Dressing: Whisk into a vinaigrette for a sweet and tangy salad dressing.
Glaze for Meats: Brush on chicken or pork before roasting for a caramelised glaze. It would go great for the ramen recipe.
Cheese Pairing: Pair with a sharp cheese such as Cheddar or Gouda for a delicious contrast.
Cocktail Syrup: Mix into cocktails or mocktails for a natural sweetener.

These ideas should help you explore the versatility of dandelion honey recipe. Have fun experimenting!

Shelf life and maintenance

Storing dandelion honey properly will help preserve its quality and flavour. Due to its high sugar content, Dandelion Honey has an impressive shelf life of at least six months and possibly longer.

Here are some tips based on the information I found:

Keep it cool and dry: Store the honey in a cool and dry place, such as a pantry or kitchen cupboard.
Airtight container: Use an airtight, sterilised jar to store honey.
Refrigeration: It’s not necessary to refrigerate Dandelion Honey, but once opened it can be stored in the refrigerator.
Crystallisation: If the honey is crystallising, you can gently warm the jar in a pan of simmering water to dissolve the crystals.

FAQ

I very much welcome insights from experienced dandelion honey makers 😉
As this was my first time of making homemade Dandelion Honey, I have compiled a researched FAQ in order to gain insight and anticipate possible outcomes. Should you have any questions or insights to contribute, I warmly invite you to contribute to the dialogue by contacting me.

Does Dandelion Honey Crystallize?

Yes, dandelion honey crystallizes over time. Sugars separate and are forming tiny crystals. To decrystallize it gently heat it up to return it to a liquid state.

Can I Eat Dandelions Raw?

Yes, you can!
Dandelions are edible and their leaves, flowers and roots have culinary uses. Just make sure they come from a safe, pesticide-free area. Use them in salads or cook them with garlic for a tasty side dish.
However, if you have allergies or specific health conditions, consult a professional. Avoid dandelions from chemically treated areas.

Are Dandelions Healthier Cooked or Raw?

Both raw and cooked dandelions offer benefits. Raw dandelion retains more nutrients, while cooking softens the bitterness. Enjoy them in a variety of ways!

Homemade Dandelion Honey Good for You?

Homemade dandelion honey retains the health benefits of raw honey. It’s rich in antioxidants, has antibacterial properties and a mild diuretic effect. Enjoy it as a natural sweetener.