Natural dandelion syrup

Natural Dandelion Syrup

If you're looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to maple syrup, dandelion syrup is the perfect choice. With a similar texture and a sweet, yet more delicate flavor, it can transform any dessert into an unforgettable experience. Moreover, it is a simple recipe with a fascinating history, used for generations to take advantage of the benefits of dandelion flowers. In this guide, I will teach you step by step how to make dandelion syrup at home, preserving all the essential vitamins and minerals.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 6 hours (divided over two days)
Total: 6 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 10 bottles of 250 ml

Ingredients

- 500 g fresh dandelion flowers
- 5 L still water
- 5 kg sugar
- Juice from 3 small lemons or 2 large lemons
- 30 g dried orange peels

Necessary tools

- 10 L pot
- Strainer
- Fine sieve
- Sterilized bottles for storage
- Wooden spoon
- Pot lid

Step by step

1. Harvesting the dandelion flowers
Pick the dandelion flowers in the morning, between 10 AM and 12 PM, when they are open and full of rich, vitamin- and mineral-packed sap. Make sure to choose fresh flowers, free from spots or signs of decay.

2. Washing the flowers
After gathering the flowers, weigh them and place them in a strainer. Wash them under 2-3 jets of cold water to remove impurities and insects. This step is essential to ensure that your syrup will have a clean and pleasant taste.

3. Preparing the infusion
In a 10 L pot, add the washed flowers and pour over them the 5 L of still water. Place the pot on the stove over low heat and let it come to a gentle boil. It is important not to increase the temperature too quickly to avoid destroying the nutrients in the flowers. Boil the flowers for about 10 minutes.

4. Infusing
Once it starts to boil, remove the pot from the heat and cover it with a lid. Let the mixture cool and infuse until the next day. During this time, the flavors will meld, and the syrup will gain intensity.

5. Straining
The next day, use a fine sieve to strain the contents of the pot. Make sure to squeeze the flowers well to extract as much liquid as possible. The resulting juice should be clear and fragrant.

6. Adding the ingredients
Put the resulting juice back into the pot and add the sugar, lemon juice, and dried orange peels. The latter will add a subtle citrus note and enhance the syrup's flavor.

7. Final boiling
Place the pot on the stove over low flame, without a lid. It is essential to boil the syrup slowly to preserve all the vitamins. Boil the mixture for 4 hours on the first day, then let it cool. The next day, repeat the boiling process for another 2 hours until you reach the desired consistency. The syrup should not be too thick, or it will crystallize, but also not too thin to avoid fermentation.

8. Bottling
After you have obtained the syrup, pour it into the sterilized bottles you prepared in advance. Cover them with lids and wrap them in blankets to cool slowly. The next day, label the bottles and store them in the pantry.

Useful tips

- The flowers must be fresh: Avoid wilted or damaged flowers, as they can affect the flavor of your syrup.
- Sugar: If you want a healthier option, you can try substituting sugar with honey or a natural sweetener, but keep in mind that this will change the final flavor of the syrup.
- Using orange peels: These add a unique taste to the syrup, but you can also experiment with other flavors, such as cinnamon or vanilla, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional benefits

Dandelion syrup is an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins, having diuretic properties and being beneficial for digestion. It is also a natural alternative to sugar, with a lower glycemic index.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use dandelion flowers from the park?
It is recommended to pick flowers from clean areas, away from pollution or pesticides. Buy from reliable sources if you are unsure of their cleanliness.

2. How can I use dandelion syrup?
The syrup is delicious on pancakes, in teas, or as a topping for yogurts and desserts. You can even use it in cocktails for a sweet and floral note.

3. How long does the syrup last?
If properly sterilized and stored in cool conditions, the syrup can last for several months, but it is best to consume it within a year to benefit from all the flavor and nutrients.

Variations

If you want to add a personal twist to the recipe, you can experiment with other aromatic ingredients. For example, adding a few mint leaves or lime can give your syrup a refreshing note.

Personal note

Dandelion syrup is not just a recipe; it is a true childhood memory. I remember how, together with my grandmother, we would gather dandelion flowers and prepare this sweet, aromatic syrup, which we then used in various summer desserts. The smell of fresh flowers and the joy of creating something delicious together are moments I cherish greatly. I invite you to create your own memories in the kitchen with this simple and love-filled recipe.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is for you to get started and enjoy the final result: a natural dandelion syrup, full of goodness and health! Enjoy your meal!