Low-sugar dandelion syrup
How many of you have treated dandelion only as a weed in your garden?
It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The roots and leaves of the dandelion have been used to treat liver problems.
Every part of the humble dandelion is useful: the root, the leaves, and the flower. It can be used as food, medicine, and dye. The young leaves taste delicious in salads, and the roots can be used to make tinctures, coffee, and tea.
Dandelion supports healthy digestion, removes toxins from the body, strengthens the immune system, and much more. Overall, it offers incredible medicinal benefits and is also a culinary delight.
But it’s not just humans who appreciate the versatility of dandelions. Animals such as birds, bees, insects, and butterflies consume the nectar or seeds of the dandelion.
Despite their exceptional properties, dandelions are often considered a pesky weed.
The next time you see a dandelion, take a moment to appreciate its many wonderful qualities and consider leaving it in your garden a little longer. And remember every little bit counts when it comes to creating a sustainable and diverse ecosystem.
Did you know that the dandelion is the only flower representing the sun, moon, and stars? The yellow flower represents the sun, the dandelion ball represents the moon, and the spreading seeds resemble the stars.
All my life, I have struggled with my honey allergy. Yes, you heard me right. How in the world can one be allergic to such an elixir? I was overjoyed when I discovered dandelion honey.
It took many years before I could look past the weed label of dandelion and appreciate it every spring for its nutrient and antioxidant content.
In many parts of the world, spring is in full bloom. The golden flowers of the dandelion can be seen in gardens and parks. They open with the sun in the morning and close in the evening or when the weather is cloudy.
Spring is the right time to make dandelion honey, which is cheaper than maple syrup or honey and so easy to make.
Note: Be sure to pick dandelion flowers in a clean area free of animals, pesticides, and herbicides when they bloom. Avoid picking dandelions that grow next to highways.
Dandelion syrup, also called dandelion honey, can be used as a substitute for maple syrup on your pancakes or to sweeten your coffee, tea, chia pudding, etc.
It is a delicious sweetener full of antioxidants that can also be used by people allergic to honey, like me.
What are the ingredients for this low-sugar dandelion syrup?
The amount is enough to fill five bottles of 250 ml each.
For the dandelion syrup, we need the flowers. They have amazing antioxidant properties.
400 dandelion flowers (blossoms) (175 grams)
1.5 liters of water
700 grams of unrefined brown sugar
Two juiced organic lemons plus one diced organic lemon
How to make low-sugar dandelion syrup?
This is a two days recipe.
On the first day, we boil the dandelions and water and let them steep for 24 hours.
The next day we drain the dandelion mixture and make the syrup.
I do not cut the yellow petals from the green base.
Step 1: Rinse the dandelion flowers.
Fill a large saucepan with water.
Pour in the dandelion flowers and gently soak them to remove insects and other impurities.
Drain off the water using a colander.
Repeat the process until the water remains clear. I have done this four times.
Note: I do not wash dandelion flowers under running water because they are fragile.
Step 2: Dry the dandelion flowers
Place a few paper towels on the kitchen table.
Spread the dandelion flowers evenly on the paper towel
Let them dry for about 30 minutes.
Step 3: Make the dandelion infusion
Place the water in a large pot over medium heat and add the dandelion flowers.
Bring the water to a simmer, turn the heat low, and cook for 1 minute.
Remove the pot from the heat and cover with a lid.
Let the mixture steep in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
Note: While the flowers are infusing, they smell like cooked spinach.
Step 4: Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer
Strain the liquid over a medium saucepan.
Squeeze the flowers to remove excess liquid.
After I drain the dandelion infusion, it makes 1,300 liters of liquid.
Step 5 Make the dandelion syrup.
Place the pot over medium heat and add the strained dandelion extract.
Stir in the sugar, diced lemon, and lemon juice.
Bring it to a simmer over medium heat and then switch to low.
Let it simmer for 30 minutes.
Note: I prefer to simmer the syrup for only 30 minutes to retain some nutrients.
Step 6: Sterilize the glass bottles
Wash the bottles and lids in warm soapy water and rinse them well.
Place a baking sheet in the center of the oven and then the bottles.
Set the oven to 130 degrees and let it run for 20 minutes. The bottles will be hot, so handle them carefully. It is best to wear oven mitts.
Place the sterilized bottles on a towel and cover them to keep warm.
Note:
Do not place rubber or plastic lids in the oven to sterilize
Place a metal knife or other metal object under each bottle to prevent bottles from cracking during the transfer.
Step7: Pour the syrup into the glass bottles
Carefully pour the syrup into the sterilized glass bottles using a heatproof funnel.
Cover the bottles with a blanket or towels and let them cool overnight. The next day, you can store the syrup bottles in your pantry. It will keep for at least a year.
Note:
- As the bottles cool, they will seal themselves.
- I prefer not to boil longer because I want to preserve some health benefits.
- To thicken the syrup, some people usually simmer until the liquid is reduced by half, an hour and a half to two hours. You can simmer until you reach the desired consistency.
Who is the dandelion honey not suitable for?
The dandelion syrup is safe for consumption. It is not suitable for people with diabetes due to its sugar content. However, it is not suitable for everyone due to food allergies and sensitivities. Please ensure that dandelion syrup is good for you and will not cause any harm, allergies, or other reactions. Talk to a holistic doctor before taking it if you suffer from any health problems or allergies and are taking any medications.
Your feedback means a lot because it gives me the creative impetus to develop more exciting recipes or interesting content.
If you recreate this dandelion syrup recipe, let me know by sharing your pictures on Instagram and tagging them with the hashtag #healthywomanstyle, or leave a comment below.
I look forward to hearing from you. Wishing you a healthy spring full of healthy recipes, inspiration, and good things,
With love and gratitude,
Gabby
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