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Fresh Dandelion Honey Jelly Recipe with Bright Lemon Zest

fresh dandelion honey jelly - featured image

A delightful homemade jelly combining floral dandelion petals with bright lemon zest and natural honey, creating a fresh and tangy spread perfect for toast or gifts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh dandelion petals (loosely packed), rinsed and free of green parts
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 to cups honey (mild varieties like clover or wildflower recommended)
  • Zest of 2 large lemons
  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 package powdered pectin (about 1.75 oz or 49 grams)
  • 3 cups granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Place 4 cups of fresh dandelion petals in a large pot. Add 4 cups of water and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl or clean pot. Press gently to extract as much liquid as possible without forcing any green bits through. Discard the petals.
  3. Stir in the zest of 2 lemons and ½ cup of fresh lemon juice into the strained liquid.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix 1 package of powdered pectin with 3 cups of granulated sugar.
  5. Return the dandelion-lemon liquid to the pot and bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
  6. Gradually stir in the sugar and pectin blend. Keep stirring to dissolve completely and prevent burning. Boil hard for 1 minute while stirring constantly.
  7. Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 to 1¼ cups of honey, mixing well without overheating.
  8. Ladle the hot jelly into sterilized glass jars, leaving about ¼ inch headspace. Wipe rims clean, seal with lids, and let cool at room temperature.
  9. After a few hours, the jelly will start to set. Refrigerate once cool; it will keep for several weeks, or process in a water bath for longer shelf life.

Notes

Use only bright yellow dandelion petals to avoid bitterness. Stir constantly during boiling to prevent scorching. Add honey off the heat to preserve delicate flavors. Strain twice for clearer jelly. Sterilize jars properly to prevent spoilage. Vegan alternative: substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Nutrition

Keywords: dandelion jelly, honey jelly, lemon zest jelly, homemade jelly, wildflower jelly, natural sweetener, spring recipe