Embracing Dandelions: From Garden to Table

Dandelions are versatile plants that can be used for culinary purposes as well as herbal remedies. Here's a guide on how to grow and care for dandelions, followed by instructions on making dandelion jelly, salve, and tea:

Growing and Caring for Dandelions

1. Choose the Right Location: Dandelions thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. They also prefer well-draining soil. Choose a spot in your garden or yard that meets these conditions.

2. Planting Dandelions:

• Option 1: Grow dandelions from seeds by scattering them in your chosen location in early spring or fall.

• Option 2: Transplant dandelion plants from nursery pots into your garden, ensuring they have enough space to spread.

1. Watering and Maintenance:

• Water dandelions regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

• Remove weeds around dandelion plants to prevent competition for nutrients.

1. Harvesting:

• Harvest dandelion leaves when they are young and tender for salads or cooking.

• Harvest dandelion flowers when they are fully bloomed for making jelly, salve, or tea.

Making Dandelion Jelly

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of dandelion petals (separated from the green base)

• 4 cups of water

• 1 package (1.75 ounces) of powdered fruit pectin

• 4 cups of sugar

• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Rinse the dandelion petals thoroughly to remove any dirt or insects.

2. In a saucepan, combine the dandelion petals and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing to extract all the liquid. Discard the petals.

4. Return the liquid to the saucepan and add the powdered pectin and lemon juice. Bring to a rolling boil.

5. Stir in the sugar and boil for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens.

6. Remove from heat and skim off any foam.

7. Pour the jelly into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Seal the jars and process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes.

8. Allow the jars to cool and set before storing in a cool, dark place.

Making Dandelion Salve

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of dandelion-infused oil (made by steeping dried dandelion flowers in oil for several weeks)

• 1/4 cup of beeswax pellets or grated beeswax

• Optional: a few drops of essential oil (such as lavender or tea tree) for fragrance and additional benefits

Instructions:

1. In a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl placed over a pot of simmering water, melt the beeswax and dandelion-infused oil together, stirring until well combined.

2. Remove from heat and add a few drops of essential oil if desired.

3. Pour the mixture into clean, sterilized containers (such as small jars or tins).

4. Allow the salve to cool and solidify before using. Store in a cool, dark place.

Making Dandelion Tea

Ingredients:

• Fresh dandelion flowers or dried dandelion root (about 1 tablespoon per cup of tea)

• Water

• Optional: honey or lemon for flavor

Instructions:

1. If using fresh dandelion flowers, rinse them thoroughly. If using dried dandelion root, measure out the desired amount.

2. Bring water to a boil in a pot.

3. Add the dandelion flowers or root to the boiling water.

4. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes.

5. Strain the tea into cups, and add honey or lemon if desired.

6. Enjoy your dandelion tea hot or chilled.

These recipes and instructions should help you utilize dandelions in various ways, from culinary delights to herbal remedies.

Happy Foraging!

Warm regards,

www.foodforestutah.com

Instagram @foodforestutah

YouTube @foodforestutah

Facebook @foodforest Utah

FB group : the Secret Garden Society