Delicious Vanilla Bean Dandelion Jelly Recipe to Try Today!
This Vanilla Bean Dandelion Jelly captivates with its golden hue and unique flavor profile, combining the floral notes of dandelion flowers with the rich aroma of vanilla bean. It’s a delightful homemade treat that brings the essence of spring to your table.
- Author: yassine
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 jars 1x
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- 2 cups dandelion flowers (make sure they are free from pesticides and pollutants)
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
- 1 vanilla bean (split and scraped)
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell)
- 5 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon butter (optional, to reduce foaming)
- Begin by gathering your dandelion flowers. You'll need 2 cups, so pick them on a dry day when they are fully open. Ensure they are clean and free from insects.
- In a large pot, combine the dandelion flowers and 4 cups of water. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally and let it boil for exactly 10 minutes to ensure the flowers impart their full flavor.
- After boiling, remove the pot from heat and let the mixture steep for 30 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the liquid has taken on a deep yellow color. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another pot, discarding the flowers.
- Add 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice and the scraped seeds from your split vanilla bean to the strained dandelion liquid. The acidity of the lemon juice helps balance the sweetness of the jelly.
- Sprinkle in one package of fruit pectin (1.75 oz) and stir well. Place the pot back on the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. You should see a lot of bubbles and steam; this is your cue to prepare for the next step.
- Once boiling, add in 5 cups of granulated sugar all at once. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sugar has completely dissolved. Be careful not to let it boil over; if it starts to foam, it’s a good idea to add the optional 1/2 teaspoon of butter to help reduce foaming.
- Continue to boil the mixture for exactly 1 minute. You’ll know it’s ready when it reaches a rolling boil again, and the mixture thickens slightly. This is a crucial step, so keep a close eye on it to avoid overcooking.
- Remove the pot from heat and ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to ensure a good seal.
- Seal the jars with sterilized lids and process them in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes, depending on your altitude. This step ensures your jelly is shelf-stable.
- Once processed, remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool completely on a clean towel or cooling rack. You’ll know they’ve sealed properly when the center of the lid is indented.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Make sure to pick dandelions from a clean area that hasn't been treated with chemicals. Using a wide, heavy-bottomed pot can prevent the jelly from scorching as it cooks. Don’t skip the water bath processing! It’s essential for creating a vacuum seal, which will keep your jelly fresh for months.