Description
A delightful vegan alternative to traditional honey, this golden syrup captures the essence of spring with its sweet, floral flavor. Perfect for drizzling over toast, pancakes, or adding to beverages.
Ingredients
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4 cups dandelion petals (from about 4 cups of whole flowers)
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4 cups water
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3 lemon slices (1/4-inch thick)
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1/2 vanilla bean, split in half
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2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
Instructions
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Soak the dandelion petals in cold water for 5 minutes to allow any insects to exit. Drain thoroughly.
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Combine the petals, water, lemon slices, and vanilla bean in a heavy saucepan.
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Boil the mixture over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
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Steep off the heat for 6 hours to allow flavors to meld.
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Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine sieve, discarding the solids.
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Return the liquid to the saucepan and bring to a low boil.
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Add sugar gradually, stirring until dissolved.
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Simmer uncovered until the syrup reaches a desired thickness, approximately 1 hour.
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Cool before transferring to sterilized jars.
Notes
Use safe-foraging practices: Only pick dandelions from areas that are free of pesticides, herbicides, and pet traffic. Avoid roadsides or treated lawns.
Lemon is optional: Lemon slices help balance sweetness and add subtle citrus notes, but can be omitted for a more purely floral flavor.
Remove green parts: To avoid bitterness, pluck only the yellow petals and discard the green sepals and stems.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American