Go Back
Child holding a jar of golden {{ $('Fetch Recipe Data').first().json["Main Keyword"] }} with fresh dandelions.

Sweet Dandelion Honey Spread

This vibrant, golden spread captures the essence of spring with the delicate, sweet notes of dandelion petals infused into a luscious honey base. Perfect for toast, scones, or as a unique gift.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 2 jars (8 oz each)
Course: Breakfast, Condiment, Spread
Cuisine: Foraging, Herbal, Spring
Calories: 70
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dandelion Infusion
  • 4 cups dandelion petals tightly packed, green parts removed
  • 4 cups filtered water
For the Spread
  • 2 cups natural honey local preferred
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 pouch liquid fruit pectin 3 ounces (85g)

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Fine-mesh sieve
  • Cheesecloth
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 2 pint-sized canning jars (or 4 half-pint jars)
  • Immersion blender (optional, for smoother texture)

Method
 

Prepare the Dandelions
  1. Carefully collect fresh dandelion flowers from an unsprayed area. Aim for bright, fully open blooms. Separate the yellow petals from the green base (calyx and stem) as the green parts can add bitterness. This is the most time-consuming step. Wash the separated petals gently in a colander under cool water and drain well.
Make the Dandelion Infusion
  1. Place the prepared dandelion petals and 4 cups of filtered water into a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 10 minutes.
  2. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the dandelion petals steep in the water for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to extract maximum flavor. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor will be. Do not let it cool completely if using pectin soon after.
  3. Place a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth over a large bowl or directly into the saucepan you'll use for the spread. Pour the dandelion infusion through the sieve, pressing gently on the petals to extract all liquid. Discard the spent petals. You should have approximately 3 to 3.5 cups of dandelion 'tea'.
Cook the Sweet Dandelion Honey Spread
  1. Return the strained dandelion tea to the clean saucepan. Add the honey and lemon juice. Stir well to combine.
  2. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Once it reaches a full, rolling boil that cannot be stirred down, immediately add the liquid fruit pectin. Stir continuously for 1 minute while maintaining a full rolling boil.
  3. Remove the saucepan from heat. Skim off any foam from the surface of the spread using a spoon.
  4. Optional: For a very smooth spread, carefully use an immersion blender to blend the mixture briefly. This will also help distribute any small remaining petal pieces.
Jar and Store
  1. Carefully ladle the hot dandelion honey spread into clean, sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace. Seal with lids.
  2. Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature. The spread will continue to thicken as it cools. Once cool, store the sealed jars in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks. For longer storage (up to 6 months), process in a boiling water bath canner for 10 minutes, following proper canning procedures.

Notes

When foraging for dandelions, ensure they come from an area free of pesticides, herbicides, and pollution (e.g., away from roadsides). The best time to collect them is mid-morning on a sunny day when they are fully open and dry. This spread makes a delightful and unique gift. You can adjust the sweetness to your preference, but keep in mind that the pectin needs a certain sugar content to set properly.