Dandelion jam recipe

A simple jam recipe for a tasty use of your freshly-foraged dandelions.

Introduction

“One summer, when my five-year-old son saw a field filled with dandelions, he was totally entranced and encouraged the family to collect them to make jam.
He had deep memories of collecting dandelions and making jam over the fire at his outdoor kindergarten the year before. They spent the whole day exploring this wonderful plant, using it to make jam, and the leftovers to create art. His memory and knowledge were phenomenal - remembering many tiny details.” - Liz.

Read our dandelion story for more on this experience.

What you'll need

dandelions
bowl
sieve/strainer
glass jars and lids
pan & heat source
ingredients (see below)

This activity has been provided by

Useful items from our shop

Item available from our shop

Environmental Considerations

Consider the environmental impact of preparing, carrying out & completing this activity. Could this impact be reduced? Specific considerations for this activity could include:

foraging

Health & Safety Considerations

Follow your usual operating procedures and carry out appropriate risk benefit assessments.
Some considerations particular to this activity include:

Preparation:

Collect your dandelions – you’ll need 2 carrier bag fulls of dandelion heads to get enough petals. See our Tips for Foraging.
Ensure your jam jars are clean and preferably sterile for longevity.
Place the clean dry jars in a bowl of hot water to keep warm, not allowing any water inside the jars.
Prepare your working area.
Clean and prepare the pans for cooking over a fire or on the hob.

Ingredients:

2 large cups of fresh dandelion petals
2 cups of boiling water
1/4 cup well-strained, clear lemon juice
4 cups sugar
Liquid pectin - follow pack instructions (To find suppliers of liquid pectin type 'buy liquid pectin UK' into your search engine.)

We found this US website with alternatives to pectin: https://survivalfreedom.com/substitute-for-pectin-in-jam-making/. Apples are good alternative - that is why you usually see 'blackberry & apple' jam as the aple is used as a setting agent.

Step #1

Separate the petals from the dandelion flowers, discarding as much greenery as possible.

Gently twist the petals away from the rest of the flower using your fingers, or trim the heads with scissors.

You will get a few sepals but try to minimize the amount of green you get in your petals.

Step #2

Cover the petals with boiling water and allow to cool naturally.

Step #3

Strain the petals using a muslin or coffee filter (we used a sieve then a tea towel).

The liquid left is a dandelion tea which can be drunk neat.

Step #4

In a pan on a low-medium heat, combine the strained dandelion tea, sugar and lemon juice.

Stir until the sugar has dissolved.

Step #5

Bring the solution to a full rolling boil.

Add the liquid pectin then, stirring constantly, bring back to a full boil.

Boil for 1 minute.

Step #6

Remove from the heat and carefully fill the warm jars using a funnel.

Pop on the lids and allow to cool.

Take it further:

Dry out the discarded leaves and petals and use them for art projects and models. Waste not, want not!

Disclaimer: Muddy Faces cannot take any responsibility for accidents or damage that occurs as a result of following this activity.You are responsible for making sure the activity is conducted safely.