If sunshine had a flavor… this would be it.
Sweet, golden, and just a little magical, Dandelion Jelly is one of those unexpected recipes that turns something simple into something extraordinary.

I started making this a few springs ago, when our backyard was full of fluffy yellow blooms and my kids were picking bouquets for the kitchen counter. One day, I brewed a few blossoms into a tea — and the result was this jelly that tastes like honey with a hint of citrus and floral notes.

It’s light, cheerful, and makes the prettiest little gifts — perfect for toast, biscuits, or even a spoonful straight from the jar.

🌼 Ingredients:

• 2 cups dandelion petals (just the yellow parts, no green!)

• 2 1/2 cups water

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 package (1.75 oz) powdered pectin

• 4 cups sugar (or try 2 cups coconut sugar + 2 cups cane sugar for a cleaner version)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Gather & clean the petals:
   Harvest fresh, fully opened dandelions from a clean, unsprayed area. Remove green parts and keep only the yellow petals. Rinse gently.

2. Make dandelion tea:
   In a saucepan, simmer petals in 2 1/2 cups water for 10–15 minutes. Let steep and cool, then strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.

3. Prepare jelly:
   Measure 2 cups of your dandelion tea into a clean saucepan. Add lemon juice and pectin. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

4. Add sugar:
   Stir in sugar and return to a rolling boil. Boil for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens slightly.

5. Jar and seal:
   Pour into sterilized half-pint jars, leaving 1/4" headspace. Wipe rims, add lids and rings. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

6. Cool and label:
   Let jars cool undisturbed. You’ll hear the satisfying pop of sealing lids! Store in a cool pantry or give as gifts.

💡 Sarah’s Tips:

• Get the kids involved! Picking petals is the perfect hands-on nature activity.

• Don’t skip the lemon juice — it brightens the flavor and helps the jelly set.

• Want extra sparkle? Add a few lemon zest shavings before jarring.

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s something wholesome and grounding about foraging your own ingredients and turning them into something beautiful. This recipe reminds me that real food can be playful, nostalgic, and completely enchanting.

Back when I was working to reconnect with myself — eating cleaner, slowing down, and finding joy in simple things — this jelly became a springtime ritual. I’d stir it slowly, pour it into little jars, and feel like I was bottling up sunshine to share.

It’s more than jelly. It’s a reminder that nature gives us so much — and sometimes, it’s right there under our feet.