Homemade dandelion honey? Here's our recipe

Dandelion has many beneficial effects thanks to its vitamins and minerals. Our grandmothers knew its effects and loved to use it in home medicine.

Since it is our main ingredient, let's introduce it a little. As its name suggests, dandelion is useful in fighting various ailments.

It can be used to prepare various drinks and dishes. We can enjoy it in salad, wine, syrup or, for example, in the form of honey that we prepare together.

Another special feature of dandelion is that it can be used whole, from flower to root.

It is not popular with gardeners, but it is a delight for herbalists. It grows everywhere. Some people are bothered by it in the lawn, so they get rid of it.

Did you know that the first references to dandelions and their use date back to the Middle Ages?

Because it can be used whole, its health benefits are also complex. It contains many important vitamins and minerals.

Among the vitamins are A, B2, C, D. Other beneficial substances are tannins, fructose, phytosterols, inulin, mucilage. Among the minerals, potassium, manganese, sodium, sulphur and others.

The tannins causing its bitter taste reveal help in combating intestinal and digestive disorders.

Research has also shown its ability to fight cancer-causing substances. It also stimulates the vital glands, liver, gallbladder, kidneys, intestines, heart, pancreas and also the production of new blood.

It also helps in the drainage of the body and according to some research, it is also beneficial in the treatment of diabetes.

With the right combination of beneficial substances, it is also said to help fight spring fatigue.

Due to its versatility, it is popular with herbalists for fever, diarrhea, liver and gallbladder diseases, eczema and parasites.

It has strong cleansing powers and is recommended for use in medical cures.

Dandelion compresses and wraps are also popular.

Our recipe for homemade honey is a great help for treating colds, sore throats and the like. Dandelion flowers are best harvested for it in the spring months, although dandelion can be found after the summer.

What you need for dandelion honey

• At least 500 dandelion flowers without stems
• 3 organic lemons
• 2 kg cane sugar
• 2 litres of water

Recipe for making homemade dandelion honey

1. Clean at least 500 flowers, preferably open, from the stems.

Dandelion flowers are best collected in meadows, away from the roads. Also on a sunny day a few days after the rains. This way they will not need to be washed and more of the necessary pollen will remain on them. The less adventurous can of course wash the flowers.

2. Cover the washed and cut lemons and the prepared dandelion flowers with less than 2 litres of water and boil for a few minutes. You can of course also use baby water.

Cut the lemons into slices and add them to the mixture with the peel on. This is why it's best to use organic and unsprayed. We tend to squeeze the ends of the lemons into the water because we like them sour.

3. Once the water is boiled, let the decoction sit undisturbed for a full day.

4. After a full day, strain the mixture and wring it out properly through a diaper or washcloth.

5. Add the sugar to the dandelion flower and lemon water and bring to the boil until the sugar dissolves.

6. Simmer the mixture slowly for approximately 1½ hours. If you want the honey to be thicker, you can leave it to cook for longer. This can be up to three hours.

Keep cooking the mixture, but very slowly so that it does not boil. You also need to stir it constantly.

7. When the mixture is still hot, pour it into sterilised bottles. When the bottle is full, immediately close it and turn it upside down.

8. These bottles of honey are best left to cool slowly and gradually, wrapped in a blanket, for a day or two.

Well-brewed honey will last you until winter, so it will also be good in tea on cold days or as a helper during flu season.

Enjoy!

Don't forget to try our other healthy recipes:

• How to make Greek yoghurt at home? Here is the recipe and also its health benefits
• A healthy recipe for spring cleaning
• Avocado spread - try our healthy recipe
• Recipe for a healthy and fit mango smoothie? (+ with banana and pineapple)