Low Sugar Dandelion Jelly Recipe-Easy & Delicious
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Make easy low sugar dandelion jelly at home with this simple recipe. Learn how to sweeten dandelion blossoms without artificial sugars. A perfect garden activity for kids!
- Learn a step-by-step recipe for homemade dandelion jelly that uses less sugar than traditional versions without sacrificing taste or texture
- Discover the health benefits of dandelions and practical ways to use your finished jelly in recipes, teas, and breakfast spreads
- Avoid common pitfalls like over-boiling, incorrect pectin ratios, and harvesting mistakes that ruin batches
- Get pro tips for sourcing quality dandelions and achieving the perfect set and consistency every time
How to make dandelion jelly
We have tons of extra dandelions available to us in spring and summer time. They are great forage for the bees, so we never pick them too early, but once summer comes on and there is a lot of forage for pollinators, we have at making things with them. And I love using excess things that are plentiful to make things we can use.
Dandelions are actually delicious. Many parts of the plant are edible and can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, soups, teas, and even desserts. The leaves are often used as a salad green and have a bitter, earthy flavor, while the flowers have a sweet, slightly floral flavor that is often used in recipes for dandelion wine, jelly, or syrup. The roots can also be roasted and used as a coffee substitute.
Dandelion Jelly Recipe
You’re going to love this dandelion jelly. It’s way better than you could even imagine. Delicious!
Lower Sugar Dandelion Jelly
Ingredients
- 4 c. dandelion flowers loosely packed
- 4 c. boiling water
- 2 c. granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1 box powdered pectin low sugar variety Sure Jell makes it.
Instructions
- First, make a dandelion tea. Rinse dandelion petals thoroughly. Make sure all green is removed.
- Place flowers in a large container, such as a glass jar.
- Pour boiling water over the flowers and stir lightly to cover. Allow to cool then place in the refrigerator to steep overnight or at least 4 hours.
- Read all directions before proceeding.
- Strain the flowers from the liquid, using a cheesecloth, strainer or simply squeeze them with your hands. The cheesecloth will result in a clearer jelly but the strainer works just fine.
- Place the 4 cups of liquid into a large pot. Add the lemon juice and pectin and stir. Bring the liquid to a boil. Stir in the sugar and allow the mixture to return to a boil and boil for 2 minutes while stirring.
- Immediately ladle the mixture into jars. Fill to about ¼ inch of the tops to allow expansion. Wipe any drips from the rims of the jars. Place flat parts of the lids on the tops of the jars. Screw on the rings of the lids by hand. Allow to cool and set up.
- Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Nutrition
I will tell you honestly, I don’t really love the leaves. Leafy salad greens are not my top favorite food and the dandelion greens are a bit too bitter for me. I will blanch them and cook them into a dish or dry them for green powder though.
In addition to their culinary uses, dandelions are also known for their many health benefits. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals and have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, from digestive issues to skin conditions.
So, if you come across a field of dandelions, don’t be afraid to give them a try! Just be sure to harvest them from a clean, pesticide-free area.
Healthy jelly for toddlers
Learning to make jams and jellies is a great basic cooking skill to have. We don’t serve home canned food at daycare, but we love making this jelly fresh and sharing it with friends or even freezing a few jars of it. Just make sure to leave an inch of head space in the jars you’re going to freeze. And if you want to can it, go for it. There are canning instructions for jelly here.
You could even make it with the kids as part of your daycare lesson plans. Cooking with kids is a wonderful way to teach them a ton of skills.
Here are some reasons why you might want to make dandelion jelly:
- Dandelions are known for their many health benefits. They are a good source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and have been used for centuries in traditional medicine.
- Dandelion jelly has a unique, slightly floral flavor that is both sweet and slightly tangy. It can be used as a spread on toast or as a glaze for meats or vegetables.
- Dandelion jelly is relatively easy to make with just a few simple ingredients, including dandelion flowers, sugar, pectin, and lemon juice. It’s a fun and rewarding project for anyone interested in homemade preserves. And you can make it low in sugar for a healthier finished product as well.
- Dandelions are a common and abundant plant, making them an excellent choice for anyone interested in using local and sustainable ingredients in their cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Low Sugar Dandelion Jelly
What does low sugar dandelion jelly taste like?
Low sugar dandelion jelly has a delicate floral flavor with light honey-like notes and a hint of citrus from the lemon juice. Because it contains less sugar, the natural flavor of the dandelion petals is more noticeable.
Is low sugar dandelion jelly as sweet as traditional dandelion jelly?
No. It has a milder sweetness that lets the floral flavor shine. If you’re used to classic jelly, expect a lighter, fresher taste.
Can I reduce the sugar even more?
Only if you’re using a pectin specifically designed for low- or no-sugar recipes. Don’t reduce the sugar in recipes made with regular pectin, or the jelly may not set properly. Always follow the pectin manufacturer’s directions.
Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Not usually. Honey changes the acidity, sweetness, and setting properties of jelly. Unless your recipe is specifically tested for honey, it’s best to stick with the sweetener called for in the recipe.
Why didn’t my dandelion jelly set?
Common reasons include:
- Not boiling long enough.
- Incorrect measurements.
- Using the wrong type of pectin.
- Reducing the sugar without using low-sugar pectin.
- Old or expired pectin.
Many soft jellies will firm up after sitting for 24–48 hours.
Why does my jelly taste bitter?
Bitterness usually comes from including the green parts of the flower. Use only the bright yellow petals and avoid the green sepals and stems for the best flavor.
When is the best time to pick dandelions?
Harvest fully opened flowers on a dry, sunny day after the morning dew has dried. Choose flowers from areas that haven’t been sprayed with herbicides or pesticides.
Do I need to wash the flowers?
Yes. Gently rinse them to remove dirt and insects, then let them drain well before removing the petals.
Can I leave the green base on the flowers?
It’s best not to. The green parts contain bitter compounds that can affect the flavor of your jelly.
How long does low sugar dandelion jelly last?
- Refrigerator: About 3 to 4 weeks after opening.
- Freezer: Up to 1 year when stored in freezer-safe containers.
If you have a tested shelf-stable canning recipe, unopened jars can typically be stored in a cool, dark pantry for about a year.
What can I serve with dandelion jelly?
It’s delicious on:
- Toast, biscuits, or English muffins
- Scones
- Pancakes or waffles
- Yogurt
- Soft cheeses and crackers
- Thumbprint cookies
- As a glaze for baked goods
Does dandelion jelly taste like honey?
Many people say it has a mild honey-like flavor, although it contains no honey. The floral notes become more noticeable in low sugar versions.
Is dandelion jelly healthy?
Dandelion petals contain beneficial plant compounds, but jelly is still a sweet spread. Even with less sugar, enjoy it as a treat rather than a health food.
Can I make this recipe without pectin?
Most low sugar jelly recipes depend on low-sugar pectin for a reliable set. Omitting it will likely result in a syrup rather than a spread.
Can I freeze low sugar dandelion jelly?
Yes! Freezing is an excellent option for preserving low sugar jelly. Leave enough headspace in freezer-safe containers to allow for expansion.
For more healthy jelly ideas for toddlers, check these out:
For more recipes ideas to make with kids, check these out:
- Cooking with Kids-Spaghetti Pie Recipe
- Cooking with Kids-Lotsa Pasta Recipe
- Cooking with Kids-Yogurt Parfait Recipe
For more ideas for foraged treats, check these out:
