Are all parts of dandelions edible?

Yes, all parts of the dandelion1flowers, leaves, and roots1are edible. However, for dandelion candy, only the flowers are typically used for their sweet, floral flavor. Always collect dandelions from clean, pesticide-free areas to ensure safety.

How do I make dandelion candy without a candy thermometer?

You can use the cold water test: drop a small amount of the hot syrup into cold water. If it hardens immediately and snaps easily, the syrup has reached the hard crack stage and is ready for candy making.

When is the best time to pick dandelions for candy?

The best time to pick dandelions is when the flowers are in full bloom, as this is when their flavor is strongest and purest. Early morning picks after the dew has dried are optimal for freshness.

Can I use dried dandelion petals for candy making?

Dried petals can be used, but fresh petals offer a brighter flavor. When using dried petals, you may need to adjust the quantity and steep them longer to extract sufficient flavor for the tea base.

Dandelion Candy with Honey: Easy Homemade Recipe

Name: Sweet Dandelion Delight: A Simple Homemade Candy with a Honey Twist
Prep time: PT-971823H11M12S
Cook time: PT-485912H35M36S
Total time: PT-485912H35M36S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups dandelion tea; 2 cups raw sugar; 1 cup honey; ½ teaspoon powdered ginger; ½ teaspoon turmeric; 1 lemon (juice squeezed and seeds strained out); ½ cup powdered sugar (for coating)

Description

🍬 Indulge in Sweet Dandelion Delight, a homemade candy with a delightful honey twist, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings with natural ingredients.
🌿 This simple recipe combines the goodness of dandelion tea and honey with the aromatic spice of ginger and turmeric, making it a unique treat.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups dandelion tea
2 cups raw sugar
1 cup honey
½ teaspoon powdered ginger
½ teaspoon turmeric
1 lemon (juice squeezed and seeds strained out)
½ cup powdered sugar (for coating)

Instructions

1. In a medium to large heavy-bottomed pot, mix the dandelion tea, raw sugar, honey, ginger, turmeric, and lemon juice.
2. Heat over medium heat, gently whisking to prevent scorching. Use a silicone brush dipped in water to dissolve any sugar crystals on the pot’s sides.
3. Bring the mixture to a hard crack stage at 300-310°F (149-154°C) using a candy thermometer. If sugar starts to burn, remove briefly from heat.
4. Immediately drop spoonfuls of the hot mixture onto a silicone mat, buttered dish, or pour into heat-proof silicone molds.
5. Cool completely, then coat candies with powdered sugar to avoid sticking.

Notes

🌼 Collect dandelions from clean, pesticide-free areas to ensure safety and flavor purity.
🍋 Use full bloom dandelion flowers, removing green ends, for a purer and smoother flavor.
🔥 If a candy thermometer is unavailable, test by dropping syrup into cold water; it should harden quickly if ready.

Prep Time: 4-6 hours for soaking
Candy Cooking and Cooling Time: 30-45 minutes
Cook Time: 30-45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 candy
Calories: 50
Sugar: 12 grams
Sodium: 0 mg
Fat: 0 grams
Saturated Fat: 0 grams
Unsaturated Fat: 0 grams
Trans Fat: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 13 grams
Fiber: 0 grams
Protein: 0 grams
Cholesterol: 0 mg