Vegan Dandelion Honey

I am not vegan, but I love to make beautiful food from foraged plants found locally in our hedgerows, fields and woodland. We are surrounded by free food, if only we have the courage to learn.

If you are nervous about foraging, then this recipe might be a good place to start. Most of us can happily (or unhappily, if you don't like them in your lawn) identify a dandelion, and the recipe is incredibly easy.

Gather your dandelions when the flowers are fully open and still young and fresh. As always, avoid foraging alongside roads, and try to find a plentiful supply where you can pick sufficient while leaving enough for the insects.

This recipe will produce about 6 small jars of runny honey

Ingredients

200g dandelion flowers without stalks (about 1/2 a carrier bag or one basketful).

800ml water

2 or 3 slices of lemon

Caster sugar (the quantity will depend on the weight of the liquid after boiling - see method)

Method

Wash your dandelion flowers and cut off the very base of the flower so that you are left with just the petals (a bit of green won't matter at all)

Put the petals in a saucepan with the water and lemon slices and bring to a gentle simmer. Put the lid on the pan and simmer for around 20 minutes.

Turn off the heat and leave the flowers to steep in the liquid for 24 hours.

Remove most of the flowers by hand, squeezing as much liquid as possible back into the pan. Discard the flowers and pour the remaining liquid through a muslin cloth (or clean pair of tights...) so that you are left with a stunningly beautiful yellow liquid.

Weigh the liquid by pouring it into a jug on your scales, then weigh out an equal quantity of caster sugar. Put the liquid and sugar in a saucepan and heat gently until the sugar is dissolved.

Once dissolved, bring the liquid to a boil and let it bubble away for around 15 to 20 minutes. You will notice the liquid start to darken and clear slightly. It will also thicken to a runny syrup, but don't let it over-thicken, as it will continue to thicken as it cools.

Poor into sterilised jars while still hot.

Use to make a delicious sweet tea, spread it on some freshly made bread or drizzle it over your cereal.