It’s here! Spring’s finally arrived, keeping me happily busy sunup to sundown. I don’t mind winter, but wanted to say, “ENOUGH already!” when it seemed to last an eternity this year. Warm thoughts to my friends in the Midwest, feeling those chilly temps even longer than us! When the first green popped up, I was ready to dance like Snoopy from the Peanuts gang! So what if some of the vegetation sproutin’ were weeds? They’regreen! Recently, I’ve even learned to appreciate and eat certain weeds. Come peek at what I’ve got cookin’…
I can’t wait to try this….I don’t know why I’ve never thought to do it sooner. When I was growing up, my mom made jelly from everything imaginable. And she and my dad knew all the safe weeds to eat. Needless to say, we ate a lot of them! I love your post; it brought back some very good memories.
Thanks, Rebecca! I’m glad you enjoyed the post! I think of all the jams and jellies I’ve made, this is my favorite, despite being a bit tedious. Try eating it on bread with a slice of cheddar and the jelly on top. Let me know how your jam turns out! -Nicole
I haven’t tried making dandelion jelly because I’m too busy including the greens with my other "greens" and reds and yellows in my salads and soups. For lunch every day, I try to eat a salad varying the ingredients with the seasons (which in California means I have access to just about everything year round) and a soup. Why do I eat so many salads and soups? I’m a vegetarian and the diet has helped me lose 55 pounds so far. I was a bit of a slug after radiation and recovery took longer than expected. However, I do trade some food for jam with those who have the time and space to prepare it. I’ll see if my foraging friends have any plans for making dandelion jelly.
Hi Adrienne! I’m so happy to hear that you are doing better; it sounds like now you are on the up side to recovery. I wish you continued good health. I love to eat soup and salad for lunch, too. It’s a good way to get more veggies during the day. Thanks for dropping in and leaving a comment! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Hi Nicole!
Looks like you had some fun with this one- not to mention, I bet you proved a lot of "doubting Thomas’" wrong!
I have never made my own dandelion jam, although I have tried it and liked it. My friend actually came over to my yard a few years back and picked my dandelion flowers, because she knew I did not spray any chemicals on my lawn. LOL
She did gift me with a jar when she made it which was great!
Hope all is well with you, and that the warm weather is finally here to stay!
Hugs to you my friend!
Laurie
Hi Laurie! Another great reason NOT to spray chemicals on your lawn, right? This was a fun adventure! Farmgirl hugs back at ya, Nicole
I don’t know if I’ll make jelly anytime soon but this was interesting reading. I look at dandelions a little different now right before I pull them out of my lawn.
That’s what my husband says when he says a dandelion now! I just had a gentleman who works at my local Trader Joes tell me to roast carrots in the oven with salt and pepper, and right before serving glaze them with the jelly. He says it is delicious. -Nicole
Nicole, I loved the article and wildflowers too. I once made a colored sketch in Texas Hill country of them. You must have a lot of dandelions on your property!
Your writing is very interesting and you are brave to try some of those "weeds". Love you, Mother
Hi Mom! Your next goodie box will include a jar of this jam! Love, Nicole
Well, if anyone should be making Sunshine Jelly out of Dandelions it should be me! After all, our home and ( my blog) is called DANDELION HOUSE due to the amount of dandelions that grace our front yard every spring LOL! Every year I say I’m gonna do it but my husband picks them and feeds them to our hens before I can get to it. I’m glad to see you gave it a try Nicole! I sure does look good…!
thanks for a fun and informative post!
Deb ( your bloggin’ sis by the sea)
Hey Darlin! I promise you a jar of mine if we ever meet face to face! Hugs, Nicole
I think your blog is great and that the Sunshine Jelly looks great to make.
Just have to find an abundant amount of dandelions somewhere when they start growing.
Thanks.
Darlene, thank you! Glad you enjoyed the blog. Write me back and let me know how you jelly turns out when you make it! Enjoy! -Nicole
I dont have dandilions lately, but, I live in California Central Valley, and the weeds here are different. Purselain grows aere and I use it in stirfrys and some Mexican traditional dishes. Are there any sources for recipes using the rest I’m not familiar with? I do grow a lot of Mexican herbs and greens so some wild ones look ok in my garden.
Hi Ana. Is there a local extension office in your area? They are great for knowing exactly grows in a region, and could maybe point you to a local foraging class. It’s very important to know what is edible and not, and some weeds can look similar. If you are not absolutely sure what something is or not, don’t eat it. -Nicole