What if the pesky yellow weeds in your yard could become your new favorite superfood? Dandelions, often dismissed as lawn nuisances, are nutritional goldmines.
“They’re probably the most nutritionally dense green you can eat — outstripping even kale or spinach,” says registered dietitian Nancy Geib, RD, LDN, in a Cleveland Clinic article.
Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, plus minerals like iron and calcium, dandelions rival trendy greens. Pair them with raw, local honey; you’ve got a gummy recipe that’s as tasty as therapeutic. Ready to rethink those so-called weeds? Let’s explore why dandelion gummies are nature’s sweet secret and how you can make them at home with our step-by-step guide.
Fun fact about dandelions
Dandelion’s name comes from the French dent de lion (phonetic, French pronunciation — duhn duh lee-ohn) (lion’s tooth), referring to its jagged leaves. It’s been used in traditional medicine across cultures for centuries, from Chinese herbalism to Indigenous American remedies.
Quick safety note about ragweed allergy and dandelion
While dandelions are generally safe, people with ragweed allergies might react. To test, start with a small gummy.
Quick safety note about medications and dandelion
Talk with your healthcare team if you take certain medications. Dandelion supplements may interact with some drugs, including:
- Lithium.
- Blood thinners.
- Certain antibiotics.
- Diuretics (aka water pills).
- Some heart and blood pressure medications.
(Cleveland Clinic, 2021).
Replace boring supplements and sugary snacks with dandelion gummies
Tired of boring supplements or sugary snacks? Dandelion and honey gummies offer a fun, natural alternative. These chewy treats deliver a nutrient punch while satisfying your sweet tooth. According to Healthline, dandelions support liver health, with roots acting as a “liver tonic” by boosting bile flow.
Raw honey, prized for centuries, brings antibacterial and immune-boosting powers.
“The use of raw honey as an antiseptic goes back thousands of years,” notes BeesWiki.
Forager Sarah T., a mom from Ohio, shares, “I was skeptical, but these gummies are a game-changer. My kids beg for them, and I feel good knowing they’re eating something healthy.”
This dandelion gummies recipe transforms backyard weeds into wellness, making nutrition free, accessible, and delicious.
What the experts say about dandelion’s health benefits
Experts can’t stop raving about dandelions and honey.
“Dandelions contain several different types of antioxidants throughout the roots, leaves, and flowers,” Geib explains, highlighting their role in fighting free radicals (Cleveland Clinic). Studies suggest dandelions may reduce inflammation and regulate blood sugar, though more research is needed (Healthline).
Raw honey’s benefits are equally impressive.
“Raw honey may offer more health benefits than regular honey,” says Healthline, citing its ability to soothe digestion and ease sore throats. Local honey may even help with allergies, as beekeeper John M. from Vermont attests: “My customers swear by my raw honey for seasonal sniffles.”
These ingredients create gummies that are both a treat and a health boost.
How to make dandelion gummies
Ready to make your own dandelion gummies? This kid-friendly recipe takes under an hour. You can listen to the recipe in the 'Dandelion Gummies: Nature's Sweet Secret for Health and Vitality,' podcast wherever you get your podcasts. You'll also find this recipe at 07:38 in the podcast and the podcast transcript. Please leave a review to help others find our podcast.
Here’s what you need:
Dandelion gummies: 4 ingredients list
1/2 cup dandelion petals (yellow parts only, rinsed well)
1 cup filtered water
1/4 cup raw, local honey
2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
Gelatin Alternatives: Try agar-agar (1:1 ratio with gelatin), but boil it briefly to activate it, then cool slightly before adding honey.
Optional: 1 tsp lemon juice. Add a splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 tsp) to the tea for a zesty kick that complements the floral notes.
Dandelion gummies equipment list
Small saucepan, whisk, silicone molds, dropper (optional).
Extra tips for making dandelion gummies
In an upcoming article, I’ll talk more about foraging and wildcrafting. However, here are a few dandelion foraging safety tips.
Foraging dandelions safely
Ensure dandelions are from clean, pesticide-free areas (parks or your yard, not roadsides). Wash petals thoroughly to remove dirt or bugs. After harvesting, I soak everything in cold, filtered water for 30 minutes. Then, I toss that water, add fresh water, and gently agitate the plant material, fruits, vegetables, or herbs with my hands using a washing machine action.
Raw honey preservation for dandelion gummies
To maximize raw honey’s benefits, mix the tea below 104°F (40°C). A candy or meat thermometer can help.
Dandelion gummies in 6 steps
- Harvest Dandelions: Pick from pesticide-free areas. Pluck yellow petals, discarding green parts. Wildcraft — harvest for food, medicine, or crafting purposes 1/2 cup dandelion petals--yellow flowers.
- To make Tea, Steep 1/2 cup dandelion petals in 1 cup boiling water for 15 - 20 minutes. Strain, keeping the tea.
- Mix: Warm 1 cup of tea with 1/4 cup raw, local honey over low heat (below 104°F to preserve honey’s benefits).
- Add Gelatin: Whisk in 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin slowly to avoid clumps.
- Mold: Pour or use a dropper to add the mixture into silicone molds. Let it sit for 20 - 30 minutes. Refrigerate if needed.
- Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Some people say freezing dandelion gummies negatively impacts their consistency.
“It’s so easy,” says Sarah T. “I forage with my kids, and we make gummies together!”
Dandelions are free medicinal health boosters
Why wait to tap into nature’s pharmacy? Dandelions are blooming now, and local honey is a farmers’ market away.
“Dandelion honey helps the liver and kidneys do their work,” claims Healthy with honey, emphasizing its digestive perks. These gummies aren’t just food — they’re a way to connect with nature and boost your wellness. There’s something special about eating what grows around you.”
Start foraging or wildcrafting, mixing, and munching today.
Stay tuned for our next New Normal Big Life Blog article on pro-level foraging and wildcrafting tips to level up your foraging and wildcrafting game. You can also watch this as a podcast.
Ready to make those gummies? Happy picking and mixing!
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Citations:
• Cleveland Clinic. (2021). “5 Health Benefits of Dandelions.” https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dandelion-health-benefits
• Healthline. (2024). “7 Ways Dandelion Tea Could Be Good for You.” https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/dandelion-benefits
• Healthline. (2023). “Dandelion: Health Benefits and Side Effects.” https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/dandelion-benefits
• Healthline. (2015). “8 Raw Honey Benefits for Health.” https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-benefits-of-honey
• BeesWiki. (2021). “What Is Dandelion Honey? | How It’s Produced & Benefits.” https://beeswiki.com/dandelion-honey/
• Healthy with Honey. (2016). “Dandelion Honey Benefits – Another Way to Naturally Reduce Gastric Acidity.” https://healthywithhoney.com/dandelion-honey-benefits-another-way-to-naturally-reduce-gastric-acidity/