Description and components of dandelion honey, its composition and calorie content. Useful properties and contraindications for use. Recipes for dandelion jam from flower baskets, lemon and medicinal herbs. Dandelion honey is a healthy and natural product that is easy to make at home. Possessing an unusual floral aroma, it is practically not inferior to its "namesake" in the saturation of vitamins and antioxidants, preserving the taste of summer for a long time. In addition, this dish can surprise friends and family, diversify the diet, use it in more complex dishes (for example, baked goods, sauces, sweets).
Description and components of dandelion jam
Dandelion Blossom Jam, also called honey, doesn't have many ingredients. The bulk is made up of precisely the corolla of the plant, without stems and leaves. For taste, lemon juice, a little zest of other citrus fruits, aromatic herbs and seasonings (vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, and so on, to taste) can be added. The rest are made up of sugar and water.
If you take a closer look at the components of the jam, it will immediately become obvious why dandelion honey is so tasty and healthy:
- Honey is an interesting alternative to sugar, has a pleasant taste, aroma, and a source of nutrients. It contains many vitamins B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, ascorbic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus.
- The benefits of the seasonings added to dandelion honey depend on the specific type. There are practically no restrictions here, it all depends on personal taste and preferences. For inflorescence jam, ginger shavings, a little clove, vanilla, cinnamon or even chili pepper are well suited for lovers of spicy flavors. All of them increase the body's immune defenses, have antimicrobial, warming and stimulating effects.
- Healing herbs are often recommended to be added to dandelion honey. Among them are young needles or "blooming" spring cones, licorice root, cherry or currant leaves, mint, lemon balm and other specimens. Depending on the need, you can achieve the desired therapeutic effect - for example, accelerate the elimination of kidney stones, heal bronchitis or reduce asthma symptoms.
Composition and calorie content of honey from dandelion flowers
It is easier to prepare such honey than ordinary jam, since the "filling" does not need to be removed from the seeds or peels, and in certain recipes even boil.
The calorie content of dandelion honey is 191 kcal per 100 g, of which:
- Proteins - 0.6 g;
- Fat - 0.14 g;
- Carbohydrates - 48 g;
- Dietary fiber - 2.9 g;
- Water - 89.8 g;
- Ash - 1, 2 g.
Macronutrients per 100 g:
- Potassium - 232 mg;
- Calcium - 140 mg;
- Phosphorus - 42 mg;
- Magnesium - 24 mg;
- Sodium - 44 mg
Microelements per 100 g:
- Iron - 1.8 mg;
- Manganese - 0.23 mg;
- Zinc - 0.28 mg;
- Copper - 0, 12 mcg;
- Selenium - 0.3 mcg.
Vitamin composition per 100 g:
- Vitamin A - 342 mcg;
- Vitamin B1 - 0.13 mg;
- Vitamin B2 - 0.18 mg;
- Vitamin B5 - 0.06 mg;
- Vitamin B6 - 0.16 mg;
- Vitamin B9 - 13 mcg;
- Vitamin C - 18 mg;
- Vitamin E - 2.44 mg;
- Vitamin K - 551.4 mcg;
- Vitamin PP - 0,% 1 mg;
- Choline - 25 mg;
- Beta Carotene 3940 mg
Let's take a closer look at the characteristics of the most important components of dandelion jam:
- Vitamin C - the number one antioxidant, is responsible for the formation and normal functioning of bone and connective tissue.
- Vitamin A is responsible for vision and epithelial renewal (i.e. healthy and firm skin).
- Vitamin B2, together with the previous component, controls growth and development at the cell level, also exerting its action in the formation of red blood cells, the production of hormones and many other vital functions.
- Vitamin E is another effective antioxidant that increases the body's resistance to the formation of cancer cells, protects reproductive function and controls the development of the nervous system, and strengthens the immune system as a whole.
- Vitamin PP is involved in the metabolism of enzymes, lowers cholesterol levels, its deficiency threatens the development of early dementia, as well as damage to the skin, hair and nails.
- Iron is the main constituent of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the bloodstream throughout the body.
- Manganese deficiency can manifest itself in rapid fatigue, drowsiness, depression, and appetite disorders.
- Calcium is responsible for blood clotting, muscle contraction, and bone growth.
- Phosphorus is an element of tooth enamel and strengthens bones.
- Pectin substances act as adsorbents, absorbing toxic substances, enveloping indigestible residues and improving digestion.
- Carotene strengthens the immune system.
- Phytoncides stimulate the digestive and cardiovascular systems, have a preventive effect.
- Rutin provides protection against aggressive UV rays.
- Flavonoids strengthen blood vessels, protect from solar radiation.
- Galacturonic acid is responsible for the functioning of the mucous membranes of the body.
Interesting! Dandelion roots, along with chicory, have a whole range of useful properties and have a stimulating effect on the human body, like coffee.
Benefits of Dandelion Honey
Above, we examined in detail the benefits that the individual components of dandelion jam have. However, the finished product has a complex and more pronounced effect on the body, thanks to the combination and careful preparation of all the most useful that is in nature. It is for this reason that dandelion honey is not boiled or boiled for a long time - only short-term heating before being laid out in jars allows you to preserve a maximum of vitamins.
The use of honey from juicy flower baskets, collected with love, in ecologically clean areas, guarantees the following result:
- Reduces blood pressure;
- Helps fight insomnia;
- Normalizes appetite, improves digestion;
- Binds and removes toxins;
- Fights vitamin deficiency;
- Has a slight laxative effect;
- Copes with migraines, helps to relax;
- Strengthens the immune system and resists microbial diseases;
- Calms the nervous system and gives strength;
- Helps to recover from overwork;
- Prevents intestinal disorders, normalizing the development of internal microflora;
- Reduces cholesterol levels;
- Strengthens the cardiovascular system;
- In winter, it protects against colds;
- Serves for the prevention of osteochondrosis;
- Improves the condition of the skin, nails and hair (can also be used in home cosmetics and procedures);
- It has a low cost and is available to everyone;
- Charges with good mood thanks to its pleasant amber color, unusual taste and aroma of summer flowers.
Dandelion is widespread all over the world, so wherever you are, making honey from its baskets will not be the slightest difficulty.
Harm and contraindications to the use of dandelion honey
In some cases, this tasty treat will have to be abandoned. We will talk about possible prohibitions and contraindications in as much detail as possible. The benefits and harms of dandelion honey are in a sense related - they are determined by its composition and recipe.
Contraindications to the use of dandelion honey:
- Allergic reactions … Unfortunately, both honey and pollen from dandelions themselves can be strong allergens. The same goes for various spices, roots and herbs that you may want to add to your personal recipe. If you are preparing such a dish for the first time, do not rush to stock it up for future use. Even if you do not suffer from allergies, it is better to try ready-made flower jam on the tip of a spoon and evaluate the effect by listening to the body. If you are allergic to honey, pollen or other components that can be found in dandelion syrup, the use of dessert is strictly prohibited.
- Diabetes … In all forms of diabetes, it is best to keep sweets to an absolute minimum. If an urgent need arises, use sweets with approved substitutes.
- Obesity or other weight problems … Despite the fact that dandelion honey does help control appetite and normalize digestion, it is best not to take it for overweight people. During diets, cleansing, procedures aimed at weight loss and body correction, the "sweet table" should be abandoned altogether. This will help to develop the right motivation and attitude to food, will not let you break down and nullify the results of your own work on health improvement.
- Environmental friendliness … When harvesting dandelion honey yourself, carefully monitor where and how the flowers grew. Collect only the healthiest, prettiest, fully expanded buds, untouched by pests or diseases. Avoid picking any herbs for food if they grow near highways, railways, large cities, or power lines. A remote field or forest, away from sources of pollution, is the best place to gather ingredients that will bring maximum benefit.
- Diseases and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract … Dandelion honey is contraindicated for people suffering from stomach or intestinal ulcers, with acute gastritis or a tendency to frequent indigestion.
Dandelion honey recipes
This delicacy can be prepared in completely different ways, and this is its indisputable advantage. You can choose the recipe you like best and supplement it with your own ingredients. Making dandelion jam also benefits from the fact that it does not take much time. And its cost price is quite penny.
How to cook dandelion honey with lemon
The most popular recipe for dandelion jam is to add pulp and sometimes citrus peels, in particular lemon, to it. The latter favorably sets off the sourness of the sweet, astringent taste of the dessert, while at the same time offering a universal way to strengthen the immune system, thanks to the content of a shock dose of ascorbic acid.
Prepare dandelion honey with lemon as follows:
- We select the ingredients: 300 g of dandelion flowers, 1 large lemon, 1 kg of sugar, 2 glasses of water (with a capacity of about 250 ml).
- We check the "condition" of the inflorescences - we remove all greens, if any, as well as specimens damaged by diseases or insects.
- We wash the dandelions, lay them out on clean towels to dry.
- We put the flowers in a saucepan and fill it with half of the water - one glass.
- Bring to a boil and cook for no more than 3 minutes.
- Peel and seed the lemon, cut into small pieces and add to the water to the dandelions.
- We leave the workpiece to infuse for 6-8 hours (it is convenient to prepare flowers in the morning, and continue canning in the afternoon).
- Cook the syrup from the remaining glass of water and sugar.
- Strain the present liquid with lemon and dandelion through several layers of gauze, mix with syrup.
- Now we put the future honey on low heat and heat for about half an hour.
- We pour it into pre-sterilized jars and roll up the lids.
We store as usual preservation - in a dark, dry place. It is not advisable to leave the sweetness in a transparent container under the influence of direct sunlight. The benefits of dandelion honey in this case may become less, since vitamins decompose faster from ultraviolet radiation.
Dandelion honey with herbs at home
This recipe is no more complicated than the previous one. The main difference is that when cooking, a collection of medicinal herbs, preferably fresh, is added to it.
The process looks like this:
- We take: 2 glasses of water, 300 g of flowers, 1 kg of sugar, half a lemon, a few currant leaves (alternatively, raspberries or cherries), a couple of lemon balm sprigs.
- We cook regular syrup from water and sugar.
- We clean the dandelions from greens, add my essence to the syrup.
- Cook for about 20 minutes, at the end add lemon juice squeezed from a previously peeled half.
- Together with it, put in the liquid several "stars" of dried cloves, 4-5 medium-sized currant leaves, lemon balm.
- Filter the cooled honey and close it in clean jars treated with steam or boiling water.
Making dandelion jam with bee honey
This cooking method is closest to the word "honey". Sugar here will be replaced by a much more useful and aromatic product, and the cooking process will be simplified to the limit.
Cooking features:
- The number of dandelion flowers and ready-made bee honey will be determined "by eye", depending on your desire and the amount of plant mass.
- The corollas, as before, are cleaned of bitter green baskets, washed and dried well.
- Grind them in a blender or meat grinder, put them in a prepared container.
- Fill with liquid honey, mix well and store in the same way as ordinary bee honey.
Interesting facts about dandelion jam
For a long time in the East, in particular in the countries of Asia, dandelion was known as an edible and medicinal plant. Slavic states are also no exception.
Thanks to such a long history and close attention from a person, dandelion and products made from it have acquired a number of interesting facts, and sometimes even superstitions. So, in the old days, dandelion inflorescences and honey, mixed with a collection of various herbs, were a component of a powerful love potion.
In addition to honey, dandelions are used to make jam, salads and wine. The latter is so popular in Great Britain that the famous science fiction writer R. Bradbury named a whole book in his honor.
Dandelion inflorescences and other parts are an integral part of Italian cuisine, so they are not harvested where necessary, but grown on special dandelion farms. The Belgians are also partial to dandelions, making not only jam and honey from them, but also excellent beer and pate.
Dandelion is so popular as a food that some states in the United States have a special day dedicated to this plant. On the first Saturday in May, Americans who are not indifferent to the creation of culinary masterpieces prepare all kinds of dandelion dishes and treat each other with them.
How to make dandelion jam - watch the video:
Dandelion honey is a simple, affordable, tasty and healthy delicacy, unusual in taste, with a bright aroma of summer flowers. The amount of nutrients in it is simply off scale. Thanks to this, the finished product allows you to fight vitamin deficiency, strengthen the immune and cardiovascular systems, and serves to prevent various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. It is easy to prepare and store, the costs of producing such honey are extremely low, and the health benefits are incomparably high.
