I know most people see dandelions and think “WEEDS”. Well, truth be told, I do too. EXCEPT that I really do think they’re pretty and they have so many uses if you let them flourish for the first few weeks in the Spring. They’ll attract the bees which is probably the most important thing if you do any gardening!
Dandelions are also edible. I remember my grandmother picking the green leaves at the base of the flower. She always said it was best to collect them as soon as the flowers were out in springtime. That’s when they were sweet and tender. We’d have that first meal of greens with a cooked dinner – delicious!
You have to use the first flowers
And then, there’s jelly. Dandelions have to be picked at just the right time if you are going to make jelly. I learned this little tidbit after tasting the most delicious spread I’d ever had. You have to use the first flowers that bloom in late Spring. So I patiently waited out the long winter. Now finally the time has come.
The sun made the field of yellow come alive this morning and off I went, bucket and scissors in hand. 3 cups was all that was needed BUT it had to be just the crowns – no green allowed. Of course, I paid no heed to that for it was much easier to snip the stems quickly and do the clean up later when I went inside. It didn’t take long really – no more than 15 minutes, I would say. I picked about a gallon in total. It gave me more than enough for one batch of jelly.
If you decide to give this a try, you’ll find my friend’s recipe on this website. Open Recipes in the main menu and scroll down to select Preserves OR click the button below to go right to the recipe.
A Limited Window
It had been in the dead of winter. “Oh definitely!” said my aunt as she sat in her chair and gave direction and advice. She’s 92 now and, just as she has always done, she set me straight about what I should and should not do and when. There was no mistaking her authority as a person who knows what’s best. She spoke with wisdom that only experience can bring.
“You should go on that trip. Now is the time while you are still young enough and well enough. Yes, do it now, before it is too late.”
I guess it’s the same with most everything in life … there’s only a limited amount of time – a limited window of opportunity for you to act.
And, here it is, Spring time again. The months of winter have long passed. The dandelions are blooming and it’s time to make jelly. My aunt’s advice came to mind as my friend and I talked and joked about what exciting things we would do that day. “I was going to plant some snap peas” she said, “but it’s going to rain so I’ll wait. That’ll free up some time to …” And on we went to discuss dandelions and her upcoming trip to Italy.
“You should have booked to come with me this time.”
I didn’t know how to respond to that, so I just said,
“One day I shall travel to far off lands,
explore new places,
meet new people and
make new friends.
Ah yes – one day. “
Awe! As always Beulah I love your stories! And today your story hit home with me as I was contemplating today to pick those bright yellow flowers that has taken over my front lawn & side of my house which is in full view of the ongoing public! To my defence, I’m doing my part to aid our Bumble Bees population 🐝🐝🐝! So, I will definitely pick those bright yellow “Pisa beds” tomorrow & make some dandelion jelly an pick a meal of dandelion greens for a cooked dinner! Yummy! My dad would be smiling down at me for doing this,
Those delicious greens was first on the list for Sunday dinner when they made their appearance in Spring! So thanks Beulah for this delightful story, and listen to your Auntie, & take that “Trip”!
So my friend, I look forward to your next story with anticipation 😎🥰
Rita
Hi Rita
You are doing your part for the bees! Good luck with the jelly. And, so happy you enjoyed the story. As for the trip … Ah yes – one day!
My Best
Beulah
I cooked some dandelion greens today … oh my goodness! Talk about bitter! It certainly wasn’t the taste I THOUGHT I remembered.
Time to book that trip to Italy for you!
Ah yes – one day!
Loved it
Hi Dawn
So happy you enjoyed the story. You are now on the email notification list. NOTE: I removed your email address from your comment to ensure your privacy.
My Best
Beulah
Awe love your stories as always! And, today I was contemplating picking the yellow flowers of my fields of yellow which is covering my front lawn & side of the property! I look out & say I’m doing my part for the 🐝🐝🐝! My excuse not to mow the grass yet!
Now you have to make up your mind to take that trip! Listen to your Aunt!
Looking forward to your next story about the little things, until then my friend, take care, 😎🥰
Rita
I shall have to try dandelion jelly with my stinging nettle tea.. I am trying out the foods that nature has given us. ..by the way..take the trip! ❤️
Love your stories, Beulah! Now book that trip to Italy! Or Greece or Portugal or….. !