How to Make Fresh Dandelion Honey with Citrus at Home

Looking for a delicious and natural sweetener that you can make from your backyard? Look no further than homemade dandelion honey. Infused with the flavors of fresh lemon and orange, this unique syrup is a wonderful alternative to traditional honey—and it’s 100% vegan, too!

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to transform a bag of foraged dandelion blossoms into a golden, citrus-spiked dandelion honey that’s perfect for toast, tea, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Why Make Dandelion Honey?
Dandelions are everywhere in the spring, and while many treat them as weeds, they’re actually edible and packed with nutrients. By turning them into honey, you’re not only reducing waste—you’re creating something delicious, unique, and shelf-stable.

Plus, dandelion honey is:

Vegan and plant-based

Made from wild, free ingredients

Packed with bright, floral, and citrus flavors

A great homesteading project for all ages

What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
1 gallon bag of dandelion heads (greens included)

10 cups of water

1 lemon, sliced

1 orange, sliced

10 cups of sugar

Optional: extra orange slices for jar decoration

Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Wash and Boil
Start by rinsing your dandelion heads thoroughly to remove dirt or bugs. Transfer them to a large stockpot. Add 10 cups of water, one sliced lemon, and one sliced orange. Stir well.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and cook for 10 minutes. While it’s boiling, gently mash the flowers and citrus to release all the flavors.

2. Let It Steep
Turn off the heat and let the mixture steep overnight. This deepens the flavor and allows the ingredients to infuse fully.

3. Strain the Liquid
The next day, strain the mixture through a cloth into a pitcher or bowl, removing all solids. Measure the liquid—you should have about 13 cups.

4. Add Sugar and Boil Down
Pour the liquid back into your pot and add 10 cups of sugar. Stir until fully dissolved.

At this point, you can move your pot outdoors to a propane burner or continue on your stove. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to reduce and thicken the liquid to a syrupy, honey-like consistency.

5. Test for Thickness
Scoop a spoonful of the mixture and place it in the fridge for a few minutes. If it cools to a slow-pouring, sticky syrup—it’s ready!

Jar and Preserve
Before jarring, you can slice up some fresh orange and drop a few pieces into each jar for a fun, decorative (and tasty) touch.

Fill each sterilized jar with the hot dandelion honey.

Wipe the rims, seal with lids and rings.

Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes for shelf stability.

Let jars cool on a towel-covered surface until sealed.

Tip: Any jar that doesn’t seal properly can go straight into the fridge and be enjoyed right away!

Taste Test: What Does Dandelion Honey Taste Like?
The flavor of homemade dandelion honey is bright, floral, and citrusy. Thanks to the lemon and orange infusion, it carries a subtle zing that pairs beautifully with biscuits, toast, and even as a glaze for meat or vegetables.

Even kids will love this golden syrup—and they’ll have fun helping forage for flowers!

Final Thoughts
Dandelion honey is a fantastic way to celebrate the spring bloom and get creative in the kitchen. Whether you’re new to foraging, a seasoned homesteader, or just someone who loves trying new DIY recipes, this project is sure to be a hit.

So go outside, gather some dandelions, and turn your yard into something sweet.