Dandelion wine is a traditional homemade beverage that captures the essence of spring with its floral notes and bright flavors. This delightful wine is made from dandelion flowers and is perfect for sipping on warm days or sharing with friends.
Ingredients
• 4 cups fresh dandelion flowers (make sure they are from a safe, non-toxic source)
• 1 gallon water
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 1 orange (zested and juiced)
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon wine yeast
Instructions
1. Rinse the fresh dandelion flowers gently to remove any dirt or insects. Remove the green base of the flowers to prevent bitterness.
2. In a large pot, bring 1 gallon of water to a boil.
3. Once boiling, remove from heat and add the dandelion flowers, lemon zest, lemon juice, orange zest, and orange juice. Stir to combine.
4. Cover the pot and let the mixture steep for 24 hours at room temperature.
5. After 24 hours, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean fermentation container, discarding the solids.
6. Add the granulated sugar to the strained liquid, stirring until fully dissolved.
7. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then sprinkle the wine yeast over the surface. Stir gently to incorporate.
8. Fit the fermentation container with an airlock or cover it with a clean cloth secured with a rubber band to allow for airflow.
9. Let the wine ferment at room temperature for about 2-4 weeks, or until bubbling has stopped.
10. After fermentation is complete, carefully siphon the wine into clean bottles, leaving sediment behind in the fermentation container.
11. Seal the bottles and store them in a cool, dark place. The wine can be enjoyed after a few months of aging, but it will develop more complex flavors over time.
Aprile's Kitchen 