Scandinavian Dandelion Syrup with Apples

(A traditional Scandinavian folk recipe)

Ingredients

• 50 dandelion flowers (only the yellow petals, use scissors to cut the green off)
• 500 g of chopped apples (about 3 apples)
• 1 stalk of chopped rhubarb (optional)
• 1 litre of water
• 500 g of sugar (approximately)
• juice of one lemon

Method

1. Put the apples, dandelion flowers, rhubarb, juice of lemon and water in a pot. (If you use organic apples, you don’t have to peel them.)
2. Let it simmer for half an hour.
3. Strain so the juice is clear – it’s beautifully yellow.
4. Weigh the juice and pour it back into the pot. Use the same amount of sugar as the juice weighs.
5. Bring it to a boil, until it thickens. Be careful not to let it boil for too long – it must not change colour.
6. Pour the syrup into clean and scalded jars.

Note

The syrup is more liquid-like. It is usually spooned over pancakes, vegetables or put in tea. It’s delicious and healthy!