How To Make Lime & Dandelion Flower Infusion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The dandelion flower is one of our first flowers in the spring.   It is incredibly beautiful to see their pretty little yellow heads dipping and humming with the bees gathering their spring nectar.  This light and refreshing summer beverage is also good for you!  These spring flowers contain considerable amounts of vitamins A, C, K, and B, plus minerals like magnesium, zinc, potassium, iron, calcium, and choline. Not too shabby for a weed!  They also relieve pain from stomach cramps, headaches, backaches and menstrual cramping.  High in polyphenols and antioxidants too!

They can be used before opening in the same way one would use capers.  The open flowers can be served in salads and infusions.  And don’t forgot to make your medicinal oils and ointments with this underrated superstar!

 

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Lime and Dandelion Flower Infusion – Enjoy my friends!

Ingredients

2 cups Fresh Dandelion flowers

½ cup hot water

1 ½ TBSP dried stevia leaf (or sweetener of your choice)

½ cup dried Red Raspberry leaf (secret ingredient – don’t tell 😊)

6 cups cold water

2 limes (squeezed)

 

Directions

1. Pick the dandelions fresh on a sunny day. Place only the yellow head of the flower into a bowl.  Discard any leaves (use in salads) and stems.
2. Some folks like to rinse with cool water, I personally do not rinse.
3. In a large jar or cup, pour the hot water over the Red Raspberry leaves and stevia (or sweetener of your choice) and stir well. Tip: For ease you could put the herbs in loose tea bags to steep.
4. Steep for 5-10 minutes and strain off the herbs.
5. Pour the infused Stevia/Raspberry leaf into a large mason jar.
6. Squeeze limes and add the juice and then the cold water. Stir well.
7. Add the Dandelion flowers and mix gently.
8. Completely chill in fridge for at least 3 hours. Strain out flowers or pour into cups. I tend to strain the entire infusion.
9. Can serve immediately over ice and top with Dandelion flower! Use batch within 36 hours.
10. Enjoy!

 

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Lime Dandelion Ice cubes

I like to have a refreshing drink upon making, but it is the Lime Dandelion ice cubes that I am really after!  To make simply pour all the infusion or your left-over infusion into an ice cube tray. (you can add a Dandelion flower into each cube for the sheer fun of it.  Once frozen, store cubes in a freezer bag.  Be sure to label.  These ice cubes are amazing where every you would like a splash of lime in a summer cocktail!  Delicious!