Description
Crafting a refreshing dandelion soda brings wild botanical flavors from traditional European foraging practices to modern kitchens. Nature’s sweetness melds with simple ingredients, offering a unique homemade beverage you can enjoy chilled on warm afternoons.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ gallon (1.9 liters) water
- 2 cups dandelion petals (green parts removed)
- ½ cup sugar (white or cane)
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 1 orange (juice, optional)
- 1 small piece fresh ginger (optional)
- 1/8 tsp sea salt
- 12 quart-sized glass jars or ½-gallon jar
- cloth or coffee filter
- rubber band
Instructions
- Harvesting: Carefully forage dandelion blossoms from an untreated environment, meticulously separating golden petals from green bases and discarding bitter components.
- Infusion Preparation: Simmer water and dissolve sugar, then remove from heat. Integrate dandelion petals, citrus zest and juice, ginger, and sea salt into the liquid, creating a harmonious botanical blend.
- Fermentation Setup: Cool the aromatic mixture to room temperature and transfer into a sanitized glass container. Cover with a breathable cloth secured by an elastic band, positioning in a consistent warm environment (65-75°F) for 2-3 days.
- Flavor Development: Periodically taste the evolving brew, monitoring for subtle effervescence and emerging tangy characteristics. The fermentation process will naturally transform the liquid into a probiotic-rich beverage.
- Bottling and Preservation: Strain the fermented liquid through a fine mesh or cheesecloth, carefully decanting into sterilized swing-top or screw-cap bottles. Refrigerate and consume within one week, maintaining the drink’s vibrant essence.
- Serving Technique: When ready to enjoy, open bottles with caution due to potential carbonation pressure. Serve chilled over ice, celebrating the artisanal complexity of your handcrafted dandelion soda.
Notes
- Select Pristine Foraging Spots: Choose chemical-free meadows or gardens to ensure pure, uncontaminated dandelion blossoms that guarantee a clean, safe beverage.
- Remove Bitter Components: Meticulously separate golden petals from green bases to eliminate bitter flavors and create a smoother, more delightful drink.
- Control Fermentation Environment: Maintain a consistent temperature between 65-75°F to promote optimal probiotic development and prevent unwanted bacterial growth.
- Handle Carbonation Carefully: Use sturdy glass bottles with secure lids and open slowly to manage internal pressure during fermentation and storage.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 days
- Category: Drinks, Cocktails
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 38
- Sugar: 8.5 g
- Sodium: 0.3 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9.6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0.2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg