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Wild edibles in Spring: Dandelion capers

22/4/2014

7 Comments

 
Foto
Another super easy wild edibles recipe that works great with kids: dandelion capers.

You need to pick the closed flower buds. These are the buds before they bloom. After blooming, dandelion forms similar looking 'buds' where the puff seeds are formed, so make sure you are dealing with unopened flower buds rather than seed buds. If you are in doubt, squeeze the bud gently between your index finger and thumb. You should see the yellow petals.


Fill a glass jar with the dandelion buds. Cover with vinegar. If you want to create a fuller flavour, use a home made vinegar. You can use any wild green vinegar, a wild flower vinegar, and even spruce vinegar.
Next, add some herbal salt. For one cup I used 1,5 tablespoon of herbal salt.

Close the jar and let stand for 6 to 8 weeks.
I know I mention this over and over again, but if the lid of your jar is metal, don't forget that vinegar acts corrosive. Avoid the vinegar eating your lid (and spoiling your capers) by placing a piece of parchment paper between the lid and the contents of the jar.

This tastes great in salads, on wild pizzas, dips or spreads.
Foto
The picture above shows exactly what you're after: firmly closed dandelion buds. Expectations of a yellow festival.
Foto
This one's too far for dandelion capers, but still good in salads or an infused vinegar.
7 Comments
Alicia
29/4/2014 07:03:19 am

I am excited to try this today. I made your herbal salt (sans seaweed) a few days ago so it would be well scented when I wanted to start. I snipped some chive, lemon thyme, mint, thyme, and oregano for it and it smells lovely. I've even used it for a few other things as well already.
My buds fit into a pint jar and I covered them with chive blossom vinegar, which is a lovely pink color. The buds are floating though, should I shake this jar periodically, or rotate storing it upside down and upright?
Thank you for sharing this :)

Reply
Leaf link
4/5/2014 06:05:28 pm

Hi Alicia, the buds will be saturated with the vinegar/salt solution in a few weeks and will sink to the bottom. Shaking and turning will help to speed up that process a little, but even without your help, the buds will come down eventually. Enjoy your dandelion capers!

Reply
WFG link
18/5/2014 12:06:57 pm

I really like the details about dandy buds, and the photos. Awesome, thx so much for sharing.

Reply
Tee link
12/4/2016 08:44:14 am

Do you strain the liquid after?

Reply
Leaf link
13/4/2016 12:02:27 am

I don't. I just pick out the dandelion capers whenever I use them, and reuse the liquid as a base for dressings :)

Reply
Susan link
16/4/2016 10:47:33 am

Do you rinse the buds?

Reply
Leaf link
19/4/2016 12:21:51 am

I don't. It's best not to wash flowers, as you would wash away the pollen and nectar (= the aroma and nutrition) and I apply that same rule to flower buds. I just make sure I pick from a safe place :)

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