Many have heard about him, but very few people ever try it, even more so - to cook. Jam of dandelions, which are often referred to as honey from dandelions, seem somewhat out of the ordinary adherents of traditional views on preparations for the future. Meanwhile, it is artless delicacy has many indisputable advantages.

Wonderful neighbor

Dandelion - the ubiquitous spring flower, which can be found even in the concrete cities. The natural beauty of dandelions in various forms is reflected in the songs, in the paintings of artists pages of classic and modern literature.

Perhaps this fragrant yellow brain on a long stalk - the first flower that a woman receives a gift from your child. A mother teaches her young daughters to weave wreaths of dandelions, without even thinking about the fact that this tradition has its roots out in those days, when the herbs and flowers have special significance for humans.

Then predict the weather for the plants: dandelion, close early under a clear sky, predicted rain, and if, in spite of the clouds and the wind, it is dissolved - bad weather get round. If the plant bloomed in early spring, people waited for the short summer, and if I had met in the autumn of yellow dandelion - knew that the cold will come soon.

Guessing on a wish when a deflorate dandelion seeds blown off volatile, it is known today. It was a mandatory part of divination on Midsummer holiday.

Witches and sorcerers drugs brewed from the leaves, flowers and roots of medicinal plants. Many of the useful properties of the dandelion is used in folk medicine to this day.

Elixir of spring

Surprising many people underestimate the quality of dandelion - probably the thing is that the plant is widespread, and many believe it is only a weed. It is difficult to imagine, but in some countries of Europe and Asia, the dandelion is cultivated for horticultural, culinary and medicinal purposes.

Natural source of insulin, this flower is used to treat diabetes. Rich in minerals, dandelion successfully fills a lack of potassium in the body, strengthens the bone and cartilage, improves cardiovascular and hematopoietic systems. Decoctions and infusions of roots stimulate metabolism so it is recommended for use for people suffering from overweight.

Vitamin and mineral composition of flowers, leaves, stems and roots of dandelion in many ways superior to some fruits and vegetables. And when you consider that the yield of useful plant going in the spring, during the season of colds, vitamin deficiency and depression, we can safely assert that dandelion should be an integral part of the diet.

You can use it as a salad of fresh leaves, previously soaked in cold water for six hours. During this time, the bitterness of them out, and the greens can be successfully combined with onions, sorrel, cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, nuts and eggs. Just add the leaves and buds of dandelions in soups or vegetable purees.

The amount of vitamins when heat treatment is known to be significantly reduced. Therefore, its beneficial properties of the dandelion jam does not go to any comparison with the fresh plant. But most of the micro and macro, as well as oils, saponins, organic acids, glycosides remain virtually unchanged, and many experts confirm the effectiveness of flower honey in the treatment of acute respiratory infections, for stimulating appetite, as an adjuvant therapy in diseases of the liver (cirrhosis , hepatitis), anemia.

Among the contraindications to the use of dandelions in any form is an idiosyncrasy, obstruction of the biliary tract, ulcers and gastritis with the increased acidity of gastric. As with any dish cooked with sugar, jam of dandelions is not recommended for diabetics.

Fragrant ideas

Jam made from freshly picked dandelion flowers are harvested in April and May away from the highways. In just blossomed heads, has not pollinated by bees, more fragrant nectar and pollen, which means flower delicacy is fragrant and delicious.

The most common recipe of this jam or honey, as it is often called, is proposed to add to the dandelions lemon or lemon juice. Other - orange or cherry leaves.

But the true visionaries from cooking to treat resound in new ways, using different herbs: mint contrasts beautifully with the warm sweetness, rosemary jam gives spicy taste pine, thyme and perfectly complements the floral fragrance Top floral scents for women - elected perfume   dandelion. Honey will be a characteristic color and tart tone, if the syrup add a couple pinches of good black tea. Cinnamon, vanilla Vanilla: sweet tenderness , Cardamom Cardamom: grains of paradise and the king of spices , Cloves, anise and even hot pepper - spices can create an amazing tandem with dandelion flowers.

To add floral scent and can jam food essences. Bitter almond, chocolate, rum - the choice of flavors is rich enough. But chemical "perfume" does not make dandelion honey useful.

Instead of candy chemistry is much better to use natural essential oils. Enrich the jam is not only a luxurious aroma and beneficial properties can be with one or two drops of oil of rose, jasmine, lavender, bergamot, grapefruit, mandarin, juniper, fir, lemon balm, lemongrass, ylang-ylang, neroli, nutmeg, or mixtures thereof Depending on personal preference. They need to add at the end of cooking. This way you can make a dandelion honey sedative, antiviral, tonic, or even give it aphrodisiac properties.

Prepared according to traditional recipes or experiment, a man-made honey is the perfect sauce for pancakes and crepes on Shrove Tuesday. It will serve as an excellent impregnation for fragrant biscuits and cakes. In principle, the jam of dandelions can be completely replaced by honey: and in the cup of tea, and honey mustard marinade for meat, and Japanese sauce "teriyaki". Therefore it is necessary to commemorate the summer to cook at least a couple of cans of amber delicacy, which in the most severe frosts will warm aroma of spring and the bright sun.

Maria Bykov