Hi Aidan,

Iʼm unfamiliar with recent developments at other Extension services regarding dandelion jelly, unfortunately. My understanding, and as I find in a current review of the NCHFP site and information from other extension services, is that there is no recipe for dandelion jelly that has been tested for processing in a waterbath (or perhaps it was tested at some time and found to be of inconsistent safety and so was not published).

Our fireweed jelly recipe was developed some years ago (at least more than 12 years) and, as I understand it, was tested for safety when processed in a waterbath, and continues to be safe.

If, based on the information youʼve found regarding dandelion jelly, this leaves you with any unanswered questions, though, Iʼd be interested to hear more about what youʼve learned.

But always: if you are ever in doubt about the safety of waterbath processing a sweet spread recipe, you can always make small batches for the refrigerator or freezer.

I hope this helps!

Sarah

Thanks Sarah, this is comforting to hear.  I had read online (never a good source at the best of times!!) that your colleagues at University of Wyoming Extension had withdrawn their dandelion jelly recipe after notification from the National Centre due to concerns about the acidity of the end product and now only recommend it for small batch fridge/freezer storage.

Hi there, is there any update to this reply?  I am concerned that the fireweed jelly recipe is similar to the floral jelly that was pulled by Wyoming extension and I am looking for confirmation that it is safe as tested.  Thank you.



Hi Aidan,

Our fireweed jelly recipe was tested in 1998 for safety when waterbath canned at home, and continues to be considered a safe recipe for home use.

Take care,

Sarah