Dandelion Wine

[Aidenbaby]

I've got the recipe for Dandelion wine from the book, The Backyard Homestead. Only thing is, I forgot to get the raisins. Here is the recipe:

3 quarts dandelion blossoms
1 gallon water
2 oranges, with peel
1 lemon, with peel
3 pounds sugar
1 ounce fresh yeast
1 pound raisins

Do you think it will still work without raisins or do I definitely need to have my husband grab them on the way home?

 

[pioneergirl]

I read that recipe last night and wondered the same thing....I think they add a bit of acidity as well as some sweetness to it....wonder if you divided the batch, made some with and some without, and see what happens? I'd definitely be interested to know!

 

[Wifezilla]

The raisins also provide minerals and tannins. You can use a few tea bags if you can't get raisins.

 

[freemotion]

Where ya been, wifey?

 

[SKR8PN]

We will be attending the Dandelion Festival at the Breitenbach Winery this Friday. Boy do they ever make some GOOD wines! We even send in orders throughout the year and have it shipped to us, when we don't have the time to drive down to pick it up.
Their Dandelion Wine is to DIE for!!
http://www.breitenbachwine.com/dandelion_festival_1.html

 

[Jamsoundsgood]

You know, I don't drink, and I don't like dandelions, but dandelion wine just sounds sooo good, doesn't it?

 

[elijahboy]

no raisin recipe

allrecipes.com

Ingredients
1 quart yellow dandelion blossoms, well rinsed
1 gallon boiling water
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
8 cups white sugar
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon slice

Directions
Place dandelion blossoms in the boiling water, and allow to stand for 4 minutes. Remove and discard the blossoms, and let the water cool to 90 degrees F (32 degrees C).
Stir in the yeast, sugar, orange slices, and lemon slice; pour into a plastic fermentor, and attach a fermentation lock. Let the wine ferment in a cool area until the bubbles stop, 10 to 14 days. Siphon the wine off of the lees, and strain through cheesecloth before bottling in quart-sized, sterilized canning jars with lids and rings. Age the wine at least a week for best flavor.

 

[Aidenbaby]

Do you guys think I could substitute dates? I forgot I have some in the pantry.

 

[dntd]

This sounds good, other then where am I going to find all those dandylions? they seem to be lacking in my yard this year.

 

[SKR8PN]

This sounds good, other then where am I going to find all those dandylions? they seem to be lacking in my yard this year.

How close are you to Mansfield Ohio? I can hook you up, BIG TIME!