Save the the flowers from your backyard and make this delicious day lily Syrup recipe to drizzle over pancakes and waffles throughout the year!
I know, I know…you’re thinking I’ve totally lost my mind this time! But, this day lily Syrup recipe is soooo good! And if you’re willing to give it a try, you’re going to love it.
Not only is this syrup delicious, but day lilies are super good for you too!
In fact, they contain more protein and Vitamin C than asparagus, plus, they have just as much Vitamin A!
In addition, they contain iron, fat and carbohydrates, too. All in all, the day lily is a pretty healthy plant to eat.
PLEASE NOTE: Consuming large quantities of the leaves are said to be hallucinogenic. Blanching the leaves removes this hallucinatory component.
The flowers are diuretic, a mild laxative, a blood purifier, antispasmodic, and sedative. Traditionally, they’ve been used throughout Asia to help women through childbirth and the rhizome have been used to remedy constipation, pneumonia and more.
Please note: I am not a doctor and I am not claiming to treat, cure or otherwise heal anything. I’m simply sharing my recipe, along with the research I have found pertaining to the health benefits of the Day Lily flower. The use of any herbal remedy could cause allergies and/or interactions with your medications. Please check with a medical professional before trying any herbal remedy.
The entire plant is edible and medicinal, but today, we’re focusing on the flowers.
There are TONS of uses for the flowers!
Not only can they be eaten raw, but you can use them to thicken soups and stews, decorate a garden salad and they make a great jelly or syrup, too.
And speaking of syrup, that’s what we’re here for today, right?
This Day Lily Syrup can be used in place of any of your favorite syrups or even, in place of honey.
On it’s own, it has a light, nutty flavor, but with my secret ingredient, you can trick anyone into thinking it’s a regular, maple flavored syrup from the store!
So, let’s get to it…
Before you get started: Be sure to read instructions here for safe canning methods.
How to Make Day Lily Syrup
First things first, go pick some day lily flowers. I have tons of them growing in my backyard, but if you don’t, head out into the woods!
They grow almost everywhere in the United States and they’re readily found along roadsides, in wooded areas and of course, throughout people’s yards.
I picked about 8 cups of flowers.
Now, that you’ve got your flowers all ready, put the tea kettle on to boil.
Pour 8 cups of boiling water over the flowers and cover with a piece of plastic wrap or a tea towel. Allow it to sit on the counter to brew overnight or for up to 24 hours.
The next day, strain the flowers, reserving the “tea” in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or dutch oven.
Heat the tea to boiling on high temperature.
Add 8 cups of sugar to the liquid and stir to combine.
Continue cooking on medium high temperature for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Now, here’s the secret ingredient…
Shhh…don’t tell anyone!
Add 1 teaspoon of maple extract and stir to combine.
Use a ladle to scoop syrup into 7 clean, half-pint jars.
Wipe rims clean.
Place lids and rings onto the jars and process in a hot water bath for 15 minutes.
And don’t forget to pick up some Denali Canning lids!
Oh and by the way, the Denali Canning company was kind enough to set up a coupon code just for you!
* Use SPENDNSAVE to get 15% off your $75 order from www.denalicanning.com. *
Day Lily Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 cups Day Lily Flowers
- 8 cups each: Water and Sugar
- 1 teaspoon maple extract
Instructions
- Prepare canning supplies.
- Pick the flowers.
- Boil water and pour over flowers. Cover and allow it to brew overnight or for up to 24 hours.
- Strain flowers and reserve liquid in a large pot or dutch oven.
- Bring liquid to a boil on high temperature.
- Add sugar and stir to combine.
- Add 1 teaspoon maple extract.
- Ladle syrup into clean jars. Cover with lids and rings.
- Process in a hot water bath for 15 minutes.
Please note: I am not a doctor and I am not claiming to treat, cure or otherwise heal anything. I’m simply sharing my recipe, along with the research I have found pertaining to the health benefits of the Day Lily flower. The use of any herbal remedy could cause allergies and/or interactions with your medications. Please check with a medical professional before trying any herbal remedy.
I hope you’ve enjoyed checking out this Day Lily Syrup recipe! I can’t wait to use it throughout the winter.
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Have an Awesome Day!
~Vanessa
Vanessa Hamlin is the owner and founder of Food Life Design and VLHamlinDesign. With her passion for frugal living and homesteading, Vanessa loves to write about easy recipes, making money, gardening, home remedies and everything else that a good life entails! When she’s not writing for Food Life Design or creating products for VLHamlinDesign, you’ll find Vanessa reading, drawing, gardening, cooking or spending time with her family.