Simple Dandelion Infused Oil

Name: Simple Dandelion Infused Oil
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 1 cup
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh dandelion flowers; 1 cup carrier oil (olive oil, grapeseed oil, or sunflower oil)

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I love making my own infused oils, and this Simple Dandelion Infused Oil stands out as one of my favorites. The process is incredibly easy, and the result is a beautifully fragrant and healing oil that's perfect for skincare. I've found that using fresh dandelions, which are often overlooked as a weed, brings a unique earthiness to the oil. After a bit of steeping time, you’ll have a lovely infusion that enhances your culinary dishes or serves as a nourishing moisturizer. Trust me, you'll enjoy the simplicity and potent benefits of this recipe.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-20T14:05:19.314Z

Making this Simple Dandelion Infused Oil was truly an enlightening experience for me. I gathered my dandelions from my garden, ensuring they were pesticide-free, and I was pleasantly surprised at how fragrant they smelled. After letting them steep in oil for a couple of weeks, the transformation was remarkable; the vibrant yellow flowers infused the oil with goodness.

What I especially love about this infusion is its versatility. I often use it in homemade skincare products and find that it brings a sense of vitality to my skin. Additionally, I discovered that the oil can also enhance dishes by drizzling it over salads or mixing it into marinades, giving an unexpected twist to my usual recipes.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Easy and quick method to create your own infused oil
Made with natural ingredients found in your garden
Versatile use in both culinary and skincare applications

Understanding Dandelion Benefits

Dandelions are more than just backyard weeds; they are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, providing numerous benefits for the skin. Infusing these flowers into oil extracts their properties, creating a potent elixir that can nourish and rejuvenate your skin. The resulting dandelion infused oil can help to soothe irritated skin and promote its healing, making it a fantastic natural remedy for minor cuts and scrapes.

Aside from skincare, dandelion flowers also contribute to your culinary creations. Their subtle earthy flavor adds a unique twist to dressings or marinades. Incorporating this infused oil into your dishes could not only elevate the taste but also impart the health benefits associated with dandelions, enhancing your overall dining experience.

Choosing the Right Carrier Oil

The choice of carrier oil is crucial as it influences both the infusion's flavor and its skin-health properties. Olive oil offers a robust profile, ideal for culinary applications, while grapeseed oil has a lighter consistency that absorbs quickly into the skin, making it perfect for topical use. Sunflower oil has moisturizing properties and a neutral flavor, making it versatile for various uses. Consider what you plan to use the infused oil for when selecting your carrier.

If you have allergies or preferences, feel free to experiment with other carrier oils like jojoba or avocado oil. Each oil has distinct qualities; for example, jojoba mimics the natural oils of the skin and works well in skincare, whereas avocado oil enriches dishes with a creamy texture. Just ensure that whatever oil you choose, it blends well with the delicate dandelion flavor you are aiming to extract.

Storage and Usage Tips

After straining your infused oil, proper storage is essential to maintain its potency. Store the oil in a dark glass bottle to protect it from light, which can degrade its quality. Keeping the infused oil in a cool, dark place will extend its shelf life, allowing you to enjoy its benefits for up to a year. Make sure to label the bottle with the date you made it for easy reference.

When it comes to usage, don't hesitate to get creative. Use your dandelion infused oil as a base for salad dressings, drizzle it over grilled vegetables, or incorporate it into homemade skincare products like lotions or balms. If the infusion has a strong dandelion note, consider blending it with other infused oils or essences to create a balanced flavor or aroma that suits your preference.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

1 cup fresh dandelion flowers
1 cup carrier oil (olive oil, grapeseed oil, or sunflower oil)

Make sure to use only clean, pesticide-free flowers for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your infused oil:

Prepare the Dandelions

Gently rinse the dandelion flowers in cool water to remove any dirt or insects. Pat them dry with a clean towel.

Combine with Oil

Place the dried dandelion flowers into a clean, dry glass jar. Pour your chosen carrier oil over the flowers until they are fully submerged.

Infusion Process

Seal the jar tightly and place it in a sunny spot for about two weeks. Shake the jar gently every few days to mix the ingredients.

Strain the Oil

After two weeks, strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bottle, discarding the solid flowers.

Your dandelion-infused oil is now ready to use!

Pro Tips

For a stronger infusion, let the dandelions steep for up to four weeks. Always store the oil in a cool, dark place to prolong its shelf life.

Infusion Techniques

While the standard infusion process takes about two weeks, you can speed it up by using a slow cooker. Set it to the lowest heat setting, and let the dandelions infuse for 2-4 hours. However, take care not to overheat, as excessive heat can degrade the beneficial properties of the dandelions. Maintaining a gentle warmth helps extract flavors and nutrients effectively.

If you prefer a cold infusion method, simply allow the dandelions to steep in the oil for a month instead of two weeks. This method produces a milder flavor while retaining the healing properties of the flowers, giving you flexibility based on your needs and timeline.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you notice a strange smell or the oil appears cloudy after infusion, it may indicate that the dandelions were not completely dried before being submerged in oil, leading to mold growth. Always ensure that your flowers are thoroughly dried to prevent this issue, and a quick rinse should be followed by drying them completely with a towel before infusion.

Another common problem is that sometimes the flowers float to the top of the jar, making it difficult for the oil to infuse properly. To prevent this, weigh down the flowers with a clean stone or a small jar filled with water to keep them submerged. This ensures an even extraction and maximizes the benefits of your infused oil.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're looking to make a larger batch of infused oil, simply scale the ingredients while maintaining the 1:1 ratio of dandelion flowers to carrier oil. For instance, if you want to make two cups of infused oil, use two cups of dandelion flowers and two cups of carrier oil. Just be sure to use a larger jar to accommodate the increase in volume.

Keep in mind that the infusion time may remain the same, but you should periodically check the oil for scent and color throughout the process. When scaling up, having enough sunlight exposure for the infusion is essential, so consider placing your jars outdoors or near a sunny window to ensure an even infusion.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried dandelion flowers instead of fresh?

Yes, dried dandelion flowers can be used, but fresh will provide a more potent infusion.

→ How should I store the infused oil?

Store it in a cool, dark place in a tightly sealed glass bottle to maintain its quality.

→ What carrier oils work best?

Olive oil, grapeseed oil, and sunflower oil are all great options for infusing.

→ How long will the infused oil last?

If stored properly, the infused oil can last up to a year.