Harvesting dandelions for jelly requires a bit of care to ensure you gather clean and pesticide-free blossoms. Here's the best way to harvest them: Choose a Clean Location: Select dandelions from areas that are free from pesticides, herbicides, or other chemical treatments. Avoid picking dandelions from lawns that have been treated with chemicals. Pick Fully Open Blossoms: Look for dandelion blossoms that are fully open and bright yellow. Avoid picking ones that are wilted, browning, or have turned to seed heads. Harvest in Dry Weather: It's best to pick dandelions when the weather is dry. Wet blossoms can become soggy, making them more difficult to work with and potentially diluting the flavor of your jelly. Handle Carefully: Handle the blossoms gently to avoid damaging them. Try to keep the green parts (the sepals) attached to the flowers as much as possible, as they can add bitterness to the infusion. Rinse Thoroughly: Once you've collected the blossoms, rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt, insects, or other debris. You can use a colander or a large bowl for rinsing. Drain Well: After rinsing, allow the dandelion blossoms to drain well to remove excess water. You can spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to air dry for a few minutes. By following these steps, you'll ensure that you harvest clean and fresh dandelion blossoms for making your jelly.