Fermented Garlic Honey

Fermented garlic in honey is a delightful blend of sweet and savory, perfect for boosting your culinary creations and supporting your health. This simple, yet flavorful, recipe marries the rich, robust taste of garlic with the soothing sweetness of honey, making it a versatile addition to any dish. Whether you're enhancing a marinade, glazing vegetables, or adding a twist to your salads, this recipe offers a convenient way to introduce fermented foods into your diet.

In just a few easy steps, you can prepare this immune-boosting treat, ready to elevate your meals and daily wellness in less than 60 minutes. Ideal as a quick health remedy, fermented honey garlic honey is a crowd-pleaser that brings a homemade touch to your kitchen without the hassle.

Ingredients for Fermented Garlic Honey

• Garlic Cloves: These provide a robust, pungential flavor that mellows during fermentation. Garlic is packed with antioxidants and has natural antibacterial properties, thanks to the compound allicin.
• Raw Honey: Unpasteurized honey is key for fermentation, offering natural enzymes and yeasts that facilitate the process. It adds a sweet counterbalance to the garlic and brings antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties.

Thoughtful Alternatives:

• Ginger: Add slices of fresh ginger for an extra zing and additional anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Turmeric: Incorporate turmeric for its vibrant color and health-boosting properties, especially anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic

Peel enough garlic cloves to fill a clean glass pint jar about ¾ full. Crushing the cloves slightly will help release their natural juices and speed up the fermentation process.

Test Kitchen Tip: Use a silicone garlic peeler to speed up the process and keep your hands odor-free.

Step 2: Mix with Honey

Pour raw honey over the garlic, ensuring all cloves are fully submerged. Leave some space at the top for the mixture to expand during fermentation.

Step 3: Stir and Seal

Gently stir the mixture to remove any air bubbles. Seal the jar loosely to allow gases to escape, and place it in a dark, cool place for about two weeks. Stir the mixture daily.

Test Kitchen Tip: Use a fermentation lid to simplify the process and prevent spills.

Step 4: Monitor the Fermentation

Check for bubbles appearing in the honey, indicating the fermentation process is active. Use a pH strip to ensure the mixture's acidity is below 4.6 to prevent botulism.

Test Kitchen Tip: Burp the jar every few days to release built-up gases and turn it over to ensure even fermentation.

Fermented Garlic in Honey Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add red chili flakes for a spicy version.
• Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest for a citrusy flavor.
• Herbal Infusion: Include fresh rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch.

Fermented Garlic in Honey Recipe Tips

• Fermentation Lids: While it's possible to use standard lids, fermentation-specific lids can make the process smoother by allowing gases to escape while preventing outside air from entering. They are particularly useful if you're fermenting several jars at once or if you want a more "set and forget" approach.
• Daily Burping: It's important to "burp" your jars daily, especially in the early stages of fermentation when gases build up rapidly. Burping simply means opening the lid briefly to let out any accumulated carbon dioxide. Doing this helps prevent pressure from building up inside the jar which could lead to leaking or, in extreme cases, breaking the jar.
• Stirring: Regularly stirring the mixture not only prevents air pockets from forming but ensures even exposure of garlic to the honey, which can encourage more consistent fermentation throughout the jar.
• Tools Sterilization: To reduce the risk of contamination, make sure to sterilize all your equipment before use. This includes the jar, lid, and any stirring utensils. Boiling them in water for a few minutes or using an appropriate sterilizing solution are effective methods.
• Temperature: Store your fermenting garlic in honey in a cool, dark place. Too much heat can speed up the fermentation too much, leading to overflows, while too cold can slow the fermentation down or even stop it.

How to Store Fermented Garlic in Honey

Store the fermented garlic in honey in a cool, dark place like your pantry for up to a year. Ensure the garlic remains submerged in honey to prevent spoilage.

How Long Does Fermented Garlic in Honey Last?

Properly stored, it can last up to a year, maintaining its beneficial properties and flavor.

Should Fermented Garlic be Refrigerated?

Refrigeration isn’t necessary but can help maintain a consistent quality, especially in warmer climates.

Benefits, Uses, and Precautions

Garlic and Honey: Proven Benefits

Fermented garlic and honey are known for their health benefits, including immune support, improved gut health, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Potential Risks and Precautions

While fermented garlic in honey is generally safe, it's important to prevent botulism by using proper fermentation techniques and ensuring the mixture's acidity is below pH 4.6.

Ways to Use Fermented Garlic in Honey

• Cold Remedy: Swallow a spoonful when feeling a cold or flu coming on.
• Flavor Enhancer: Drizzle the honey on cheese and roasted veggies, or use it as a glaze for some Garlic Honey Chicken Wings.
• Good Food Boost: Mix a spoonful into dressings, marinades, and sauces for a flavor boost.
• Add a Sweet + Garlicky Touch: Spread the garlic cloves over your favorite pizza or toasted bread.
• Wellness Drink: Use the infused honey with lemon and ginger to make a healthy, flavorful tea