Fermented Garlic Honey
Fermented Garlic Honey is a natural health tonic combining raw garlic and raw honey, enhanced through fermentation to boost immunity, aid digestion, and provide versatile culinary uses. This simple recipe offers numerous wellness benefits, supporting gut health with probiotics and preserving flavor for months. It’s perfect as a spread, glaze, or daily health supplement.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 to 2 weeks (fermentation time)
- Total Time: 1 to 2 weeks plus 10 minutes preparation
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Fermentation
- Cuisine: Natural / Health
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- Fresh organic garlic cloves (quantity as desired, typically 10-15 cloves)
- Raw unpasteurized honey enough to fully submerge garlic cloves (approximately 1 cup)
Optional Variations
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for herb infusion (optional)
- Chili flakes, a pinch for spicy kick (optional)
- Lemon or orange zest, 1 teaspoon for citrus twist (optional)
- Maple syrup as vegan substitute for honey (optional, note fermentation may vary)
- Prepare the Garlic: Peel fresh garlic cloves and gently crush them to release enzymes which initiate flavor development and fermentation.
- Fill the Jar: Place the crushed garlic cloves into a clean glass jar, leaving space at the top to allow for honey addition and gas expansion.
- Add Raw Honey: Pour raw, unpasteurized honey over the garlic cloves until they are completely submerged, ensuring honey covers all garlic.
- Seal and Store: Loosely seal the jar to allow fermentation gases to escape. Store the jar in a cool, dark place at room temperature (60-75°F) for 1-2 weeks, shaking gently once daily.
- Taste and Store: Observe bubbles and tangy aroma as fermentation begins. Taste periodically until desired flavor is reached, then tighten the lid and refrigerate to slow fermentation and preserve the mixture.
Notes
- Use raw, unpasteurized honey for proper fermentation; pasteurized honey will not ferment correctly.
- Always use glass containers to avoid contamination from metal or plastic.
- Maintain temperature between 60-75°F for optimal fermentation speed and flavor development.
- Leave headspace in the jar to accommodate gas release and prevent spills.
- Fermentation takes at least one week to develop flavor and benefits, so patience is essential.
- For vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup, noting fermentation behavior may differ.
- Avoid heating at high temperatures to preserve enzymes and probiotics; warm gently if using in drinks.
- Store finished fermented garlic honey in the refrigerator for 3-6 months; freezing is not recommended but possible for small portions.
- Consult pediatrician before giving to children under one year due to honey guidelines.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Protein: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: fermented garlic honey, fermented honey, garlic health tonic, immune boost honey, probiotic honey, natural remedy, gut health, fermentation recipe