Fermented Garlic Honey

If you’ve never made fermented garlic honey before, now’s the time. It’s one of those staple remedies I like to keep on hand, as it's simple yet powerful, and surprisingly tasty (if you’re into sweet and savory combos). This stuff is a go-to around here for immune support, especially as we head into fall and winter. And the best part? It only takes two ingredients: raw honey and garlic. That’s it. No weird extras and no fancy tools.

First though, let’s talk about why it works, how to make it, and a few easy ways to work it into your day once it’s ready.

Why Fermented Garlic Honey?

Benefits of Raw Honey
Raw honey is a natural, unprocessed sweetener that’s full of health benefits. Unlike pasteurized honey, raw honey retains all of its enzymes, antioxidants, and trace minerals. Some of the key benefits of raw honey include:

-Antioxidant Support: Raw honey contains powerful antioxidants, which help to combat oxidative stress and inflammation.

- Antimicrobial Properties: Honey has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for wound healing and to prevent infections due to its natural antimicrobial qualities.

- Digestive Health: Raw honey promotes healthy gut bacteria, which can support digestion and overall immune function.


Benefits of Garlic
Garlic’s active compound, allicin, is well-documented for its ability to help the body fight off infections and bolster the immune system. Additional benefits of garlic include:

- Immune Support: Garlic can help fight off viruses and bacteria, making it a popular choice during cold and flu season.

- Heart Health: Regular consumption of garlic may support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

- Antioxidant Effects: Like honey, garlic is rich in antioxidants, which can support overall cellular health.

When garlic ferments in honey, it becomes more digestible and its beneficial compounds become more accessible to the body. This fermented mixture is a potent natural remedy that can be enjoyed daily for an immune boost, or used as needed for colds and respiratory support.


How to Make Fermented Garlic Honey

Making fermented garlic honey at home is easy. Here’s a simple DIY recipe that uses just a few ingredients and a little patience.

Ingredients
- 6 bulbs of garlic peeled and either crushed or cut in half
- 1 raw honey (unpasteurized and ideally local)
- clean and dry mason jar (this recipe is for a pint sized jar, you will need more garlic for a larger jar)

Instructions
1. Start by peeling the garlic cloves. You can crush them slightly or cut them in half, which will release more allicin and speed up fermentation.

2. Place the garlic cloves in a clean pint jar, filling the jar about halfway.

3. Pour the raw honey over the garlic until the cloves are fully submerged, leaving about an inch of space at the top of the jar to allow for gas expansion.

4. Use a clean spoon to stir the mixture, ensuring the garlic is well-coated in honey and then place lid on jar.

5. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for about 3-4 weeks. During the first week, burp the jar, by loosening the ring and allowing the gas from the fermentation to escape, and then gently shake or stir the jar then switch to every other day for the following week. You may see bubbles forming and the honey will become thinner as the garlic ferments.

6. After about three to four weeks, your garlic honey will be fully fermented and ready to use. Taste it to see if it has reached your desired flavor; you can ferment it longer if you prefer a stronger taste.

Once it’s ready, you can store it in a cool, dark place. The garlic may turn slightly blue or green, which is normal and safe. It’s a natural reaction with the honey and does not affect the quality.

How to Use Fermented Garlic Honey

Fermented garlic honey is super versatile. You can take a small spoonful daily for immune support (especially during the fall and winter months), or stir it into warm water or tea. It also adds a delicious sweet-and-savory flavor to salad dressings, marinades, or even drizzled over roasted veggies or toast if you're feeling fancy.

Some people take it first thing in the morning, while others reach for it at the first sign of something going around. You can keep it simple with a spoonful as needed or find fun ways to work it into your meals. There's no one "right" way, just whatever works best for you and your routine.

*This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before trying new remedies, especially if you have underlying health conditions. Also, raw honey is not recommended for children under 12 months due to the risk of botulism.