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Fermented garlic honey is a traditional remedy that has been used for centuries to improve health and support the immune system. As someone who is passionate about natural remedies, I have been exploring the benefits of fermented garlic honey and have found it to be a powerful addition to my health regimen.
The combination of garlic and honey creates a potent mixture that is rich in antioxidants and has antimicrobial properties. Fermenting the garlic in honey enhances its nutritional benefits, making it even more effective in supporting the immune system, aiding digestion, and promoting healthy blood pressure levels. Moreover, fermented garlic honey is easy to make and can be used in a variety of ways, from drizzling it on roasted veggies to adding it to marinades and dressings.
In this article, I will share my experience with fermented garlic honey, its health benefits, and how to make it at home. Whether you are looking for a natural way to boost your immune system or simply want to explore the world of fermentation, fermented garlic honey is definitely worth trying. So, let’s dive in and discover the wonders of this ancient remedy!
This is So Incredibly Delicious!
Honestly, this recipe is incredibly easy and requires minimal ingredients. Garlic, honey, and time are all you need. Once you set the process in motion, nature takes care of the rest. I recommend allowing the product to ferment for at least one month, but fret not! You can sneak a taste of the honey and garlic along the way to use in recipes or enjoy straight from the spoon. Trust me; it will already be delicious. Whether you’re a garlic enthusiast or a honey lover, this recipe is a win-win.
However, after a month of fermentation, you’ll witness remarkable transformations. The garlic cloves will have settled at the jar’s bottom, becoming darker in color. The honey will have a more fluid consistency. You have to see it with your own eyes and savor it with your own taste buds to truly appreciate the magic that has taken place.
What is Fermented Garlic Honey?
Fermented garlic honey is made by combining raw honey with cloves of garlic and allowing the mixture to ferment for several weeks. The result is a sweet and savory condiment that can be used in a variety of ways, including as a condiment for meats, vegetables, and grains, as a marinade for meats, or as a natural sweetener for tea and other beverages. It is a versatile and delicious way to support your health and wellness naturally.
Garlic is known for its many health benefits, including its ability to support the immune system, aid digestion, and promote healthy blood pressure levels. When combined with raw honey, which also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, the result is a powerful natural remedy that can help support overall health and wellness.
The fermentation process used to make fermented garlic honey helps to break down the cloves of garlic and release their beneficial compounds. During fermentation, the natural yeasts present in the honey consume the sugars in the garlic and produce lactic acid, which helps to preserve the mixture and give it a tangy flavor.
How to Make Fermented Garlic Honey
To make fermented garlic honey, I start by peeling a large amount of garlic cloves and placing them in a sterilized glass jar. I then pour raw honey over the garlic and stir to make sure all the garlic is coated.
To ensure successful fermentation, it is crucial to utilize raw honey that retains the essential bacteria and wild yeast necessary for the process. The addition of liquid to honey serves as a catalyst, initiating the fermentation process. Even a small amount of juice from the garlic is sufficient to provide the necessary liquid for fermentation to occur.
Next, I allow the jar to rest at room temperature for a minimum of two weeks, although a month is truly optimal. Each day, I check on it, delicately tipping the jar to ensure that the garlic is completely submerged in the luscious honey. As I do so, I eagerly observe for the delightful emergence of bubbles, a sure sign that the fermentation process is underway.
It’s worth noting that this ferment, brimming with vibrant life, will naturally produce an abundance of gas bubbles. To maintain a harmonious equilibrium within the jar, it is necessary to gently release the accumulated pressure on a daily basis. I carefully “burp” the jar, allowing the excess gas to slowly dissipate from the jar.
During the fermentation process, the garlic releases allicin, which is an oxygenated sulfur compound that gives garlic its pungent flavor and health benefits. The honey provides a perfect environment for the garlic to ferment, as it contains wild yeast that helps to break down the garlic and create a unique flavor.
Health Benefits of Fermented Garlic Honey
Fermented garlic honey is a natural remedy that has many health benefits. As someone who has been using this remedy for some time now, I can confidently say that it has helped me support my immune system, aid digestion, and support healthy blood pressure levels. In this section, I will discuss the various health benefits of fermented garlic honey.
Immune System
Fermented garlic honey is celebrated for its potential to support overall wellness. Garlic is renowned for its antibacterial and antiviral qualities, which may assist in maintaining health. Meanwhile, honey is packed with antioxidants that combat free radicals and promote cellular health. Combining these ingredients, fermented garlic honey is believed to contribute positively to your well-being by potentially bolstering your body’s natural defenses.
Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
Garlic has been shown to be beneficial towards heart health by lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and preventing clotting in blood vessels. Honey, too, has been shown to have cardioprotective effects. When combined, fermented garlic honey can help promote heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties
Garlic and honey each offer unique benefits for our well-being. Garlic contains sulfur compounds known for their potential anti-inflammatory effects, while honey is packed with antioxidants that combat free radicals and may ease oxidative stress. When combined in fermented garlic honey, these natural ingredients could potentially support our body’s defenses, promoting a sense of wellness and vitality.
Other Medicinal Benefits
Fermented garlic honey offers various health-supporting qualities. Garlic contains amino acids and vitamin C, both important for overall wellness. Similarly, honey possesses properties that may combat bacteria and fungi, potentially aiding in infection prevention. Fermented garlic honey is suggested to potentially assist in easing asthma symptoms, lessening arthritis discomfort, and possibly aiding in diabetes management.
To sum up, fermented garlic honey serves as a natural option with potential health perks. It’s simple to prepare and could complement your natural health resources. Remember, it’s wise to seek advice from your healthcare provider before incorporating any natural remedies into your routine.
How to Use Fermented Garlic Honey
As someone who has been using fermented garlic honey for a while now, I can attest to its versatility in the kitchen. Here are some ways I like to use it:
As a Dressing or Sauce
One of my favorite ways to use fermented garlic honey is as a dressing or sauce. I mix it with olive oil and some lemon juice to make a delicious salad dressing. It also works well as a sauce for roasted vegetables or grilled meat.
As a Marinade or Glaze
Fermented garlic honey is a great marinade or glaze for meat. I like to mix it with some soy sauce, ginger, and garlic powder to make a flavorful marinade for chicken or pork. You can also use it as a glaze for roasted vegetables or pizza.
As a Condiment
Fermented garlic honey is a great condiment to have on hand. I like to drizzle it over roasted vegetables or use it as a topping for pasta dishes. It also works well as a dip for bread or crackers.
As Fire Cider
If you’re feeling under the weather, try making a batch of fire cider with fermented garlic honey. Mix it with some apple cider vinegar, ginger, horseradish, and cayenne pepper for a potent immune-boosting tonic.
Overall, fermented garlic honey is a versatile and delicious addition to any kitchen. Whether you’re using it as a dressing, marinade, condiment, or fire cider, it’s sure to add a flavorful kick to your dishes.
Should I be worried about botulism?
The proliferation of friendly bacteria during fermentation help acidify (lower the pH) of the honey. This protects against the growth of Clostridium botulinum – the toxin responsible for botulism. Clostridium can thrive in a pH greater than 4.6, if you are concerned, used pH strips to test your ferment before consuming.
How to Store
Tuck your jar of fermented garlic honey away in a cozy, dark nook—think kitchen cupboard or pantry, away from the sun’s rays. Make sure that lid is on tight; we don’t want any moisture sneaking in. Do this, and your garlic honey will be your companion for years to come!
And hey, don’t be alarmed if over time your honey and garlic take on a darker hue, or even if your garlic decides to go through a blue/green phase. It’s all part of the natural journey, and not something you typically see with honey ferments. It’s just the garlic and honey dancing to their own rhythm!
Conclusion
In my experience, fermented garlic honey is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s easy to make, and the health benefits are numerous. The combination of garlic and honey creates a potent mixture that may help with a variety of health issues, from colds and flu to high blood pressure and arthritis.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s versatile. You can use it in cooking, as a marinade, or as a topping for toast or crackers. It’s also a great way to get the benefits of garlic without the overpowering taste and odor.
Overall, I highly recommend giving fermented garlic honey a try. It’s a simple and effective way to improve your health and add some flavor to your meals. Just be sure to use high-quality ingredients and follow the recipe carefully for the best results.
Disclaimer- I am not a medical professional. All information shared here is for information and entertainment only. Do your own research and consult your health care provider before treating yourself with any product, plant or mixture.
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I’m going to be working on learning so much more!
Absolutely, learning is a lifelong journey! I couldn’t agree more. The world of nature and plants is incredibly diverse and fascinating, offering endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
I made fermented garlic honey last year and find myself using the honey faster than the garlic cloves (I have four kids who prefer the syrup). Is it ok for the cloves to not be covered by honey after the initial ferment or do they *always* need to be under the honey level?
From what I know, having cloves occasionally sticking out above the honey level might not necessarily pose an immediate problem, especially if the fermentation has already taken place. However, to err on the side of caution, it might be a good idea to gently push down any cloves that are sticking out above the honey, or remove them entirely. This could help minimize the risk of mold or spoilage, which can occur if garlic cloves are exposed to air for extended periods.
Can I just take a spoonful every, say, morning or whenever? If so how much? 1 tsp? 1 tbsp? 3 tbsps?
Both garlic and honey have strong medicinal properties, making them a popular choice for immune support and alleviating symptoms of colds and flu. You can take a spoonful of fermented garlic honey every morning as a preventive measure. Starting with 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) is a gentle introduction. If it agrees with your taste and digestion, you can gradually increase the dosage to 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp). If you feel the onset of a cold or flu, a more potent dose might be beneficial. Taking 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) or even 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) can help provide relief from symptoms and potentially speed up recovery. The ideal dosage can vary from person to person. Some individuals might prefer a smaller amount daily for ongoing support, while others may opt for larger amounts during illness. You can experiment with different amounts to find what works best for you. Many people choose to incorporate a small daily dose into their routine as a long-term immune-boosting measure. Again, starting with 1 teaspoon and gradually adjusting as needed is a good approach. Remember that individual tolerance levels and preferences vary, so it’s essential to listen to your body. Start with a conservative amount and increase it gradually to ensure it agrees with you both in terms of taste and digestion.
I just started a jar and the cloves keep floating up. A bit concerned that if it won’t stay down it could make us sick. Is this something I should worry about?
Yes, the garlic tends to float. Just make sure to stir the mixture or flip the jar daily and it should be okay!
When taking the honey, what about the garlic? Do you eat the garlic or just leave it in the jar.
Also can you add more honey and garlic to the jar as you use it or just make a brand new batch?
I’m excited to try mine. Just made it a couple of days ago and am very anxious to get started on it.
Thank you for the article and sharing your knowledge.
When it comes to enjoying the honey, don’t hesitate to savor the garlic cloves as well. They soften and sweeten during the fermentation, offering a unique taste that’s less intense than raw garlic, making them a delightful addition to dishes or even enjoyable by themselves. Regarding adding more honey and garlic to your jar, I recommend starting a fresh batch rather than adding new garlic to the existing one. This approach helps maintain the balance and ensures that the fermentation process starts and progresses uniformly with each batch.
Can you give me a little more instruction on burping the jar please? Thanks!
Certainly! Burping the jar when making fermented garlic honey involves opening the lid slightly to release built-up gases, usually done daily or as needed to prevent excess pressure. This helps ensure a safe and successful fermentation process.
How to use the fermented garlic cloves after fermentation?
What color will the garlic cloves be after fermentation?
Thanks MAB