Fermented Garlic and Honey Easy Homemade Recipe

Fermented garlic and honey is one of the most well known herbal remedies!  It has roots in traditional medicine as a wellness staple along with culinary practices that date back centuries. Fermentation itself has been used for thousands of years across various cultures for food preservation and health benefits. Raw garlic has long been valued for its medicinal properties, while honey has been used both as a sweetener and a natural remedy.

**As always, I am not a medical professional. This post is for entertainment purposes only and is not medical advice. In any case, you should always consult with a medical professional.

How much fermented garlic should I take?

The amount of fermented garlic honey you should take can vary based on personal preference and health goals. Generally, here are some guidelines:

Recommended Dosage

• 1 to 2 teaspoons per day: This is a common recommendation for health benefits without overdoing it. You can adjust based on how you feel.  (Be sure to use a dry spoon.)

Considerations

• Start Small: If you're new to it, begin with a smaller amount to see how your body reacts, then gradually increase.
• Dietary Needs: Consider any dietary restrictions or health conditions. If you're unsure, consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
• Taste Preferences: If you enjoy the flavor, you can incorporate it more liberally into meals or snacks.

How to Eat Fermented Honey Garlic

Fermented garlic honey can be enjoyed in various ways! Here are some delicious ideas for incorporating it into your meals:

 As a Spread

• Toast or Bread: Spread it on warm toast or crusty bread for a flavorful breakfast or snack.

In Dressings and Marinades

• Salad Dressings: Whisk it into vinaigrettes for a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Marinades: Use it as a base in marinades for chicken, fish, or vegetables.

In Beverages

• Tea: Stir a spoonful into hot water or herbal tea for added flavor and health benefits. (Keep in mind that heat will kill off the beneficial bacteria.)
• Smoothies: Blend it into smoothies for a natural sweetness and nutrient boost.

With Yogurt or Cottage Cheese

• Drizzle it over yogurt or cottage cheese for a delicious and nutritious snack.

As a Natural Remedy

• Take a spoonful directly for its health benefits, especially during cold and flu season.

In Baking

• Use it in baking recipes that call for honey to add a unique twist to your treats.

With Cheese

• Pair it with cheese on a charcuterie board for a sweet and savory combination.

In Stir-Fries

• Add it to stir-fries for a hint of sweetness and depth of flavor.

Benefits of Fermented Garlic Honey

The combination of garlic and honey offers a variety of health benefits especially with flu season through the winter months. Here are some of the key advantages:

Immune System

• Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties and antibacterial properties, helping the body fight off infections.
• Honey contains antioxidants that can enhance immune function.

Antimicrobial Properties

• Both garlic and honey have natural antimicrobial effects, which can help combat harmful bacteria and viruses.

Digestive Health

• Fermentation promotes the growth of beneficial probiotics, which can improve gut health and digestion.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

• Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the body.

Heart Health

• Garlic can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, contributing to overall cardiovascular health.
• Honey may improve heart health by enhancing blood flow and reducing inflammation.

Natural Energy Booster

• The combination of honey’s natural sugars and garlic’s nutrients can provide a quick energy boost.

Cough Relief

• This blend can soothe sore throats and may help relieve coughs, thanks to honey’s soothing properties and garlic’s medicinal benefits.

Enhanced Flavor and Versatility

• Fermented garlic honey can add unique flavor to dishes, making it a tasty addition to marinades, dressings, and spreads.

Incorporating fermented garlic honey into your diet can provide these benefits while adding a delicious twist to your meals!

Equipment for the Honey Ferment

Sterilized jar (pint size) 

Ingredients for Honey Garlic

• ½ cup raw honey (for more benefit use local raw honey)
• 2 to 3 heads of garlic or enough garlic cloves to fill a pint size mason jar (peeled) (fresh garlic bulbs are best)

Garlic Honey Recipe

1. Prepare the Garlic: Peel the whole garlic cloves and give them a light crush (optional) to release their juices. You can also slice them or leave them whole if you prefer.
2. Combine Ingredients: Place garlic in a dry pint jar that is clean, only filling it ¾ of the way.

1. Add Unpasteurized Honey: Pour honey over the garlic, ensuring that all of the cloves are submerged. You can stir gently to help mix them together.

1. Seal the Jar: Cover the jar with a lid. If you’re using a metal lid, consider placing a piece of parchment paper between the lid and the jar to prevent any reaction with the honey. I prefer to use a plastic lid.

1. Burp and Stir (or Shake): Once a day, burp the jar by slightly unscrewing the top and then screwing it back on. This will release the gases that are produced as the garlic ferments. After burping, flip the jar over until all of the garlic falls to the lid of the jar and the honey covers it again. Then flip the jar back to an upright position, and repeat this process everyday for the next two weeks. During this time, the garlic-infused honey will begin to ferment, and you may notice bubbles forming. This is when the fermenting process is at its most active. (A fermentation weight and burping lid can be used instead of manually burping and shaking.)

1. Use and Store: After at least 1 month of fermentation, the garlic honey can be used.  We like to ferment our garlic for at least 2 to 4 months before using. Store the honey in a cool dark place. 

Tips

• Use Raw Honey: Make sure to use raw, unprocessed honey to ensure the natural enzymes and beneficial bacteria are present for fermentation.
• Adjust to Taste: You can experiment with the ratio of garlic to honey according to your taste preferences.
• Shelf Life: Fermented garlic honey can last for several months to years in a cool dry place or in the fridge.

Enjoy your delicious and healthful fermented garlic honey! It’s great for drizzling on toast, adding to dressings, or using in marinades.

More Fermented Food Recipes

Easy Homemade Fermented (Raw) Apple Cider Vinegar 

How To Make Easy Fermented Pico De Gallo Salsa

How to Make Easy Homemade Fermented Dill Pickles 

How To Make Easy Homemade Clabber From Raw Milk

How To Make Fermented Sauerkraut (coleslaw recipe