Fermented Honey Garlic

This Fermented Honey Garlic is one of the easiest things you can throw together to keep in your wellness cabinet, especially to have on hand during the cooler months. It is an amazing natural remedy to have on hand for colds, flus, sore throats and more!

Gosh, this is one of my favorite things to have on hand! There are so many benefits (we will dive into my favorites below). The fermentation process will help mellow the garlic taste. Once it is ready it won’t taste like the potent garlic flavor it starts out as. The raw honey will sweeten and soften the garlic over time and is amazing for gut health, digestion and absorption to the body!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Quick – This only takes about 5 minutes to throw together. Super fast!

Simple – With only two ingredients, this is very simple!

Quality Control – You are able to know what is going in yours or your families’ bodies, especially during a very vunerable time when your immune system can be down.

Fun for Kids – This is a great way to get your kids involved and you can explain to them the natural benefits of garlic and honey. 

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What are the benefits of Fermented Honey Garlic?

Garlic contains a compound called allicin. This powerful stuff is responsible for the strong smell as well as the health benefits. Allicin offers benefits for the heart, lowering blood pressure, is an antioxidant, is antimicrobial, and is said to have anticancer properties. It is also huge for supporting the immune system!

Garlic has been used for generations to help fight off colds, flus, sore throats, coughs, respiratory issues and more. In general, it helps to thin mucous and reduce and calm inflammation which is why many remedies start or contain garlic.

Raw Honey is its own superfood! Also used for generations, raw honey is full of amazing enzymes, antioxidants, and can help to reduce inflammation. It also contains antibacterial and antiviral properties which is huge for helping the immune system strengthen and fight infections. 

Raw Honey is also amazing for the digestive system, healing wounds, allergy relief, cardiovascular health and more!

Over the counter medications can contain a lot of harsh ingredients that our bodies weren’t meant to use on repeat. Some of those ingredients can cause issues with other body systems or can actually delay our bodies from healing quicker. While there can be a time and a place for them, they should not be our first line of defense.

One of my favorite things about the Fermented Honey Garlic is that you can use it as needed. At the first sign of anything that seems off in the body, you can take this to assist the immune system. You can also use it as needed which I love.

What ingredients are needed to make this Fermented Honey Garlic?

Two Ingredients, so easy! You may already have these on hand, but if not, they are very easy to find! I order quite a few of my items from Thrive Market. They make it easy to find clean ingredients and ship straight to my door. If that is something you are interested in, here is a link to try it out and you can get 40% off your first order! Azure Standard is another great option especially if you are looking to purchase in bulk! These can also be found in the grocery store too!

Garlic – You can do fresh garlic cloves, or you can take a shortcut and get the cloves that have already been peeled for you. I have done both!

Raw Honey – Raw is key here. You must use RAW honey to get the health benefits from it. You don’t want the heavily processed honey from the grocery store that has been stripped of the health benefits. So just be sure to read the label closely or if you know someone with bees, that is even better!

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Tools you may need for your recipe:

Mason Jar or Glass Storage Jars

Mini Spatula

How to make…

Gather all your ingredients. Make sure you have a clean jar. I suggest a quart sized mason jar.

Next you will either peel the garlic cloves or if you decided to grab the ones that are pre peeled that works too.

Add half of your garlic to your jar, then barely cover or under cover the garlic just a little with the raw honey.

Then fill the rest of the way with the garlic, leaving about 1″ of headspace. Then top with honey until it barely covers or under covers the garlic just a little again.

Cover and let it sit on the counter for a little while to let the honey settle in, then if you need more to cover the garlic you can top if off. Tighten the lid on the jar just so it is finger-tight, nothing crazy since it will be fermenting.

Now the hard part, leaving it be for 2 to 3 months. You will want to store in a cool, dry place. I store them at the top of a cabinet out of the way but to where I don’t forget.

You can tip the jar or swirl it here and there to make sure the honey circulates all around the garlic over time. It is also beneficial to open and “burp” the jar since it is technically fermenting.

How will I know when it is ready to use?

Technically you can use it immediately if you have a need but as a caution, the garlic will be crunchy and spicy. But if you need it, you need it. We have been there. 

There are a few signs though for when it is ready.

• The honey will be very loose, not thick like it started.
• The flavor and smell of the garlic cloves will also no longer be spicy. You will still be able to smell the garlic, but it will have mellowed.
• The color of the garlic will have changed and become more golden.
• The texture of the garlic will have softened as well.

How do I use it if we start feeling off or someone comes down sick?

For immune support we just take a teaspoon full with one clove of garlic and the honey three times a day or as needed. 

PLEASE NOTE: This does contain raw honey which is advised to not give to children under 1 year old.

You can also pair this with Elderberry Syrup too which just adds more immune support. There are so many benefits to Elderberries that you can read about here too!

FAQs

Do I have to use Raw Honey?

Yes, this is really important. Pasteurized honey has been treated and heated which kills off all of the beneficial enzymes and good bacteria that is needed. 

Do I eat it all, cloves too?

Yes, I promise they will mellow out over time. and are very beneficial. If you have large cloves, feel free to cut in half before fermenting if you’d like.

How long does this last?

A long time. We have never had a jar go bad before we have used it all up. Raw Honey is naturally shelf-stable on its own. We keep ours in a darker part of a cabinet and use until it is gone. If it ever has a rancid smell, toss it, but if it just smells like sweet, funky garlic, you are good to go.

Can I cook with this?

Definitely! You can use this in marinades, dressings and more!

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Thanks for stopping by, see you next time!