Fermented Garlic Honey
Fermented Garlic Honey is a flavorful and health-boosting pantry staple that combines the natural sweetness of raw honey with the bold, pungent taste of fresh garlic. Through a simple fermentation process, this recipe develops probiotics, antioxidants, and complex flavors perfect for drizzling, glazing, or using as a marinade, enhancing both the taste and nutritional value of your dishes.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 to 3 weeks fermentation
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Fermentation
- Cuisine: Global
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- Raw Honey – enough to fully submerge garlic cloves (approx. 1 cup)
- Fresh Garlic Cloves – peeled and lightly crushed (about 10-15 cloves)
- Filtered Water – optional, for adjusting consistency (if needed, avoid chlorinated or treated water)
Optional Variations
- Sliced Chili Peppers or Red Pepper Flakes – to add a spicy kick
- Fresh Herbs like Thyme, Rosemary, or Oregano – for herbal infusion
- Maple Syrup or Date Syrup – vegan alternatives to honey
- Prepare the Garlic: Peel and lightly crush fresh garlic cloves to release their natural juices, which promote fermentation and infuse the honey with flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: In a clean glass jar, place the crushed garlic cloves and pour raw honey over them until the garlic is fully submerged, leaving some headspace at the top for fermentation expansion.
- Initiate Fermentation: Seal the jar with a breathable lid such as a cloth cover or an airlock lid to allow gases to escape while preventing contaminants from entering. Store the jar at room temperature away from direct sunlight.
- Daily Burping: For the first week, open the jar once daily to release built-up gases. This prevents pressure buildup and ensures safe fermentation.
- Monitor and Taste: After 1 to 3 weeks, the fermented garlic honey will develop a tangy aroma and mellow, complex flavor. When the taste is to your preference, transfer the jar to the refrigerator for longer storage.
Notes
- Use raw honey to utilize its natural yeasts which help kickstart fermentation.
- Always use glass jars to avoid reactions from metal containers that can alter flavor and fermentation.
- Maintain a temperature between 65-75°F (18-24°C) for optimal fermentation conditions.
- Choose fresh, firm garlic cloves to avoid off-flavors in your fermented honey.
- Ferment up to 4 weeks for best flavor; longer fermentation can lead to over-fermentation.
- Do not heat fermented garlic honey over high heat to preserve enzymes and probiotics.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 64
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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