Strengthen Your Immune System with Fermented Honey Garlic: A Winter Wellness Essential
Have you noticed all the rage about fermented honey garlic on social media lately? Maybe you’re here because you’re curious and wondering if this is just another trend. But guess what? This isn’t just another trendy concoction—it’s a time-honored remedy, a wisdom passed down through generations. Today, let’s unravel this age-old tradition, discuss the process, and talk about why honey and garlic are game-changers for wellness, especially during the winter months! You’re going to want to check out My Winter Wellness Arsenal once you’re done here. I share all my favorites for keeping your family healthy and thriving.
The Beauty of Fermented Honey Garlic
Why Fermentation?
Fermentation is a fascinating natural process that has been valued for its ability to preserve and enhance foods. In the case of honey and garlic, this process magnifies their innate qualities, resulting in a potent concoction that supports and strengthens our immune systems. It’s like nature’s way of supercharging these ingredients!
Garlic
Garlic, with its robust cloves tightly wrapped in their papery husks, has been revered for its immune-boosting properties. One of God’s many gifts to us, full of allicin—a powerhouse of goodness that supports our well-being. When you cut or crush a garlic clove, it triggers a reaction between two substances in garlic: alliin (a sulfur compound) and an enzyme called alliinase. This reaction produces allicin, giving garlic its distinctive taste and smell. Allicin is like garlic’s defense mechanism. It has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties, which can help in supporting our immune system and keeping us healthy.
Honey
Honey, often referred to as “liquid gold,” is a natural sweetener loaded with health benefits. It’s packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and enzymes that give your immune system a boost and provide a source of energy. When you pair honey with garlic, it enhances the therapeutic properties of both and creates a balanced, flavorful combination.
Making Fermented Honey Garlic
Ingredients:
- Fresh organic garlic cloves
- Pure, raw honey
- A clean, airtight glass jar
Process Overview:
- Peel and Prep
Gather up some fresh garlic cloves and give them a good peel. - Into the Jar
Toss those garlic cloves into a clean glass jar, leaving a bit of room at the top. - Sweeten with Honey
Pour in that golden honey until the garlic is comfortably submerged. This honey is going to make our garlic a delicious treat! - Seal and Shake
Tightly close the lid on your jar and give it a gentle shake to make sure the garlic is all cozy in the honey. - Let It Sit
Pop the jar in a warm, dark spot for about 2-4 weeks. Allow the honey and garlic to blend and create a delightful mixture. - Ready to Nourish
After the waiting game, your fermented honey garlic is ready! Grab a few cloves and add them to your meals or eat them as a daily wellness boost.
Step By Step
Step 1: Choose Fresh Garlic Bulbs
When selecting garlic, opt for whole bulbs with plump, firm cloves tightly wrapped in white or purplish papery husks. Fresh garlic in its peak condition is hard to peel and ensures the best flavor and medicinal compounds.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic
- Peel and clean the garlic cloves, ensuring they are fresh and not pre-peeled.
- Bruise the cloves slightly to release the beneficial allicin compounds, which are key for their medicinal properties.
Step 3: Fill the Jar with Garlic and Honey
- Fill a clean, dry glass jar approximately halfway to three-quarters full with the prepared garlic cloves.
- Pour honey over the cloves, ensuring they are fully submerged. Allow the honey to run through to the bottom, covering the garlic, leaving about 1/2 an inch from the rim.
Step 4: Fermentation and Storage
- Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat. This is where the awesomeness begins!
- For the first two weeks, “burp” the jar daily. Open the lid to release any built-up gases (CO2), close it, and give it a gentle shake or stir. Turn the jar upside down and set it aside.
Step 5: Monitor and Adjust
- Over the first few weeks, gently shake or jostle the jar to ensure the garlic is well-coated and distributed in the honey. Be cautious of any honey spills under the lid.
- If concerned about pressure, consider using a fermentation lid to manage gas release and maintain a secure seal.
Step 6: Long Fermentation for Enhanced Flavor
- Allow the mixture to ferment for a minimum of 2-3 months, or even longer if possible. The longer it ferments, the richer and darker the honey and garlic become, offering a more robust flavor and enhanced health benefits.
Step 7: Store and Enjoy
- After the fermentation period, your fermented honey garlic is ready to be stored in your cupboard for up to a year or even longer. The longer it sits, the better it becomes, enhancing both taste and medicinal properties.
Extra Tips & Reminders
Covering & Turning
- Loosely cover the jar with a lid to allow gases to escape and place it in a dark spot to ferment. Placing a small plate or similar item beneath the jar during fermentation is advisable, as it might bubble up a bit, causing honey to drip. Also it’s important to gently turn the jar over daily or as you remember, ensuring all the garlic remains coated with honey. Tighten the lid securely before doing this, then return the jar to an upright position and slightly loosen the lid.
- In a few days to a week, you’ll notice bubbles forming on the honey’s surface—a positive sign of fermentation! Fermentation of the honey and garlic will take about a month, but you can consume it at any point during the process. The flavor will continue to mature over time, with the garlic mellowing, and the honey becoming more liquid.
- Sometimes the garlic cloves may turn blue or green due to a reaction during fermentation. Don’t fret, while this might appear concerning, it is harmless, and the honey garlic remains safe to use.
- Stored in a cool place, honey garlic keeps well for several months, even up to a year or more!
Using Fermented Honey Garlic
Now, how can busy moms like us include fermented honey garlic in our routine? It’s incredibly versatile and offers a range of uses. Since both garlic and honey pack a punch in terms of health benefits, turning to them for an immune boost, especially during the dreaded cold and flu season, is a smart move. Simply pop a whole garlic clove or scoop up a spoonful of honey (or why not both?). And guess what? Honey garlic isn’t just a health booster—it’s a total game-changer in the kitchen! Picture it: a natural addition to marinades, sauces, or a flavorful glaze for meats. It’s like having honey and garlic, but with an extra health kick! Talk about a mom’s cooking secret weapon!
Botulism Concerns?
A common concern regarding fermented honey garlic is the possibility of botulism. The short answer is no; botulism is highly unlikely in this type of ferment.The fermentation process significantly reduces the risk of botulism. Raw honey, while carrying botulism spores, is acidic enough to prevent their reproduction, which is what leads to botulism. If you have concerns, a simple pH test strip can help. Botulism spores can’t reproduce in an environment with a pH below 4.6, and honey usually has a pH of around 3.9, although it can vary by brand. If the pH is too high, adding a splash of raw apple cider vinegar can increase the acidity. However, this is typically unnecessary.
Honey garlic should not be given to babies under one year of age.
I genuinely hope you give this delicious honeyed garlic a try! It’s incredibly easy to make and a wonderful staple to have. I’m sure it’ll become a household favorite!
Your Turn: Share Your Experience!
It’s your turn now! Try making this nourishing fermented honey garlic and let us know how it turns out. Drop a comment below to share your thoughts, feelings, or any modifications you made to the recipe. Together, let’s celebrate the beauty of holistic living and the simple joys of homemade remedies
I’d love to hear about your experience! Have you tried this recipe or a similar one before? How did it make you feel? Did you notice any positive effects on your health and immunity? Share your thoughts, experiences, and any additional tips you might have. Your insights could inspire and support our community on their wellness journey.
Now you’re all set for the winter season. Stay warm, healthy, and enjoy the wholesome benefits of fermented honey garlic!
Happy fermenting,
Close Quarters Mom!
