Looking to fend off winter sniffles and stay healthy all season? Or maybe you’re already feeling under the weather and could use a natural pick-me-up?
I’ve got just the thing for you: Garlic Honey.
When I first whipped up this pungent potion, let’s just say it didn’t exactly win the popular vote in our house. There were jokes and plenty of side-eye—but guess who’s stayed healthy winter after winter... Yep, this stuff works.
This immune-boosting powerhouse was inspired by a honey-as-medicine workshop I attended. I came home, peeled a couple of garlic cloves, and got to work. Now years later, I swear by my daily spoonful to keep me going strong. Honey and garlic are both nature’s heavy hitters when it comes to medicinal properties, and together they make a potent powerhouse that you’ll want in your corner this winter.
Why Garlic Honey?
Honey is one of the oldest natural remedies around. It’s soothing, antibacterial, and full of enzymes that your body loves. Garlic, on the other hand, is a straight-up immune-boosting warrior—antiviral, antifungal, and just what the doctor (well, nature) ordered when you’re feeling rundown.
When you combine them, you get a natural remedy that not only helps you avoid getting sick but can also ease symptoms if you’re already feeling lousy.
How to Make Garlic Honey
Good news: it’s ridiculously easy. You don’t need fancy equipment or a recipe...Here’s what you do:
- Grab Local Garlic: Fresh, local garlic is key here. Skip the grocery store stuff—it’s often imported and lacking in flavour. If you need a hookup for local garlic, let me know. We've got some.
- Peel & Smash: Separate and peel the cloves from a large bulb or two. Give each clove a gentle smash with the flat side of a knife.
- Fill Your Jar: Drop the smashed garlic into a clean jar, then pour honey over the top, making sure the garlic is fully coated. Leave a little room at the top of the jar.
- Flip & Stir: For the first few days, flip the jar a couple of times a day or give it a stir. This helps everything mix and kick-starts the fermentation.
That’s it! By day two, you can start enjoying the honey. I like to take a spoonful a day as a preventative measure, but you can also wait until it ferments more (up to a month) for an even stronger punch.
Tips for Garlic Honey Success
- Honey Texture: Don’t panic if your honey gets runny at first—that’s just the garlic releasing moisture. As the honey depletes, you can add more honey once or twice before starting a fresh batch.
- Hardened Garlic: Over time, the garlic cloves will harden. That’s normal! You can fish them out and add fresh ones when you start a new batch.
- Storage: After fermenting, store your jar in a cool, dark spot. If the honey crystallizes, a sunny windowsill will bring it back to life.
How to Use Garlic Honey
Straight off the spoon is my go-to, but if the flavour is a bit much for you, try these ideas:
- Whisk it into salad dressings for a zesty kick.
- Use it as a marinade or dipping sauce for chicken.
- Stir a spoonful into tea for a soothing tonic.
Why Wait? Make a Batch Today
Nature really does know best, and this little jar of goodness is proof. Whether you’re dodging what's going around or looking for a natural way to feel your best, garlic honey has you covered.
Cheers to a healthy, garlic honey infused winter!
Let me know if you try it—I’d love to hear how it works for you.
Do it - for the health of it!