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Fermented Honey Garlic
By Katie Stewart · September 6, 2024 · 4 min read
Fermented Honey Garlic
Blog by Laura Hearn, Nutrition Assistant + Recipe by Cris Brown, RHN in The Clear Skin Solution
If you’re looking for a simple yet powerful way to give your immune system some extra TLC while supporting your gut health and enhancing your skin, then you’re going to love this Fermented Honey Garlic recipe. Garlic has been a health hero for centuries, and when you pair it with the natural goodness of raw honey, you get a powerhouse combo! Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make at home!
Why Fermented Honey Garlic is a Skin and Gut Game-Changer
Garlic and honey are powerful health allies on their own, but when you ferment them together, their benefits are taken to a whole new level. Here’s why fermented honey garlic is such a potent support for your immune system, gut health, and more, especially when it comes to keeping your skin clear and glowing.
Gut Health and Acne: Did you know that the health of your gut is closely linked to the health of your skin? A balanced gut microbiome is key to reducing systemic inflammation, which can often trigger acne and other skin issues. Fermented honey garlic combines the prebiotic benefits of honey with the probiotic boost from fermented garlic, promoting a healthy gut environment. By improving your gut health, you’re also setting the stage for clearer, more vibrant skin.
Immune Support for Clear Skin: A strong immune system is essential for keeping your skin clear and glowing. When your immune system is in top shape, it can better fend off the bacteria contributing to breakouts. The powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties of fermented honey garlic give your immune system the support it needs to help keep your skin glowing. Regularly incorporating this into your routine is like giving your skin a natural defence mechanism!
Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Boost: Inflammation plays a major role in the development of acne. Thankfully, both garlic and honey are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce redness, swelling, and irritation. The fermentation process may even enhance these benefits, making this combo a potent ally in your skincare arsenal.
How to Use Fermented Honey Garlic
Fermented honey garlic is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Take a spoonful straight from the jar for an immune and skin health upsurge, add it to teas, salad dressings, and marinades, or drizzle it over roasted vegetables. The unique sweet and savoury flavour adds a delicious twist to your meals while delivering a natural boost to your gut, immune system, and skin health.
Equipment
- 1 Mason jar
Ingredients
- 1-2 cups whole organic garlic cloves peeled (see note)
- 1-2 cups raw unpasteurized liquid honey (see note)
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic: Slice the ends off the garlic cloves and slightly crush them with the side of a knife, being careful not to break them open completely. Place the cloves into a sterilized jar, large enough that the garlic cloves fill no more than two-thirds of the jar.
- Add the Honey: Pour the raw, unpasteurized honey over the garlic cloves, ensuring they are completely covered. Ensure there is at least an inch of headroom between the top of the honey and garlic mixture and the top of the jar to allow space for the fermentation process.
- Seal & Store: Seal the jar tightly and store it at room temperature, out of direct sunlight. The honey may begin to foam during the fermentation process, so it’s important to ‘burp’ the jar daily. To do this, simply remove the lid briefly to release the gases and prevent overflow.
- Monitor & Care: During the first few weeks of fermentation, the garlic cloves will likely float to the top of the jar. This is completely normal. To ensure all the cloves remain well-coated, invert the jar daily or use a spoon to gently push the cloves back down into the honey.
- Fermentation Process: After several weeks, you’ll notice the honey becoming more fluid and the garlic cloves darkening in colour. This is a sign that fermentation is progressing well. At this stage, you can discontinue daily ‘burping’ of the jar.
- Storage: Once the fermentation process is complete, store the jar at room temperature in a sealed container, out of direct sunlight. The fermented garlic honey will continue to develop in flavour over time and can be stored for several months.
Notes
- Measurements are based on the size of your jar.
- Be sure to use raw, unpasteurized honey, as it contains the natural enzymes and beneficial bacteria needed for the fermentation process.
- Leave some space in the jar, as some batches of garlic honey can foam up a bit during fermentation, and the extra space helps prevent any overflow.