7 Health Benefits of Fermented Garlic Honey + Recipe

If you're on a quest for natural remedies to boost your family's health, Fermented Garlic Honey might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, the health benefits of fermented garlic honey cannot be denied.

Disclaimer: Information and statements shown here are for educational and informational purposes only and are not to replace the advice of your healthcare professional. 

This post may include affiliate links. Please refer to our disclaimer for full disclosure. 

This ancient remedy, made by fermenting garlic cloves in raw honey, is packed with impressive health benefits backed by both tradition and science. Let's dive into the top 7 health benefits of fermented garlic and honey, plus how to make it!

7 Health Benefits of Fermented Garlic

This garlic honey ferment isn't only delicious, but incredibly good for you! Here are the top 7 health benefits of garlic honey ferment.

1. Immune System Support

Fermented garlic honey can be a powerful ally for your immune system. Garlic, whether raw or fermented, is packed with immune-boosting compounds like allicin, which is released during the fermentation process.

Allicin has potent antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties that can help your body fend off infections. The honey acts as a carrier, allowing these immune-enhancing compounds to be easily absorbed into your system.

Consuming fermented garlic honey regularly can help strengthen your immune defenses, making you more resilient to illnesses.

2. Cardiovascular Benefits

The combination of garlic and honey in fermented garlic honey can have a positive impact on your heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that garlic can help reduce high blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels.

The allicin in garlic helps relax blood vessels, improving blood flow, and reducing the strain on your heart. Honey, especially raw and unpasteurized varieties, contains antioxidants that support heart health. Regular consumption of fermented garlic honey may contribute to a healthier cardiovascular system and a reduced risk of heart disease.

3. Improved Brain Health 

Fermented garlic honey contains compounds that may benefit your brain function. Garlic is rich in antioxidants and sulfur compounds that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, which are linked to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.

Additionally, garlic may improve blood flow to the brain, potentially enhancing cognitive function. The combination of garlic and honey can provide essential nutrients that support brain health and overall cognitive well-being.

4. Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties

Both garlic and honey are renowned for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants help combat harmful free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and lowering the risk of chronic diseases.

The anti-inflammatory compounds in garlic can help alleviate inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, by reducing joint pain and swelling. Fermented garlic honey combines the antioxidant-rich qualities of honey with the anti-inflammatory benefits of garlic, offering a potent natural remedy to promote overall health and combat free radical damage.

5. Digestive Health

Fermented garlic honey can be beneficial for your digestive system. Garlic contains prebiotic fibers that nourish beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a healthy gut microbiome. A balanced gut microbiome is essential for good digestion and overall well-being.

Additionally, honey has antibacterial properties that can help soothe an irritated stomach and alleviate symptoms of indigestion. Consuming fermented garlic honey in moderation can support digestive health and maintain a harmonious gut environment.

6. Potential Anti-Cancer Properties

Emerging research suggests that garlic may have anti-cancer properties due to its organo-sulfur compounds, including diallyl sulfide. These compounds have been studied for their potential to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent the spread of cancer.

While more research is needed in this area, including fermented garlic honey in your diet as part of an overall healthy lifestyle may offer some protective benefits against certain types of cancer, including but not limited to stomach cancer. 

7. Freshens Breath

Surprisingly, garlic, when fermented and combined with honey, can actually help freshen your breath. The antibacterial properties of garlic can combat odor-causing bacteria in the mouth.

Honey's natural sweetness masks the pungent odor of garlic, making it a more pleasant way to enjoy garlic's health benefits without the fear of garlic breath. This makes fermented garlic honey a convenient option for reaping the advantages of garlic without any lingering odorous side effects.

Incorporating fermented garlic honey into your diet can provide a wide array of health benefits, from bolstering your immune system to supporting heart and brain health. The combination of garlic's medicinal properties with honey's natural sweetness creates a versatile and delicious health elixir that can easily become a part of your daily wellness routine.

​

In addition to these fantastic health benefits, let's walk you through a simple fermented garlic honey recipe to help you incorporate this elixir into your daily routine. But before we dive into the recipe, let's explore the science and tradition behind this powerful herbal remedy.

The Fermentation Process: Transforming Fresh Garlic into Black Gold

The creation of fermented garlic honey is a fascinating journey where fresh garlic cloves and raw honey undergo a remarkable natural transformation. At the heart of this process lies the magic of fermentation, which takes these humble ingredients and turns them into something truly extraordinary.

Step 1: Choosing the Finest Garlic Cloves

It all begins with selecting the finest garlic cloves. These cloves are chosen for their quality and flavor. The process demands that they be free from blemishes or mold, ensuring the best possible outcome. I like to finely dice the garlic beforehand, but some prefer to keep the garlic cloves whole.

Step 2: Plunging into Raw Honey

The selected garlic cloves are then gently submerged into a bath of raw honey. Raw honey is chosen for its unpasteurized, unfiltered, and unprocessed nature. This is key because pasteurization and processing can destroy the beneficial enzymes and compounds that make raw honey a potent healing substance.

Step 3: The Waiting Game

Once nestled in the honey, the garlic cloves embark on a patient journey of transformation. The container is sealed, and the magic begins. Over several weeks, sometimes months, the garlic and honey engage in a slow dance of fermentation.

Step 4: The Miracle of Fermentation

During fermentation, several incredible processes are at play:

a. Maillard Reaction: This chemical reaction between the amino acids in garlic and the natural sugars in honey is responsible for the deep darkening of the garlic. It turns the garlic cloves from white to a rich, earthy black color. This process also imparts a subtle sweetness, eliminating the pungent bite that raw garlic is known for.

b. Beneficial Compounds: As the garlic cloves mature in the honey, they release beneficial compounds. These include essential amino acids, antioxidants, and organo-sulfur compounds. All of these compounds contribute to the health-enhancing properties of black garlic.

c. Transformation of Flavor: Black garlic emerges with a remarkably different flavor profile compared to raw garlic. It boasts a complex, umami-rich taste that's both sweet and savory, making it a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes.

d. Enhanced Nutritional Value: Studies have found that black garlic can contain higher levels of certain antioxidants and bioactive compounds compared to raw garlic. This means that during fermentation, the cloves not only change in taste and color but also become even more nutritious.

Step 5: The Result - Black Gold

The result of this enchanting fermentation journey is black gold, also known as black garlic. This prized substance is softer in texture, milder in flavor, and significantly less pungent than raw garlic. It's a culinary delight with a host of health benefits.

Fermented garlic honey harnesses the power of this extraordinary transformation. By blending the goodness of black garlic with the natural sweetness of raw honey, it creates a unique elixir that's both palatable and incredibly beneficial for your health. From immune system support to heart health, the fusion of these two natural wonders delivers a wealth of wellness in every drop.

Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science

The utilization of garlic for its potential health advantages is a tradition that stretches back through ancient times. This time-honored practice of harnessing garlic's medicinal properties has, with the help of modern scientific studies, grown into a well-recognized avenue for enhancing one's well-being.

Ancient Wisdom

Throughout history, various cultures have employed garlic for its medicinal properties. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Chinese civilizations all recognized the potential of garlic in promoting health.

Garlic was not only used as a culinary ingredient but also esteemed as a remedy for a wide array of ailments. From treating wounds to boosting the immune system, garlic held a special place in traditional medicine across diverse cultures.

Modern Scientific Validation

In recent decades, the scientific community has turned its attention to garlic, seeking to unravel the mysteries behind its health benefits.

Modern research has confirmed many of the traditional uses of garlic, shedding light on the compounds responsible for its therapeutic properties. Not to mention, the process of fermentation adds even more benefits and bioavailability from this wonderful plant! 

Fermented Garlic Honey Recipe

Now that we've explored the incredible health benefits of fermented garlic honey, let's roll up our sleeves and prepare this herbal elixir. It's remarkably easy to make at home, and you only need a few ingredients.

Ingredients

• Fresh cloves of garlic
• Raw, unpasteurized honey
• A clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid (like a mason jar)
• Optional: a fermentation lid

Instructions

1. Prepare the Garlic: Peel enough garlic cloves to fill your glass jar about halfway. You can adjust the quantity based on the jar's size.
2. Combine Garlic and Honey: Place the peeled garlic cloves in the jar. Pour raw honey over the cloves, ensuring they are completely submerged. Leave some space at the top.
3. Fermentation Time: Seal the jar with a lid (either the fermentation lid or airtight lid) and place it in a cool, dark place, like a cupboard, at room temperature. For the first week, be sure to 'burp' the honey and allow gases to escape daily if you're using an airtight lid. 
   Then, seal and allow the mixture to ferment for another three to four weeks. During this time, the garlic cloves will turn dark and soft.
4. Daily Check: Be sure to burp the honey daily for the first week or two to allow gases to escape the jar. It's also a good idea to give the jar a gentle shake or flip the jar upside down daily to ensure even coating of the garlic cloves.
5. Enjoy: Once the fermentation period is complete, your fermented garlic honey is ready to use. You can consume a clove or two a day, either on its own or with food. You can also consume the honey by the spoonful whenever you need a health boost.
6. Store: Place the sealed jar in a dark and cool place, such as a pantry or a cupboard. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or high temperatures, as this can degrade the quality of the honey and garlic. Alternatively, you can refrigerate this honey since it will not crystalize. BUT, it will stop the aging process, meaning your garlic honey won't continue to get better over time. 

1. Label and Date:It's a good practice to label the jar with the contents (fermented garlic honey) and the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of its freshness.
2. Use Within a Reasonable Time:While fermented garlic honey can have a long shelf life, it's best to use it within a year for optimal flavor and quality. Over time, the garlic may become softer, and the honey may darken slightly, but this is normal and doesn't necessarily indicate spoilage.

Notes: Due to the raw, unpasteurized honey, this should not be given to babies under 1 years old. You can ferment the garlic with agave, instead. 

Other Ways To Enjoy Fermented Garlic Honey

Fermented garlic honey is a versatile elixir that can elevate the flavor and nutrition of various dishes. Here are some creative ways to incorporate this potent concoction into your daily diet:

1. Salad Dressings: Create a unique and healthy salad dressing by mixing fermented garlic honey with olive oil and a dash of vinegar or lemon juice. The sweet and savory notes of the garlic honey will add a delightful twist to your salads.
2. Marinades: Use fermented garlic honey as a marinade for meats, tofu, or vegetables. Its sweet, umami-rich flavor enhances the taste of your dishes, while the garlic infuses a subtle, savory aroma.
3. Stir-Fries: Add a spoonful of fermented garlic honey to your stir-fry sauces for a sweet and savory kick. It pairs exceptionally well with ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
4. Spread on Toast: Just like regular honey, fermented garlic honey can be spread on toast or biscuits for a unique breakfast treat. It's a delicious way to start your day with an immune-boosting kick.
5. In Tea: Dissolve a teaspoon of fermented garlic honey in warm water for a soothing, health-enhancing tea. You can also add a squeeze of lemon for an extra vitamin C boost.
6. Glazes: Use it as a glaze for roasted vegetables or grilled chicken. The honey's caramelized sweetness pairs wonderfully with roasted flavors.
7. Drizzle on Cheese: Enhance your cheese platter by drizzling some fermented garlic honey over your favorite cheeses. Add it to your charcuterie board. It complements both hard and soft cheeses, adding a unique flavor profile.
8. Condiment for Meat, Fish, Tofu, or Tempeh: Spoon a bit of fermented garlic honey over cooked meat, fish, or plant-based alternatives just before serving. It will not only enhance the taste but also add a glossy finish to your dishes.
9. Mix in Dips: Incorporate fermented garlic honey into your homemade dips and spreads. Try it with this delicious chipotle cashew dip. Whether it's a savory hummus or a creamy yogurt dip, the garlic honey will provide a sweet, garlicky dimension.
10. Sweet Treats: Get creative in the kitchen by using fermented garlic honey in dessert recipes. It can be a surprising addition to baked goods like muffins, cookies, and even ice cream.

A Note of Caution: While fermented garlic honey is a versatile and healthy addition to your culinary repertoire, remember that it has a distinct garlic flavor. Start with small amounts in your recipes to ensure it complements the dish without overwhelming it.

With these inventive ways to enjoy fermented garlic honey, you can harness its numerous health benefits while enhancing the flavor of your favorite meals. Whether you're experimenting with salad dressings, marinating proteins, or drizzling it on cheese, this elixir adds both nutrition and taste to your culinary creations.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating this homemade elixir into your daily routine is a small step that can yield significant results. By taking advantage of its numerous health benefits, you can enhance your body's natural defenses, support your heart and brain, and promote overall vitality.

So why wait? Embrace the age-old wisdom of fermented garlic and honey, and harness the benefits of this potent natural remedy. Whether you drizzle it over your salads, mix it into salad dressings, or simply enjoy it by the spoonful, fermented garlic honey is a flavorful and nutritious addition to your daily life. Start reaping the rewards of better health today!

Other Articles You Might Enjoy