Table of Contents:
Fermented Garlic and Honey
Ingredients
- 1 cup garlic cloves
- 1 cup raw honey
Instructions
Step 1: Peel & cut the garlic
- You’ll need to start by peeling the garlic cloves. Next, lightly chop or crush the cloves because this will help speed up fermentation.
- Move the peeled garlic to a sterilized glass jar with an airtight seal.
Step 2: Pour the honey over the garlic and allow it to ferment
- Fill the jar with honey, gently mix it, and seal it with an airtight lid.
- Once sealed, flip the jar upside down (this is why a strong seal is important) and put it aside. Stick a plate underneath the jar, just in case there is leakage.
- You’ll need to ‘burp’ the jar daily for 14 days. To do this, unscrew the lid to allow any build-up of gases (co2) to release. Then seal the jar and shake it, turn upside down again, and set it aside.
- Be quick while burping the honey garlic because you don't want to introduce too much oxygen into the honey, which can impact fermentation. Just a fast opening of the lid will be enough to release the gases.
- After 14 days, the fermented honey garlic is ready to eat. For better results, wait a month or longer so the garlic can have more time to ferment.
How Do I Store Garlic and Honey?
Garlic honey can last for years if stored correctly.
Place the jar in a cool, dark location – like a kitchen cabinet or pantry. As long as you have an airtight lid that doesn’t allow any moisture to creep in, then the honey garlic will last you a while.
Keep in mind:
The honey and garlic may darken over time or develop a bluish-green tinge – this is a normal reaction.
Additionally, here are a few notes to consider:
- Always leave space between the lid and the honey. Some batches of fermented garlic and honey will foam up more than others, leading to overspill. That’s why it’s important to leave a little headroom at the top of the jar.
- The longer the fermentation period, the better. You can start enjoying the honey garlic after two weeks, but if you can wait 4-6 weeks, it’ll taste even better. And if you have the patience to wait even longer – such as three months – you’ll be in for a delicious treat.
- Use a 1:1 ratio of honey and garlic. There should be enough honey to submerge the garlic, but not too much to where you smother the garlic. This is where the 1:1 ratio comes in. If you use too much honey, it will prevent the garlic from releasing its juices which are key to the fermentation process. If you want to add more honey than a 1:1 ratio, then also add a little water to help kickstart the fermentation process.
- Use the freshest garlic possible. Fresh garlic produces the quickest and best ferment compared to older garlic.
- Try fermenting weights. The purpose of a fermentation weight is to weigh down your garlic during fermentation. This way, your garlic stays submerged.
- You can use self-burping jars. You can try self-burping jars or purchase jars with airlock lids or other ferment lids. Just ensure you shake the jar to keep the garlic submerged.
What Are the Garlic and Honey Benefits?
Medical research has studied the health benefits of garlic and honey alone and together. Some studies are based on home remedy claims that have been used for centuries.
In traditional Ethiopian medicine, local honey is used to treat breathing problems, skin infections, and even digestive problems like diarrhea. Garlic is commonly used as a home remedy to treat colds and coughs. It’s also reported to help ease asthma symptoms and boost the immune system.
Honey is naturally rich in antioxidants called flavonoids and polyphenols. These antioxidants help to reduce inflammation (swelling and redness). This can balance the immune system and stop certain illnesses.
Honey also has antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties.
So what are some specific benefits of garlic and honey?
Here are a few:
Benefit 1: Both honey and garlic provide brain and memory benefits
The antioxidant content found in both garlic and honey offers potential brain and memory benefits. These antioxidants can help boost your immune system, prevent illness, and protect your brain from common diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Studies show that aged garlic contains a high amount of an antioxidant called kyolic acid. This chemical can help protect the brain from damage due to disease and aging. It’s been noted to improve concentration, focus, and memory in some people.
Benefit 2: Garlic and honey may promote heart health
Many lab and clinical studies have looked at the heart health benefits of garlic. Additionally, the Mayo Clinic also reports that the antioxidants found in honey can help protect against heart disease.(1)
According to a medical review, garlic can help reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease by:(2)
- lowering high cholesterol
- lowering high blood pressure
- preventing too much clotting (blood-thinning)
- preventing stiff or hardened blood vessels
Another review discovered that garlic’s sulfur molecules may also help make blood vessels more elastic and protect heart muscles from damage. This can help prevent blood clots, stroke, and heart disease.(3)
Research in rats showed that garlic reduced harmful LDL cholesterol levels.
LDL cholesterol is the main cause of hardening in the blood vessels, which can lead to heart disease. In the rat study, the rats were fed garlic extract and garlic powder. However, more research is required to determine if people would experience cholesterol-lowering benefits.(4)
Benefit 3: Garlic and honey can prevent bacteria growth
A lab study found that both garlic and tazma honey had antibacterial benefits.(5)
The study tested the honey and garlic both alone and together. Researchers found that garlic and honey had antibacterial benefits on their own, but even more so when they were combined together.
The honey and garlic combination stopped or slowed the growth of bacteria related to pneumonia and a type of food poisoning. These included Salmonella, Streptococcus pneumonia, and Staphylococcus aureus.
A separate study showed that a combination of honey and garlic juice even stopped bacterial infections that cannot be treated by antibiotics.(6)
FAQs on Garlic and Honey
- What happens when you take garlic and honey on an empty stomach?
- When should garlic and honey be eaten?
- Can I take garlic and honey every day?
- What are the side effects of garlic and honey?
- Can I take garlic and honey at night?
- Can I take garlic and honey in the morning?
- Does garlic and honey burn belly fat?
- How long can you take garlic and honey?
- How do I know if I’m allergic to garlic and honey?
- Can garlic and honey be used for men?
- Can garlic and honey be used for coughs?
- Can I eat honey garlic for 7 days?
What happens when you take garlic and honey on an empty stomach?
Some people believe that taking garlic and honey on an empty stomach can aid digestion and detoxification. However, no scientific studies have been produced to back this up.
With that in mind, eating garlic and honey on an empty stomach should be safe. However, if you’re concerned about potential side effects, it’s best to speak with a doctor before adding this combination to your diet.
—> Go back to the FAQs on garlic and honey
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When should garlic and honey be eaten?
Garlic and honey can be eaten at any time of day. Some people believe that it’s best to eat garlic and honey on an empty stomach, while others prefer to take it after eating. Either way, you can try taking garlic and honey morning or night and see which works best for you.
For example, if you’re taking garlic honey to treat a cough or sore throat, then you might want to take it one hour before bed to help relieve symptoms. This can help you sleep better and reduce irritation.
—> Go back to the FAQs on garlic and honey
More to Explore:
Can I take garlic and honey every day?
Eating garlic and honey is considered safe for most people. The only people who should proceed with caution are:
- People with diabetes
- People who are allergic to either garlic or honey
- Infants under one-year-old
Honey can spike blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Additionally, honey shouldn’t be given to children under 12 months old because it poses a risk of infant botulism. Infant botulism is a rare yet severe foodborne illness that can harm babies.
That said, if you want to take garlic and honey every day, it’s best to speak with a doctor beforehand. This is especially important if you have an allergy or medical condition.
—> Go back to the FAQs on garlic and honey
More to Explore:
What are the side effects of garlic and honey?
Eating garlic and honey is generally considered safe. However, there are some potential side effects to be aware of. These include:
- Allergic reactions: People allergic to garlic or honey shouldn’t eat this combination. Eating garlic and honey can trigger allergic reactions.
- Spike in blood sugar levels: Honey can raise blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. If you have diabetes, it’s best to speak with a doctor before adding honey or garlic to your diet.
- Risk of botulism in infants: Honey shouldn’t be given to infants under 12 months old because there’s a risk of botulism. Infant botulism is a rare but severe foodborne illness that can harm infants.
—> Go back to the FAQs on garlic and honey
More to Explore:
Can I take garlic and honey at night?
Yes, garlic and honey can be taken at night. This combination is often used as a natural remedy for coughs and sore throats. Taking garlic and honey before bed can help relieve symptoms and allow you to get a good night’s sleep.
Garlic and honey is especially beneficial for people suffering from upper respiratory infections. This is because both garlic and honey have natural antibacterial properties. Additionally, honey can help coat and soothe the throat.
—> Go back to the FAQs on garlic and honey
More to Explore:
Can I take garlic and honey in the morning?
Yes, garlic and honey can be taken in the morning. This combination is often used as a natural remedy for coughs and sore throats. Taking garlic and honey in the morning can help relieve symptoms and allow you to get through the day.
With that in mind, it’s fine to take it at any time during the day. Some people prefer to take it in the morning, while others find that taking it at night is more effective. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide when to take garlic and honey.
—> Go back to the FAQs on garlic and honey
More to Explore:
Does garlic and honey burn belly fat?
Though both honey and garlic have been shown to have health benefits, there’s no evidence that they help burn belly fat specifically.
There is no shortcut to weight loss. A proper diet plus exercise is necessary to lose weight.
—> Go back to the FAQs on garlic and honey
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How long can you take garlic and honey?
There’s no evidence to suggest that garlic and honey need to be taken a specific amount of time. Some take it for a few days, while others take it for weeks or longer. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how long to take garlic and honey.
—> Go back to the FAQs on garlic and honey
More to Explore:
How do I know if I’m allergic to garlic and honey?
Signs of an allergic reaction include:
- Itching
- Hives
- Swelling
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
If you experience any of these symptoms while eating garlic and honey, it’s best to stop taking it.
—> Go back them the FAQs on garlic and honey
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Can garlic and honey be used for men?
Yes, garlic and honey can be used for men. This combination is often a natural remedy for coughs and sore throats. Taking garlic and honey can help relieve symptoms in men. Additionally, garlic and honey have antibacterial properties. This means that they can help fight off infections.
—> Go back to the FAQs on garlic and honey
More to Explore:
Can garlic and honey be used for coughs?
Yes, both garlic and honey are effective in treating coughs. Honey is a natural cough suppressant. Additionally, honey can help coat and soothe the throat lining. Both garlic and honey have antibacterial properties that can reduce inflammation.
—> Go back to the FAQs on garlic and honey
More to Explore:
Can I eat honey garlic for seven days?
Yes. As long as you don’t experience allergic reactions or adverse effects, then you can take garlic honey in moderation each day.
