Is Fermented Garlic in Honey Safe? What You Need to Know

• What Is Fermented Garlic in Honey?

• Recipe for fermented garlic in honey

• Is It Safe to Eat?

• Health Benefits of Fermented Garlic in Honey

What Is Fermented Garlic in Honey?

Fermented garlic in honey is a simple homemade remedy that you can create when you mix peeled garlic cloves in organic honey for a few weeks. This leads to a process called lacto-fermentation. Raw garlic releases a compound called allicin in the honey. This compound is behind the characteristic antibacterial properties and the odor of garlic.  

The garlic pods in the enzyme-rich honey release lactic bacteria. The bacteria break down the sugars of honey into lactic acid. This lowers the pH of honey, resulting in a hostile environment for harmful bacteria.  

During this time, garlic releases moisture into the honey. The natural microbes begin fermentation, which creates a thin and tangy mixture with a complex flavor profile. The process of fermentation also produces organic acids, enzymes, and small amounts of gas in the honey that you see as bubbles in the jar.

Recipe for fermented garlic in honey

The process of making fermented honey in garlic is pretty simple. Here is what you will need.

• 2 to 3 heads of organic garlic or approximately 50 to 80 cloves

• Raw monofloral honey, about 350 ml

• A sterilized glass jar with an airtight lid

One thing to keep in mind is that you must use honey whose pH ranges from 3.2 to 4.5. This prevents the growth of Clostridium botulinum spores in honey that can render the final product unsafe.

Complete Process

• Sterilize the glass jar in boiling water for 10-15 minutes. Then let it dry completely.

• Peel the garlic cloves and lightly crush them with the knife to facilitate the release of allicin. 

• Then place the pods in the jar. Make sure the cloves have some free room to move about when you move the jar. Avoid packing the jar to the brim.

• Now pour the honey in a way that it completely covers the pods.

• Close the jar loosely to let the gas escape. Place it at room temperature or between 18 and 22°C away from the sun.  

• For the first week, open the jar daily to let the gas out and then flip it over to make sure every pod remains submerged in honey.

• Then you need to turn the jar upside down every 2 to 3 days for at least a month.

• After a few days, small bubbles rise on the surface of the honey. This shows the fermentation has been successful.

• Then the honey liquefies as lactic bacteria break down sugars. 

• Finally, garlic takes on an amber hue, and its flavor becomes umami or caramelized.

• The fermented garlic in honey is ready when the cloves do not give out the harshness of garlic and instead have a complex sweetness in their flavor profile.

Is It Safe to Eat?

Yes absolutely. You can eat fermented garlic in honey without any worry. There are no major risks associated with the consumption of this traditional remedy, so long as you do it moderately. 

The biggest safety concern that most people have is the risk of botulism, which is a nervous system disease that leads to muscle paralysis. This is a very rare condition that results from Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Honey and garlic both contain botulism spores that can grow quickly in the low-oxygen environment where fermentation takes place. 

However, honey is naturally acidic, which can destroy these spores even before the fermentation begins. This significantly reduces the risk of these bacteria growing and affecting your health.

Health Benefits of Fermented Garlic in Honey

Fermented garlic in honey is often praised as a natural health booster, as it has both the goodness of honey as well as the antimicrobial features of garlic. Here is the detailed breakdown of the health benefits of the garlic and honey combination that makes it a superfood everybody needs to try at least once.

1. Strengthens Immunity and Manages Diabetes

Garlic possesses exceptional immune-supporting features due to its allicin content. Honey’s natural antioxidants further boost this feature of the fermented garlic.

This property of fermented garlic in honey equips your body to better handle minor seasonal or viral infections. 

And not just that, garlic can also improve insulin sensitivity, while Honey produces a lower glycemic response in your body. This reduces the rate of glucose absorption, which helps people with diabetes manage their symptoms.

2. Treats Coughing and Sore Throat

This natural remedy can also ease the symptoms of a common cold. It soothes your throat, which prevents both coughing and respiratory discomfort. This is why fermented garlic in honey has been a popular remedy in flu season for centuries. 

3. Rich in Antioxidants

Garlic boasts organosulfur compounds like allicin, DATS, and ajoene. Honey on the other hand, has Polyphenols and flavonoids. The combination of these components helps you fight oxidative stress much better. 

The regular use of this remedy reduces inflammation. It also protects your cells against free radicals, which supports long-term health.

4. May Support Heart Health

Garlic and honey combo is also good for your heart health. It regulates your blood pressure. A reduction in LDL as well as an increase in HDL also result from daily consumption of this remedy. This protects your body against life-threatening cardiovascular conditions. 

5. Natural Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Properties

Both honey and garlic possess remarkable antimicrobial features. Garlic specifically has several bioactive compounds that show activity against several viruses, fungi, and bacteria like Streptococcus mutans (oral/throat bacteria). This way, fermented garlic in honey protects you both from the inside and out against harmful bacteria that disrupt your natural healing processes.

6. Potential Gut Health Support

The honey’s beneficial enzymes, along with the fermentation process, introduce healthy microbes into your gut. These bioactive elements create a balanced gut environment. This significantly lowers the risks of digestive discomfort, constipation, bloating, diarrhea, etc. 

Conclusion

Fermented garlic in honey is a perfectly safe natural remedy that has several positive effects on your health. However, it is also important to note that you can only use it to supplement your other fitness efforts. You cannot rely solely on this remedy to treat serious health conditions.

Fermented garlic in honey is generally safe to eat. But to further make sure it doesn’t create health complications, you need to consult with your doctor when it comes to how much or how often you can take this remedy.  

This guarantees you are able to enjoy this flavorful and healthy traditional remedy every single day without any side effects.

Visit us at Geohoney to explore our more than 200 types of monofloral honey that are 100% pure, raw, and ethically sourced to get an amazing flavor along with countless health benefits with every spoonful.

FAQs

What are the benefits of fermented garlic in honey?

This mixture contains allicin, antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, and essential minerals. It contains probiotics as well as healthy fibers. All of these bioactive compounds ensure your immunity stays strong, your heart stays healthy, and overall fitness improves.

What is an easy way to make fermented garlic in honey?

Peel 2 to 4 garlic heads. Place them in a clean jar after slightly crushing them. Pour some unprocessed honey and then close the jar. Keep it at room temperature. Make sure to flip it over every few days for 1 to 3 months to make sure fermentation is successful.

What is the shelf life of fermented garlic in honey?

Under optimal storage conditions, you can preserve fermented garlic in honey for several years or even indefinitely.

Is it safe to eat honey-fermented garlic daily?

Yes, you can eat 1 to 2 fermented garlic cloves in honey daily if you do not have digestive sensitivity to garlic or honey.

What type of honey is best for fermenting garlic?

Raw or unpasteurized honey is the ideal choice for this purpose, as it leads to quicker or more effective fermentation.

What is the best time to consume fermented garlic in honey?

Experts suggest you should take this remedy on an empty stomach to reap maximum benefits. For best results, take just a small clove of honey with a half teaspoon of honey.