Gut Health and Prebiotic: Garlic acts as a powerful prebiotic (food for beneficial gut bacteria).6 Fermentation enhances the presence of good bacteria, which supports a healthy gut microbiome, digestive function, and overall immunity.7
II. 🍯 THE FERMENTED GARLIC-HONEY-CLOVE SYRUP RECIPE
The best way to consume this blend is by fermentation, which mellows the pungent garlic flavor and preserves the raw honey’s benefits.
Ingredients
Garlic Cloves: 1 cup (peeled and lightly crushed).8
Raw Honey: Enough to fully submerge the garlic.9
Whole Cloves (Laung): 1 teaspoon (whole buds).
Jar: 1 clean glass jar with a lid.10
Instructions (Fermentation is Key)
Prep and Combine: Lightly crush the garlic cloves (to release Allicin) and place them in the jar along with the whole clove buds.11 Pour the Raw Honey over the ingredients until everything is fully covered.
Ferment (Room Temp): Place the lid on the jar, but leave it slightly loose to allow gases to escape (this is called “burping” the ferment).12
Wait and Flip: Let the jar sit at room temperature in a cool, dark place for 3 to 4 weeks.13 Flip the jar over daily (gently) to ensure all the garlic is coated and prevent mold. You will see bubbles form, which signals successful fermentation.14
Use: The fermented garlic cloves are now softened and mellow (like “candied garlic”), and the honey is infused.15 Store in the refrigerator after the initial fermentation.
III. 🥄 DOSAGE AND USAGE
Daily Preventative: Take 1 teaspoon of the infused honey or chew one of the cloves daily to boost your immune system.16
Acute Illness: Take 1 teaspoon every 2–3 hours at the first sign of a cold, flu, or sore throat.
Culinary Use: Drizzle the honey over roasted vegetables, meats, or mix into salad dressings.17
⚠️ CRITICAL WARNINGS
Botulism Risk: Using raw honey and raw garlic carries a very low risk of botulism if the mixture’s pH is not low enough.18 To ensure safety, use only raw, unpasteurized honey (which contains natural yeasts that lower the pH) and store the mixture in the refrigerator after the fermentation period.19
Infants: NEVER give honey to children under one year old.20
Bleeding Risk: Garlic has mild anti-clotting properties. Consult a doctor if you are on blood thinners.
