Ah honey, that sweet and delicious gift from the bees that we all love so much. Not only does it tempt our senses but honey is also highly desirable for its long-standing and scientifically proven health benefits. Pure, raw honey has a host of therapeutic uses stemming from its antibacterial and antifungal properties and antioxidant power. Honey is a wound healer, immunity booster, a gut soother and can ease a sore throat, to name just a few of its many benefits. If you have access to raw, local honey, it is easy to make your own infused honey that is beautiful, delicious, and highly nutritious.
Making infused honey is not difficult
Don’t be intimidated; the process of making infused honey is not at all difficult. Once you get the hang of it, your honey has an indefinite shelf life, lasting for a very long time without needing any artificial preservatives. The only exception is if you use fresh herbs compared to dried herbs – fresh herbs require you to refrigerate your honey and use within a month.
Making infused honey as a gift
If you are looking for a creative gift for your friends and family, why not give out some infused honey? Simply wrap your honey with twine, yarn, brown paper or scraps of fabric. This delicious homemade gift will be well received by all and is a sweet way to show you care.
How to make infused honey
You will need the following:
- Dried organic herbs and spices. Some top choices include lavender, lemon balm, peppermint, chamomile, sage, and basil.
- Raw honey. Try to source locally if possible.
How to make
- Fill a clean quart-size jar a little under halfway with dried herbs.
- Pour honey in and be sure that all the herbs are submerged.
- Put the jar in a sunny and warm window for at least two weeks – four is best. Do a taste test along the way to assess the flavor.
- Strain out the herbs.
- Store infused honey in a cool, dark place. Keep the lid on tight.
Tips
- Use a chopstick to push all the honey to the bottom of the jar.
- Keep an eye on your jar and add honey as needed.
- When you remove the herbs from the honey, don’t throw them out. Use them to flavor teas and other warm drinks.
- Mix flavors by adding a vanilla pod or dried cinnamon sticks or orange cloves to your honey along with the herbs.
-Susan Patterson
