The remedy went viral on TikTok
While some internet health trends should be taken with a pinch of salt, one winter remedy gaining popularity on social media has also been given a thumbs-up by health experts. The fermented honey garlic trend did the rounds last winter on TikTok, with various wellness influencers sharing it as part of their winter illness preparations.
Rhysa Phommachanh, a health expert at Landys, praised this home remedy, describing it as a winter health staple.
She noted: “Both garlic and honey have proven benefits all year round, but can especially support our health in winter. Garlic is rich in prebiotic insulin fibre, which supports gut health and is believed to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties to fight disease and ease cold symptoms. Honey, high in antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols, helps balance the immune system and ward off illnesses.”
Both ingredients already have a lot of benefits for health, but what makes this recipe extra special is the fact it is fermented. Fermented products also offer probiotics to support gut health, reports the Express.
Fermenting garlic can make it easier for the body to break it down, meaning its minerals and vitamins are more easily absorbed. However, this process means it can take a month or more for the remedy to be ready for use.
Fermented garlic and honey – recipe
The recipe requires just a few ingredients: one or two bulbs of garlic and a jar of raw, organic honey. You’ll also need an airtight jar. It is important to use honey without any additives, and garlic without any signs of browning or moulding as this can hinder a successful fermentation.
Begin by separating the cloves from the bulb. Some recipes recommend crushing the cloves with the flat edge of a knife before peeling, to release allicin – the yellowish liquid that gives garlic its unique aroma and possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Other recipes suggest using whole cloves or even piercing them with toothpicks to release the allicin. Regardless of the method you choose, add your garlic to the jar until it’s about two-thirds full.
Next, fill the remainder of the jar with honey, seal it, and let the fermentation process commence. Influencers have warned against filling the jar to the top with honey as this could lead to spillages or even cause your jar to burst due to pressure build-up during fermentation.
Some also advise ‘burping’ your jar – opening the lid to release air – once a day. The concoction will be ready in approximately four to six weeks.
Botulism is a risk associated with home-canned or jarred foods. You can ensure your ferment is botulism-free by testing the pH with an at-home testing strip. As long as your mixture has a pH of 4.6 or below, it should be acidic enough to prevent any botulism spores from growing.
While some social media users have admitted that the taste and smell can be somewhat off-putting, it’s perfectly fine to consume a spoonful on its own or add it to teas, coffees, or use it as a dressing or sauce over savoury meals to help mask the smell and taste.
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