10 Delicious Ways To Infuse Honey

Infusing honey with fruit or herbs is a great way to add enhanced taste to honey, as well as additional health benefits. In the wintertime, I regularly make lemon, ginger infused honey and elderberry syrup to boost my family’s immune system, but have never made infused honeys for edible enjoyment. I decided to give it a try and came up with some delightful infusions I wanted to share.

Infused honeys can be enjoyed on fresh fruit, oatmeal, breads, desserts, smoothies, beverages, marinades and even drizzled over yummy homemade yogurt. All you need is your favorite honey (I bought mine from a local beekeeper) and your favorite herbs.

There are two methods in making infused honey: 1. Fast method which involves slowly heating the honey until it reaches a temperature of 185 F (85C) for ten minutes. I prefer not to use this method, as it may kill off the beneficial parts of the honey. 2. The slow method involves allowing the honey to sit in the herbs and/or spices for two weeks. This method may be slow, but you will know that the health benefits are still there.

Infused Honey

• Fresh or dried herbs: Lavender, Rose petals, Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Basil, Ginger, Sage, Peppermint, Cinnamon, Vanilla, Star Anise, Rosemary, and Thyme are just a few of the many options.
• Raw, unfiltered, unpasteurized honey
• Empty tea bags or cheese cloth
• Kitchen string
• Glass jar

1. To prevent added bacteria, wash and completely dry off any fresh herbs or flowers you plan on using. As well, if you are using citrus zest, grate your citrus rinds the night before to allow it to dry out.
2. On a cutting board, chop or muddle the spices to release the aromatic flavors.
3. Place loose herbs and spices in tea bag or cheesecloth and tie with string to keep the bag remained closed.
4. Pour honey over the top of the tea bag, filling the jar. Use a chopstick or skewer to stir the honey, then top off the jar with additional honey if needed. Screw lid on tightly.
5. Allow flavors to infuse for two weeks. Tip: Invert your honey jar whenever your tea bag floats to the surface to keep your herbs and spices submerged and to mix the honey ever so slightly.
6. Open jar and remove tea bag. Replace your jar lid, screwing it on tightly.

Read these tips of properly storing honey.

1. Lemon-Rosemary Honey

This is great for marinades

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