Fermented Garlic — Tossed (2024)

I’m revisiting one of my first posts, fermented garlic. Fermented garlic can be used in cooking and salad dressings, or simply spread on toast without the bad breath side effect. This stuff is addictive and it’s good for you. The best part is that it’s easy to make. It is an easy elemental ingredient introduced to me by my dear friend Evie Witten. She is a fermentation master (you may know her trademark ferments from Evie’s Brinery). Fermented garlic replaces fresh garlic in any recipe. It has the smooth, founded flavor of roasted garlic. It is used in cooking and salad dressings, or simply spread on toast without the bad breath side effect.

This stuff is addictive and it’s good for you. The best part is that it’s easy to make. You will never do without it in the fridge once you take a moment to make it.

To make fermented garlic gather:

  • 3 pounds bag of peeled garlic (bought at Costco)

  • 2 1/2 tablespoon Pink Himalayan sea salt (approximately 2.5% by weight of the garlic)

  • 2 quart ball jars with ring lid

  • Fermenting lids or saran wrap

  • Food processor

Place the garlic and 2.5 tablespoons of Himalayan sea salt, which is equivalent to 2.5% (.025) of the weight of the garlic (3 lbs of garlic = 48 oz. x .025 = 1.2 oz = 2.4 Tbs or approximately 2 and a 1/2 tablespoons) and process until the garlic is finely minced and well mixed. Now pack the jars tightly, leaving an inch or two of head space for the fermenting periods of about two weeks. You can cover using a store purchased fermenting lid (I just bought these) or plastic wrap pushed down tightly against the garlic and sealed with the ball jar ring lid. If you are using the plastic wrap, after you press the plastic against the garlic and add the ring lid, place cool water on over the plastic wrap to keep the plastic down. Check it every few days and add water when the original water evaporates.

Let the garlic ferment in a cool, dimly lit place for about two weeks. You can also place the jars in your fridge but the cold temperature will slow down the fermenting process and it could take up to a month for the garlic to be ready. The garlic paste will turn golden brown once it is fermented and ready to use. It will taste mild and somewhat caramelized, as pictured below, when it is ready for use. Once it is ready, place it in the fridge with a regular ball jar lid. It keeps forever and tastes better with age.

Fermented Garlic — Tossed (2024)

FAQs

Does fermented honey garlic really work? ›

Fermented garlic honey comes with few overall risks, and its ingredients have properties that may help relieve some of your cold symptoms, like a cough or a sore throat. But like other so-called home remedies, it isn't going to suddenly steel your immune system, cure your cold or work any other type of magic.

Should you refrigerate fermented garlic? ›

Let the garlic ferment in a cool, dimly lit place for about two weeks. You can also place the jars in your fridge but the cold temperature will slow down the fermenting process and it could take up to a month for the garlic to be ready.

Can fermented garlic in honey go bad? ›

Proper storage is the key to promoting fermented garlic honey longevity, which can be stored and consumed for up to 12 months after being made. During the fermentation process, which takes up to three weeks, the garlic-studded honey can be kept on your kitchen counter.

How much fermented garlic should I eat? ›

To maximize the health benefits, garlic fermented in honey should be eaten every day. One or two garlic clove will do it & we usually scoop up a little honey to enjoy at the same time.

What happens if you eat garlic and honey every day? ›

Garlic honey is a powerful immune booster due to the combination of garlic's antibacterial and antiviral properties and honey's antioxidants. Consuming this honey regularly can help prevent and fight off common illnesses such as colds, flu, and infections.

How to tell if fermented garlic is bad? ›

Also, keep an eye (and nose) out for off smells, the presence of mold, or a mushy or slimy texture -- these are all signs that things are not well with your fermented garlic. You should be able to notice them right away.

Can you ferment garlic for too long? ›

The longer you leave it to ferment, the faster you'll get through the jar! After two weeks, fermented garlic starts to lose its spiciness.

How to prevent botulism in garlic honey? ›

Stored garlic can cause botulism, a serious type of foodborne illness. Fortunately, raw honey is acidic enough to kill the bacteria that cause botulism. Infants younger than 12 months should never consume honey because of the risk of botulism. Keep your sealed jar of fermented garlic honey in a cool, dry place.

Should I add apple cider vinegar to my garlic honey? ›

If you are afraid of botulism, you can add splash of apple cider vinegar to increase the acidity levels here. This process can be as short as 2 weeks or as long as a year. The flavor of the garlic and honey will only get better over time. Just be sure to keep the lid tight and store in a dark cool place.

Why did my fermented garlic turn blue? ›

Why Does Garlic Turn Blue During Fermentation? Even if your recipe doesn't contain any acidic ingredients, your garlic cloves will likely turn blue or green over time. During lacto-fermentation, bacteria produce lactic acid, which creates the perfect conditions for garlic to turn blue.

Why is my honey garlic not fermenting? ›

If you arent getting the bubbles and the gas releasing every day you are burping it, chances are you used too much honey and what happens essentially is that the anti-microbial properties more or less smother the garlic and the fermentation process mever begins: The more ya know 💫👏🏼 #fermentedhoneygarlic #honeygarlic # ...

Why does my garlic float in honey? ›

Every day or two open your jar to let any built up CO2 escape. Recover with your lid and rotate your jar to re-coat your garlic cloves. It is totally normal that they float to the top. You can use this ferment at any time, but we like waiting a month so that the garlic has fully mellowed.

Is fermented garlic good for your liver? ›

The antioxidants fight free radicals and prevent oxidative stress that lead to cell damage. A healthy immune system means that your body is able to fight infections and bacteria more effectively. Black garlic may help improve the health of your liver.

How to stop stomach pain after eating garlic? ›

If you have a food intolerance to garlic, your doctor may recommend that you stop eating it. They may also suggest medications, such as over-the-counter antacids, to help with your symptoms.

Is fermented garlic good for high blood pressure? ›

Reduce Blood Pressure

In fact, one study found that 600 to 1,500 milligrams of aged garlic extract was just as effective as the blood pressure medication Atenolol at reducing hypertension over a 24-week period. You have to take a pretty high amount of garlic per day — about four cloves' worth — to see these benefits.

How much honey and garlic should I take daily? ›

Some clinical studies show that you can get health benefits from a daily dosage of 150 to 2,400 milligrams of garlic powder. Raw, pure honey can be used as a natural remedy for coughs, colds, and sore throats. The Mayo Clinic recommends using citrus honey, eucalyptus honey, and labiatae honey for coughs.

How often should I take garlic and honey when sick? ›

Eating the garlic right out of the jar (a couple cloves a day will do the trick) and using the honey in your tea or other drinks is the most common way to use fermented garlic honey as a cold season remedy.

Are garlic and honey good for weight loss? ›

However, scientists know that both garlic and honey are rich in health-promoting compounds, so it's possible that both components of garlic and honey may indirectly aid weight loss and contribute to weight loss. for overall optimal health.

What is the best time to eat garlic and honey? ›

While garlic includes allicin, a substance with antibacterial and immune-stimulating properties, honey is abundant in antioxidants and antimicrobial components. Consuming honey garlic on an empty stomach may help boost immunity and help to fight common ailments including colds, infections, and coughs.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Amb. Frankie Simonis

Last Updated:

Views: 6487

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (76 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Amb. Frankie Simonis

Birthday: 1998-02-19

Address: 64841 Delmar Isle, North Wiley, OR 74073

Phone: +17844167847676

Job: Forward IT Agent

Hobby: LARPing, Kitesurfing, Sewing, Digital arts, Sand art, Gardening, Dance

Introduction: My name is Amb. Frankie Simonis, I am a hilarious, enchanting, energetic, cooperative, innocent, cute, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.