How to Infuse Honey – A Sweet, Flavourful Gift from the Kitchen
It’s hard to imagine that you could make honey any better than it already is. By simply adding some herbs or spices you can add a special touch to your honey. It’s a perfect idea for a last minute, homemade gift.
Read more: Chive Infused Vinegar with Blossoms, Honey Orange Ricotta Dip, Use Herbs to Make Homemade Tea.
Infused honey can be used in place of regular honey in any of your favourite recipes. It can be used on morning toast, pancakes or waffles, in a cup of tea or in glazes and salad dressings. And, it can even be used for medicinal purposes (lemon, ginger or sage infused honey is great for sore throats).
There are two ways to safely infuse honey – quickly or slowly. The quick version requires heating the honey with the herbs and spices for about 10 minutes. The slow version takes 5 to 10 days to allow the honey and spices to infuse without heat. Here are both versions followed by three versions we tried.
How To Infuse Honey – Quickly
How to Infuse Honey – 2 Ways
Ingredients
- Honey pasteurized or unpasteurized
Instructions
Quick Method
- Heat honey on top of a double boiler. If you’re using raw honey and you want to keep it as such, use a candy thermometer to ensure the temperature doesn’t go beyond 115 F (46C). The exact temperature is not important if you’re using pasteurized honey since it has already been flash heated to 160F (71C). If you’re curious about raw vs pasteurized honey do a web search – there’s plenty to read!
- Add about 1 to 2 tablespoons of dried herbs or spices per 1 cup of honey.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Strain honey (optional) if you prefer a smooth consistency.
- Pour into clean jar.
- Seal and label.
Slow Method
- Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of dried herbs or spices into a 1 half pint (250 ml) jam jar.
- Pour 1 cup of honey on top of herbs or spices.
- Allow to infuse for 5 to 10 days in a cool dark place.
- Strain honey (optional) if you prefer a smooth consistency.
- Pour into clean jar.
- Seal and label.
Notes
3 Flavor Variations for Infused Honey
Vanilla Infused Honey
I use this honey for tea, toast, pancakes and any other place where I can appreciate this amazing flavour combination.
- 2 cups honey
- seeds and pod of 1 vanilla bean
Lemon Ginger Honey
I’m keeping this for sore throat season. One tablespoon mixed with a cup of hot water and a tablespoon of lemon juice will soothe the mind and the throat!
- 1 cup honey
- 1 Tbsp grated lemon peel (1 lemon)
- 1 Tbsp finely chopped ginger root
Orange & Cinnamon Honey
Of course this honey will be delicious in tea or on toast, but I’m saving this one for salad dressings and glazes. Ooh, I can’t wait to try orange honey glazed carrots or ham!
- 1 cup honey
- 1 Tbsp grated orange peel (1 orange)
- 2 sticks cinnamon
What flavor combination will you try first? Do you have a favorite fruit, herb or spice infusion you like to use in your honey? Comment below or if you make one of these recipes, share your photos with me on Instagram @getgettys or Facebook @GettyStewart.HomeEconomist.
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Select, store and serve seasonal food for everyday cooking with Getty. Getty is a food educator and Professional Home Economist, who loves sharing tips and recipes following the seasons from her Canadian kitchen. Sign up to get seasonal tips and recipes delivered to your inbox. Learn more about Getty or check out her books and pdf guides.
I am looking ahead at some home made Chrismas gifts. The Orange & Cinnamon Honey caught my eye. I’m a little confused about the instructions which ask for TWO sticks cinnamon. Isn’t that a lot for 1 cup of honey? Cinnamon sticks don’t come cheap and it would seem it would be overpowering!
Hi Heidy, good for you for getting a head start! I completely understand your concern about the expense of herbs & spices like cinnamon. However, I did not find two sticks to overpower the honey. Given that we have a bit of time, you could always try infusing with one stick and do a test batch to see if it’s flavorful enough. If you find it needs more oomph, you can add another stick and infuse some more. Our most used infused honey is the lemon ginger – my kids always ask for it when they feel the start of a tickle in their throat. Good luck!