Are you wondering what to do with extra herbs from your garden? Instead of letting them go to waste, why not try infusing them into honey? It’s a simple and delicious way to enjoy your favourite herbs all year round.
First, choose the herbs you want to infuse. Popular options include rosemary, sage, thyme, mint, lavender, and chamomile. You can also get creative and try combinations like rosemary and lemon or mint and lavender. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some warming spices like cinnamon or star anise for extra flavour.
How to infuse honey using dry herbs
Once you’ve chosen your herbs, it’s time to prepare the honey. Pick a mild-tasting honey that won’t overpower the herbs. Lighter honey works best for infusions, as it allows the flavours of the herbs to shine through.
Next, dry the herbs to reduce the risk of bacteria. You can do this by laying them out on a baking sheet and letting them air dry for a few days. Once the herbs are dry, place them in the bottom of a clean jar.
Now, pour the honey over the herbs until the jar is filled. Gently stir the mixture to ensure that the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the honey. Then, seal the jar tightly and let it sit for about a week to allow the flavours to meld together.
Chopped herbs can lead to a more quickly infused honey, but whole pieces are easier to dry and strain. Generally, one or two tablespoons of herbs can effectively infuse one cup of honey. Be sure to label your jar with the herbs you’ve used and the date you assembled the infusion. This will help you keep track of your creations and know when they’re ready to use them.
After a week, strain the honey to remove the herbs. You can use a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to do this. Once strained, your infused honey is ready to use!
There are so many ways to enjoy herbal-infused honey. Drizzle it over ricotta cheese for a sweet and savoury treat, stir it into tea for a soothing drink, or use it to add flavour to salad dressings and marinades. Infused honey also makes a great gift for friends and family.
Experiment with different herbs and flavours to find your favourite combinations. Whether you’re using leftover herbs from your garden or trying out new flavour combinations, herbal-infused honey is sure to add a delicious twist to your recipes.
ALSO SEE: 6 Things you probably didn’t know about honey
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