Pure Honey is shelf stable, with no expiration date. They've found honey in ancient tombs, that were completely edible. As long as honey is not exposed to water or bacteria introduced into the container, it will last forever.
Unfortunately in recent years, some producers have taken pure, raw honey and watered it down, or mixed some honey with high fructose corn syrup and artificial coloring, with little honey in the *sauce*; presumably to cut costs and extend the honey. This type of honey is not shelf stable. It may be cheaper than pure honey, but folks, it's not the real deal and does not have all the known benefits of pure honey.
Read the labels. The label should show the only ingredient is honey. If you see anything else on that label it is not pure honey. When making your infusions you want to be sure you are using real honey, so the end result is stable and will not spoil or get mold on it.
The next time you visit Kentucky Fried Chicken outlets, take a look at the packet they provide with their biscuits. It used to say Honey on the packet, it now says, *Honey Sauce*, because it is no longer pure honey. The ingredient list on the packet reads; High fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, artificial coloring, sugar, molasses, water, artificial and natural flavor, and citric acid and malic acid. Honey is the fourth ingredient in the list, NOT the first and only ingredient. The label says it contains 7% honey. It tastes like a very mild honey, unless you know what the real pure honey tastes like, then there's no comparison.
Just in case you do not know, honey can crystalize, however it is still edible, usable and can be slowly heated to its liquid form, there is nothing wrong with it. In fact crystalized honey is what whipped honey or creamed honey is made from. So if you've been throwing honey away that has crystalized, you are throwing away needlessly.
Honey is good by itself of course, or mixed with butter for honey butter, but with the addition of herbs, the honey is enhanced and can be used in many ways, whether that is to sweeten a cup of tea, used in your homemade skin and beauty products, or added to your baked goods, or eaten on a piece of toast or fresh homemade biscuit.
Honey is loaded with all kinds of beneficial nutrients, vitamins and minerals and has been the elixir of the conquerors and royalty. It's used in cosmetics, and bath products for healthy skin, used in lip balms and the topic of novels. Honey is mentioned in the Bible, and Israel was considered the *Land of Milk and Honey*, to represent prosperity and plenty. Cleopatra bathed in milk and honey to retain her beauty.
Farmer's markets are a good source of honey along with many products beekeepers make with the honey. The next best source is your local whole food markets.
Your infused honey can be used to make your own skin care products, added to tea or baked goods and used as an alternative sweetener in sauces, dips, cereal, granola, homemade ice cream, honey butter and honey infused liquor (see the link below).
What you need:
Clean-sterilized Mason jar with lid and ring
Fine Sieve
Jar funnel
Wooden Spoon
Decorative jars or honey squeeze bottles with lids (if gifting)
Honey wand (optional, but nice to attach to gift jars)
Labels, ribbons, raffia, or burlap (if gifting)
Ingredients:
2 C. Pure Honey (Pourable consistency)
1 or 2 Sprigs Edible Fresh herbs (Rosemary, Thyme, Basil, Sage, Lemon Balm, Mint, Lemon Grass, Lavender are all options)
Directions:
Wash and dry the herbs. Pour honey into a sauce pan and heat just until it is very fluid (DO NOT boil). Fill the jar with the herbs of choice. Place the jar funnel over the jar and pour the warm honey over the herbs to within a 1/2 inch of the jar rim. Firmly screw on the lid. Rotate the jar from top to bottom to distribute the honey through the herbs. Label. Rotate the jar each day for a week or two in a cool, dark cupboard or pantry.
Strain: After the honey has infused, Place a jar or bottle funnel over a clean jar or bottle. Hold the sieve over the funnel and pour the honey. With a wooden spoon, press against the herbs to extract all the honey. Don't discard the herbs, they can be used to make your own Tisane. If desired, add a fresh sprig back into the jar for gifting.
Suggested Uses: Your infused honey can be used in any way you typically use honey. In addition, you can use the honey to make your own lotions, balms and skin products, and infused liquor, used in tea and baked goods.
Health And Beauty Tips: Use as a face cleanser or mask, or add to bath scrubs or make a body or face scrub with the herbal honey added. A tablespoon will help ease a sore throat, use as needed. Great options for body and skin care are: Lavender, Lemon Balm, Rose petals, Chamomile, Rosemary and Calendula. Great options for natural remedies and tisanes are: Lavender, Cinnamon, Basil, Ginger, Sage, Peppermint or Spearmint, Rosemary and Thyme used individually or in various combinations. For Culinary Use: Vanilla, Mint, Cinnamon and Ginger work well.
Tip: Use the infused herbs to make your own refreshing and healthy Tisane (herbal tea--see link below).
Special Note: To retain all the benefits in honey, do NOT heat, just pour it over the herb or herb combination and allow to infuse. The honey needs to be pourable. Proceed as instructed above.
Precaution: If using pure raw, non-pasteurized, unfiltered honey, avoid giving to children under the age of two or those with compromised immune systems. Though honey is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, and has numerous health benefits, as well as containing anti-bacterial and anti-viral components, it can be toxic to infants, according to research, if they contract infant Botulism. Most can recover if caught early, however it's wise to simply avoid giving honey even in small amounts until their delicate gastrointestinal and immune system is properly developed Consult your medical health care provider before using honey for children or those with weak immune systems.
Refer to the link to make your own Tisane: justfowlingaround.weebly.com/sweets-treats-and-drinks/hibiscus-tisaneherbal-tea
Refer to the link to make Honey Simple Syrup:
justfowlingaround.weebly.com/sweets-treats-and-drinks/honey-herb-simple-syrup
Refer to the link to make Honey Liquor: justfowlingaround.weebly.com/sweets-treats-and-drinks/honey-liquorcousin-to-mead
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