Rosemary Honey
We grow Rosemary and I adore this herb so much. I have several bushes, a few being quite old. It not only has a beautiful, fresh aroma, it is a curative for our health. It works as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, astringent and so relaxing to the central nervous system. It also helps with our concentration and gets that circulatory system geared up. When I was teaching, I kept a bottle of homemade Rosemary lotion on my desk. My students knew why I loved it and when entering the classroom, would get a skirt of it and rub on their necks.
We also are big honey lovers in this family. Each morning, I start my day with a tablespoon of honey. Many years ago, my trainer recommended a tablespoon of honey each morning before beginning my work out. It energizes the body. Honey is also a natural anti-bacterial (1)
Combing Rosemary and honey together not only has a remarkable taste, it’s very supportive to our overall health. And in lemon tea, it’s a real treat. Warm lemon tea with honey and lemon can sooth and help combat the common cold, ease a sore throat, lessening coughs and fight of those seasonal allergies. It’s one of my favorites on fresh baked biscuits or toast and amazing on a hot bowl of oatmeal.
Honey is also a natural preservative. (2)
Below I’ll explain to you how to make your Rosemary honey. You’ll need to start by harvesting some Rosemary and let it dry. I use a dehydrator but laying your Rosemary out on a towel under a fan works quite well. You want to be sure it is completely dry to avoid the growth of Clostridium botulinum spores (1).
How to make:
Using a quart jar (you can make less if desired), fill the jar half way with honey. Using chopped dry Rosemary, add Rosemary, packed lightly, into the jar and using a Bamboo or wooden skewer, disperse the Rosemary throughout the honey. Top off with more honey to fill the jar. Add your lid and I like to turn in upside to store. Be sure to label your jar. I sit mine on top of our water heater to keep the honey from crystalizing. Let it sit for 6-8 weeks. If your honey does crystalize, you can sit the jar in a pot and gently warm the water on the stove. Do not allow the water to heat to a boiling point. Giving it a stir now and then, the honey will become smooth a gain. Once ready, strain off the Rosemary and your honey is ready to use. Enjoy.
1. ROSEMARY: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings - WebMD. (2009). Retrieved May 19, 2016, from http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-154-ROSEMARY.aspx?activeIngredientId=154 Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database"Rosemary." WebMD.
2. Taormina, P. J., Niemira, B. A., & Beuchat, L. R. (2001). Inhibitory activity of honey against foodborne pathogens as influenced by the presence of hydrogen peroxide and level of antioxidant power. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 69(3), 217-225. doi:10.1016/s0168-1605(01)00505-0
Additional Resource:
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609166/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6325740/
Copyrighted-Rehne Burge
