Floral & Botanical Infused Honey

Floral & Botanical Infused Honey Infused Honey

Honey, already renowned for its medicinal properties, can be enhanced with the addition of botanicals, both from the garden and wild foraged, resulting in a delicious and healthful blend of flavours. Seasonal honey flavors vary depending on the blossoms available, making each jar a unique experience. By infusing honey with botanicals, not only do you boost its beneficial properties, but you also introduce incredible local flavours that can transform everyday dishes.

Use raw honey if possible to preserve its health-giving qualities. This is a great activity to do with kids. I try to use blossom or acacia honey as it has a lighter flavor that makes it easy to infuse.

Saffron and Vanilla Honey
Amazing drizzled over goat cheese and a slice of the freshest sourdough. Also wonderful over pan-fried pears and freshly whipped cardamom cream.

• 3/4 teaspoon of saffron threads
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of real vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup of runny honey

Start by placing the saffron threads into a small bowl, pour over the vanilla extract, and allow the two ingredients to become acquainted for about an hour. In a small saucepan, gently warm the honey over low to medium heat. When it is warm but not hot, gently tip the saffron/vanilla mix into the honey and stir until thoroughly combined. Using a rubber spatula, scrape the mix into a small jar or bowl and allow to sit for at least an hour before using.

Rose Petal Honey
Wonderful for some herbal teas, baking, and drizzled over cream or yogurt and fresh or baked fruit.

• A handful of very fragrant fresh rose petals
• 3/4 cup of clear runny honey

Place the honey into a small jar and pop the rose petals on top. Muddle the petals into the honey using a spoon or honey stick. Sit the jar somewhere dark for two weeks before using.

Lemon and Thyme Honey
Wonderful in some herbal teas, drizzled over soft goat cheese, lightly cooked carrots, or roasted winter squash with a squeeze of fresh lemon and plenty of chopped parsley.

• 1 tablespoon of dried lemon zest (to do this, zest a lemon and allow the zest to sit on the windowsill overnight)
• 4 or 5 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 350g of honey

Place the honey into a small jar, stir in the lemon zest, and push the thyme into the honey. Store the scented honey somewhere dark for two weeks before using.

Rosemary and Orange Honey
Wonderful drizzled over citrus fruit salads with toasted pistachios. It’s great paired with some minty herbal teas and is stunning over roasted carrots.

• 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary about 7 to 10 cm long
• 1 tablespoon of dried orange zest (to do this, zest an orange and allow the zest to sit on the windowsill overnight)
• 350g of honey

Place the honey into a small jar and stir in the orange zest and rosemary. Store the honey somewhere dark for two weeks before using.

Chamomile and Lemon Balm Honey
This is a soothing combination, great for calming the nerves and relaxing the mind. Mix into herbal teas or eat straight off the spoon.

• 1 heaping tablespoon of fresh chamomile flowers
• 5 sprigs of lemon balm leaves
• 350g of honey

Muddle the leaves and flowers, then place them into a jar with the honey and put it somewhere dark for at least two weeks before using.

Lavender and Vanilla Honey
This blend is wonderful with baked goods, some teas, and over yogurt for breakfast with fresh strawberries or drizzled over slow-roasted apricots.

• 1 vanilla bean, chopped, or 1 teaspoon of vanilla powder, or 2 teaspoons of real vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons of culinary grade lavender flowers
• 350g of honey

Place the flowers and the vanilla into the jar of honey and allow it to sit somewhere dark for two weeks before using.

Enjoy!