Fermented Jalapeño Honey

Peppers have been the easiest plant for us to grow and this year we had so many I couldn’t keep up with processing them. I’ve pickled peppers, fermented and roasted peppers for hot sauce, froze them, smoked and dehydrated them for pepper flakes, paprika, and chili powder, and stuffed them for meal prep. I am big on sauces so I naturally I wanted to find another way to incorporate jalapeños in to a sauce or dip.

Fermented jalapeño honey has a unique sweet, spicy, and tangy flavor profile and is loaded with probiotic benefits. The fermentation process also adds depth to the honey and the honey adds sweetness to the jalapeños.

To help kickstart the fermentation process, I add a small amount of raw apple cider vinegar. This also ensures a healthy fermentation environment in such a high sugar environment.

Benefits of Fermented Jalapeño Hot Honey

1. Probiotics: The fermentation process helps develop beneficial bacteria, which can support gut health.
2. Natural Cough Soother: The capsaicin in jalapeños and the soothing properties of honey make it great for sore throats and mild coughs.
3. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Both honey and jalapeños contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help with inflammation.
4. Digestive Support: Fermented honey has enzymes that aid digestion, while the mild spiciness can boost metabolism.

Tips for Using Jalapeño Hot Honey

1. Drizzle on Pizza: Add a sweet, spicy kick to pizzas, especially those with salty toppings like pepperoni or prosciutto.
2. Pair with Cheese: Serve with jalapeños and honey with cheese boards, especially creamy or sharp cheeses like brie, gouda, or blue cheese.
3. Add to Sandwiches: Add fermented jalapeños to a deli sandwich for a sweet, hot kick.
4. Glaze for Meats: Brush over grilled chicken, pork, or salmon for a delicious glaze.
5. Add to Cocktails: Use in cocktails that need a touch of sweetness and spice—perfect for margaritas, whiskey sours, or hot toddies.
6. Topping for Ice Cream: The unexpected heat pairs beautifully with vanilla or caramel ice cream.
7. Flavor for Marinades or Dressings: Add to vinaigrettes, marinades, or barbecue sauces for an extra layer of flavor.
8. Add to Fried Chicken or Wings: Spice up your chicken wings with a sweet, hot glaze.

Fermented Jalapeño Honey

Difficulty: Easy

Fermented jalapeño honey is a unique condiment that’s deliciously complex and surprisingly easy to make. It adds a burst of flavor to any meal and brings a variety of health benefits with it!

Ingredients

• Raw honey (use raw, unpasteurized honey for best fermentation results)

• Fresh jalapeños, sliced

• 1 Tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar (with the mother)

• Clean 12oz jar with lid

Directions

• Rinse and slice jalapeños thinly and fill a 12oz jar about halfway. Keep the seeds for more heat or remove them if you prefer a milder infusion.
• Pour honey over the jalapeños, covering completely. Stir gently to remove any air pockets. Tighten a lid on the jar and flip to ensure all jalapeño slices are coated.
• Loosen the lid to allow gasses to release during fermentation process, and set on your kitchen counter out of direct sunlight.
• Flip jar daily to ensure jalapeños remain coated in honey. Make sure to tighten the jar before flipping and loosen after to allow gasses to escape while fermenting.
• Ferment for 4-8 weeks (allowing the full fermentation process to take place). You’ll know when the honey is ready when it becomes noticeably darker, very runny, and jalapeños become wrinkled.
• Transfer to a clean, airtight jar and store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

Notes

• Be sure not to overfill the jar or you will end up with a stick mess as the jalapeños ferment.
• Apple cider vinegar gives the honey microbes to help start the fermentation process since honey is anti-microbial. It also helps maintain a healthy fermentation in a high sugar environment.