Making your own rosemary honey is a simple and rewarding process that adds a delicious, herbal twist to your kitchen staples. With its unique balance of sweet and savory, rosemary honey works beautifully in everything from salad dressings and marinades to drizzling over cheese or toast.

You only need two ingredients: fresh rosemary and honey. The process is easy and takes just a few steps. By infusing honey with rosemary, you can create a versatile, flavorful addition to your pantry.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make rosemary honey, including what equipment you’ll need, which type of honey works best, and how to store it properly. I’ll also share a few creative recipe ideas to help you start using your rosemary honey right away.

Understanding Rosemary Honey

If you're looking for a way to add a unique flavor to your meals, look no further than rosemary honey. This herbal-infused honey is easy to make and can be used in a variety of dishes, from sweet to savory.

Flavor Profile

Rosemary honey has a distinctive flavor that is both sweet and savory. The rosemary adds a subtle herbal flavor to the honey, making it perfect for use in marinades, salad dressings, and glazes. It can also be used as a sweetener in tea or drizzled over fresh fruit.

Start by gently warming the honey until it loosens up, then tuck in a few rosemary sprigs and let the magic happen. Once the rosemary has infused the honey with its flavor, strain the mixture and store it in a jar.

Overall, rosemary honey is a delicious and healthy addition to any kitchen. Try incorporating it into your cooking today for a unique and flavorful twist on your favorite dishes.

Gathering Ingredients

Before you start making rosemary honey, you need to gather the necessary ingredients. Making rosemary honey is a simple process that requires only two ingredients: honey and rosemary. Here are some tips on how to gather the best ingredients for your rosemary honey.

Types of Honey

When making rosemary honey, it is important to choose the right type of honey. There are many different types of honey available, each with its own unique flavor and aroma. Some of the most popular types of honey include clover honey, wildflower honey, and orange blossom honey.

Clover honey is a mild honey with a light, floral flavor. It is a great choice for making rosemary honey because it won't overpower the flavor of the rosemary. Wildflower honey, on the other hand, has a stronger, more complex flavor that can complement the flavor of the rosemary. Orange blossom honey has a citrusy flavor that can add a unique twist to your rosemary honey.

Selecting Rosemary

The best rosemary honey starts with fresh rosemary, and if you're growing your own, even better. Homegrown rosemary is often more fragrant and flavorful than store-bought, especially when harvested at its peak. Snip sprigs in the morning once the oils are strongest, just after the dew has dried. If your rosemary happens to be flowering, feel free to use those sprigs too - the small blossoms are edible and add a subtle floral note to the infusion.

Look for stems that are firm and vibrant green with soft, flexible leaves. Avoid sprigs that feel dry, brittle, or faded in color. If you're not growing rosemary yet, you can still make this recipe with fresh sprigs from the grocery store or a local farmer’s market. Just make sure they’re aromatic and not wilted.

So why rosemary? Its bold, piney scent pairs beautifully with honey’s sweetness. That balance of sweet and savory makes rosemary honey perfect for everything from roasted vegetables to soft cheeses.

Once you’ve gathered your rosemary from your garden, potted rosemary or grocery store and selected your honey, you’re ready to get started.

Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Yes, dried rosemary works too. Since it’s more concentrated, use about one-third the amount you would use if it were fresh. The flavor will still infuse beautifully into the honey just be sure to strain it well before storing.

Preparation Techniques

Infusion Methods

To make rosemary honey, you will need to infuse honey with rosemary sprigs. There are two ways to do this: a cold infusion and a warm infusion.

For a cold infusion, simply add fresh or dried rosemary sprigs to raw honey and let it sit at room temperature for several days. This method results in a lighter flavor.

For a warm infusion, warm the honey in a saucepan and add the rosemary sprigs. Keep it warmed for 5 minutes, then let it cool for 15 to 45 minutes. The longer you leave the rosemary in the honey, the stronger the flavor will be.

Sterilizing Jars

Before pouring your rosemary-infused honey into jars, it's important to sterilize them to ensure that no bacteria or mold grows inside. Here's how to do it:

1. Wash the jars and lids in hot, soapy water and rinse well.
2. Place the jars and lids in a large pot and cover with water.
3. Bring the water to a boil and let the jars and lids boil for 10 minutes.
4. Use tongs to remove the jars and lids from the pot and let them air dry on a clean towel.

By following these simple preparation techniques, you can make your own delicious rosemary honey at home.

How to Make Rosemary Honey

Total time: 20 minutes (plus infusion time)
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: Makes about 1 cup

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw honey
• 3-4 fresh rosemary sprigs (or 2 tablespoons dried rosemary)

Equipment

• Small saucepan
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Sterilized glass jar with tight-fitting lid

Instructions

Tips

• Don't overheat the honey; you want to aim for a light simmer.
• Use clover or wildflower honey for best results
• Choose bright green, fragrant rosemary sprigs
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Honey will keep for 6-12 months when stored properly

Uses

• Drizzle over cheese and crackers
• Use as a glaze for roasted meats
• Add to tea or warm water
• Drizzle over toast or yogurt

Storage and Preservation

Once you have made your rosemary-infused honey, it's important to store it properly to maintain its quality and flavor over time. Here are some tips on how to store and preserve your rosemary-infused honey:

Ideal Storage Conditions

Proper storage is crucial to ensure that the flavors of your infused honey remain intact. To preserve the infused honey, it is important to use clean, sterilized jars or containers with airtight seals. Mason jars or glass jars with tight-fitting lids are ideal for storing honey.

Make sure to store your honey in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Exposure to heat and light can cause the honey to crystallize and lose its flavor. It's best to store your honey at room temperature, but if you live in a hot climate, you may want to store it in the refrigerator to prevent it from spoiling.

Shelf Life

When stored properly, rosemary-infused honey can last for several months to a year. However, the shelf life of your honey may vary depending on the quality of the honey and the storage conditions.

Over time, your honey may start to crystallize or become cloudy. This is a natural process and does not affect the quality or safety of the honey. To restore the honey to its original state, simply place the jar in a bowl of warm water and stir until the crystals dissolve.

To ensure the best quality and flavor, it's recommended to use your rosemary-infused honey within six months of making it. If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as mold or an off smell, it's best to discard the honey and make a fresh batch.

By following these simple storage and preservation tips, you can enjoy the delicious flavor of your rosemary-infused honey for months to come.

Creative Uses

There are many creative ways to use rosemary honey beyond just adding it to your tea or toast. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Culinary Applications

Rosemary honey can be used in a variety of dishes to add a subtle sweetness and herbal flavor. Here are some ideas:

• Drizzle over roasted vegetables, such as carrots or sweet potatoes, for a sweet and savory flavor.
• Use as a glaze for grilled meats, such as chicken or pork, for a unique and delicious twist.
• Add to marinades or dressings for a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Use as a topping for yogurt or ice cream for a sweet and herbal flavor.

Rosemary honey is one of those simple recipes that feels extra special. With just two ingredients and a few minutes of hands-on time, you can create a delicious infusion that adds something unexpected to both sweet and savory dishes. Whether you drizzle it over goat cheese, stir it into warm tea, or add it to your favorite marinade, this herb-infused honey brings a cozy, homemade touch to everyday meals.

If you're looking for more ways to use fresh herbs in your kitchen, be sure to check out my post on herb-infused honey variations, including lavender honey and thyme honey recipes. Each one brings its own unique flavor and pairing possibilities.

Have you tried making rosemary honey at home? Let me know how you used it in the comments. I’d love to hear your ideas!

Enjoy!