A Cold & Flu Season Powerhouse
As we head into cold and flu season, I wanted to share one of my favorite simple (and seriously delicious) ways to give your immune system a little extra love.
Fermented foods are amazing allies for our health. They naturally support immunity by keeping our gut happy, improving digestion, boosting nutrient absorption, and calming inflammation—all things our bodies especially appreciate during the cooler months when germs are making the rounds.
Enter: Fermented Lemon Ginger Honey. 🍋✨ This sweet and tangy blend is a true winter staple — comforting, flavorful, and packed with benefits. Let’s take a closer look at what makes it such a powerful (and tasty) way to support your immune system this season.
Raw honey is known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. Honey is high in polyphenols (naturally occurring compounds found in plants that have powerful antioxidant properties). It has been used for centuries to treat wounds, soothe throats and aid in digestion. Due to its naturally acidic nature, it’s a great food preservative that prevents bad bacteria from growing.
Lemons are a great source of Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps your immune cells fight off germs and keeps them from overreacting and damaging your body. It’s like giving your immune system smart balance — strong, but not too strong.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, ginger is known as a warming herb that helps your body fight off colds and stay balanced. 🌿 It boosts digestion, supports your immune system, and helps clear out that “cold and damp” energy that can make you feel run down — especially in the colder months.
Making your own fermented lemon ginger honey is surprisingly simple — and so rewarding. With just 3 ingredients and a little patience, you’ll create a beautiful jar of golden goodness that’s as soothing as it is beneficial. The fermentation process not only deepens the flavor but also boosts its natural healing properties. You can stir it into warm water or tea, drizzle it over yogurt, or take a spoonful straight from the jar when you need a little immune support or comfort on a chilly day. Let’s get started!
Equipment:
- sterilized heat safe glass jars
-spoon
Ingredients:
-raw organic honey
-lemons (unwaxed, washed and dried)
-organic ginger
Process:
- To sterilize your jars, wash with hot soapy water. Preheat oven to 300F and place jars upside down over a cookie tray with cooling rack for 15 minutes to dry completely. Let them cool while you prepare the ingredients.
-On a cutting board, slice lemons into thin slices (around 3mm thick)
-peel ginger if not organic, or leave skin on if organic. Cut into thin slices with a knife or mandolin slicer.
-In your clean glass jar, add ginger, then lemon slices and more ginger to fill the jar about 2/3.
-Pour raw honey over everything and use a clean spoon to stir everything, taking care to ensure lemon and ginger are covered with honey. Leave about a 1/4” space so that it doesn’t bubble over.
-Cover with a lid, and check on it daily, unscrewing lid to let off any built up gases from fermentation. Gently shake the jar to redisperse ingredients or give it a good stir.
-You can consume it right away, however, I recommend waiting at least 2 weeks for a full ferment on the counter. It can be stored in the fridge to slow down fermentation if your kitchen is too warm.
Once you’ve made your first batch, you’ll see why this recipe quickly becomes a winter favourite. It’s simple, comforting, and filled with ingredients that truly nurture the body. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about creating your own natural remedy right in your kitchen. Every spoonful is a reminder that caring for your health can be both delicious and joyful. So go ahead — grab some lemons, ginger, and honey, and give it a try. Your future self (and your immune system!) will thank you.