Blue honey is a visually stunning and naturally colored honey that can be created by infusing it with blue or purple flowers. The process involves allowing bees to gather nectar from these flowers, resulting in honey with a blue or purple hue. Here’s how you can make blue honey:
Ingredients and Materials:
- Raw honey
- Blue or purple edible flowers (e.g., lavender, borage, butterfly pea flower)
- Clean glass jar with lid
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth (optional)
Instructions:
1. Gather Edible Flowers:
- Choose edible blue or purple flowers for your honey infusion. Some common options include lavender, borage, and butterfly pea flower. Ensure that the flowers you use are free of pesticides and safe for consumption.
2. Prepare a Clean Jar:
- Use a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure the jar is dry and free from any residue or contaminants.
3. Add Flowers to the Jar:
- Place a handful of the edible flowers of your choice into the clean glass jar. The number of flowers you use will depend on the size of your jar and your preference for the intensity of the color and flavor.
4. Pour Honey Over the Flowers:
- Pour raw honey over the flowers in the jar, covering them completely. Ensure that all the flowers are submerged in the honey.
5. Seal the Jar:
- Seal the jar tightly with its lid.
6. Allow Infusion:
- Place the sealed jar in a warm, sunny spot for several days to allow the honey to infuse with the color and flavor of the flowers. The time needed for infusion can vary but may take around 3-7 days.
7. Check the Color:
- After a few days, check the color of the honey. It should take on a blue or purple hue from the infused flowers. If you want a darker color, you can leave it to infuse longer.
8. Strain the Honey (Optional):
- If you prefer a smoother honey without flower particles, you can strain it through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean container. This step is optional, as some people enjoy the texture and appearance of the flower petals in the honey.
9. Store the Blue Honey:
- Transfer the blue honey into a clean, airtight glass jar for long-term storage. Make sure the jar is sealed tightly to prevent moisture from getting in.
10. Enjoy Your Blue Honey:
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– Use your homemade blue honey as a unique and colorful sweetener in teas, desserts, or drizzled over yogurt and fruits. It can also make a beautiful gift.
Keep in mind that the intensity of the blue or purple color may vary depending on the type and quantity of flowers used, as well as the duration of infusion. Experiment with different flowers and infusion times to achieve your desired hue and flavor.
