Simple Turmeric Honey Paste Uses

Over this past year or so I’ve become absolutely turmeric obsessed. With a long list of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, there’s tons of reasons to add it to your diet now. This turmeric honey ‘paste’ is a super simple way to incorporate it into your lifestyle. I’ve already posted recipes for a golden spice mix, Turmeric paste, and golden milk. However, this Turmeric honey takes my turmeric DIYs to a whole new level of simplicity. Plus, there are tons of ways to use this honey too. Oh, and this honey can be made using either fresh or powdered turmeric, so ultimate convenience for whatever you have on hand.

Turmeric and honey benefits

I’ve spoken again and again about the AMAZING health benefits of turmeric before, so rather than repeating myself for a 30th time, I’ll list a few ‘highlights’ and then you can pop over to this Turmeric Paste recipe post or this Ginger Turmeric Immune-Boosting Energy Shots (juicer recipe), to find out more. Turmeric:

Anti-inflammatory Properties– Impressively so, in fact. Some studies found that turmeric works better than certain pharmaceuticals, and all with no side effects! Pain Relief – Once again, this is an impressive claim and has been found to be as effective, if not more than, in comparison to Ibuprofen and Prozac. Anti-cancer properties – I know that anti-cancerous can be said about lots of foods, but turmeric actually physically stunts the growth of cancerous cells and tumors.

Honey: I prefer to use raw honey for a simple recipe like this, due to the additional health benefits. However, as it’s fairly pricey, you can also use cheaper honey – jut make sure that it’s good quality.

Antioxidant Rich – containing a number of compounds that act as antioxidants for our body. Phytonutrient Rich – Responsible for the level of antioxidants, phytonutrients are also behind honey’s immune-boosting and anti-cancer benefits. However, these get largely destroyed in non-raw honey. Antibacterial/ Anti-fungal – Once again due to the phytonutrients. In certain medical settings, Manuka honey is used to help treat wounds even. Soothing – For sore throats and during cold/flu season.

Raw honey also often contains bee pollen, which has further antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties. As well as containing Vitamins A and C, amino acids, and smaller amounts of magnesium, and calcium.

How to make turmeric honey

As you can probably guess, making homemade turmeric honey takes just a few minutes (or even less!), and three ingredients; turmeric, honey, and black pepper. Black pepper is needed to increase the bio-availability of the powerful active ingredient in turmeric called curcumin. So it definitely shouldn’t be missed out. With Ground Turmeric: This method is the easiest way to make turmeric honey, and literally takes seconds to pull together. Simply combine the ground turmeric, honey, and black pepper. Store it in an airtight jar, kept at room temperature. With Fresh Turmeric: This method isn’t necessarily trickier, but definitely messier. Turmeric likes to stain everything it comes in contact with, so just be careful about what kitchen tools you use and, I’ll often wear gloves when handling it as it dyes the skin temporarily, too. Simply peel the skin from the turmeric root, finely grate it, and then combine with the honey and pepper. This can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for between 2-3 weeks.

Optional add-ins

Ginger – For more of a ‘Golden’ vibe, you can add in some ginger powder or even fresh ginger. You only need a really tiny amount to make a lot of flavor difference. Cinnamon – Cinnamon and honey are a match made in heaven, and a lovely way to boost the flavor of this turmeric honey. Other spices – such as nutmeg, clove, cardamom. Plus, they each come with extra health benefits.

How to use

There are a variety of ways that you can use this health-boosting honey concoction, but perhaps my favorite is as a base for turmeric, honey, apple cider vinegar (or lemon/lime juice) shots. The Turmeric Honey Shots: Combine 1 tsp of this honey with 2 tbsp of either apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or lime juice, and 2 tbsp of filtered water, mix well and then drink as a shot. Voila! and no juicer required. Other uses include:

As a spread for toast, bagels, or even cake – like this Simple Homemade Multigrain Bread, Whole Wheat Bread, or even Healthy Banana Bread (Naturally Sweetened) Mixed into yogurt bowls – and topped with Homemade Granola and fruit. Add to smoothies – For a nutrient-boosting sweet treat Used as a binding agent in non-baked granola bars and raw treats To make turmeric tea – I touch on this in my Turmeric Paste recipe. Hot water will affect the benefits of the honey, so try to serve with warm water, instead.