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How to ferment honey: jar of lemon, ginger and turmeric honey on a wooden table

Fermented Lemon, Ginger and Turmeric Honey

A simple beginner method for how to ferment honey at home, plus an easy fermented lemon, ginger and turmeric honey recipe using only a few traditional ingredients.
Prep Time 10 minutes
fermenting time 5 days
Total Time 5 days 10 minutes
Serving Size 1 cup

Equipment

  • quart jar with lid

Ingredients

  • 1 organic lemon, washed and dried
  • 1–2 inches fresh ginger root
  • 1–2 inches fresh turmeric root,
  • 1–1.5 cups raw honey

Instructions

  • Prepare the fresh ingredients: Wash your lemon thoroughly and slice it into thin half-moons. Slice the fresh turmeric and ginger into rounds. Peeling is optional—unpeeled turmeric and ginger will ferment perfectly, but I usually peel them for a cleaner look in photos.
  • Add honey to the jar: Spoon a small amount of raw honey into the bottom of your jar to create a base for the fresh ingredients.
  • Layer the ingredients: Add the lemon, ginger, and turmeric slices to the jar, layering them evenly until you reach the neck. Arrange them so the pieces are fairly uniform for even fermentation.
  • Add the remaining honey: Pour honey over the layered ingredients until they are completely covered, leaving about 1–2 inches of headspace. As the honey ferments, the fresh ingredients release moisture, causing the liquid level to rise slightly. Leaving space prevents overflow and keeps your countertop clean.
  • Ferment the honey: Tighten the lid and place the jar somewhere warm and dry, out of direct sunlight, for 5–7 days. Once a day, gently stir the jar to release any air bubbles and keep all ingredients submerged. It’s normal for fruit and spices to float; daily stirring prevents mold. There’s no need to “burp” the jar—honey ferments aren’t very bubbly, and canning lids allow air to escape naturally.
  • Store and enjoy: Once the honey has thinned, become aromatic, and reached your desired flavor, transfer the jar to the refrigerator or a cool pantry (this usually takes 5-7 days). Over time, lemon slices will candy, and ginger and turmeric will continue to infuse the honey. Use it in tea, drizzled over yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, or enjoy by the spoonful!

Notes

Storage & Shelf Life

  • Refrigerator: Up to 6–12 months. Honey will thicken over time but remains delicious.
  • Tip: Always use clean utensils to avoid contamination. Lemon slices will candy, and ginger and turmeric will continue infusing the honey.