| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 30 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 339 | 0g | 0g | 92g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 92g | 0.1g | 0.3g | 0.01g |
There’s a certain magic that comes from homemade preserves, specifically our very own Peppermint Gum Leaf Infused Honey. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, refreshing, and subtly herbal; a flavor sensation that transports me right back to the warm kiss of a Blue Ridge morning, with dew-kissed grass underfoot and the lullaby of the cicadas in the pines. Memories that you can taste, isn’t that something?
Something uniquely Southern, with a coastal twist
The beauty lies in the eclectic blend – taking pure, golden honey reminiscent of the rural, honey-bee-dotted field blankets of the South, and fusing it with the peppermint gum leaves; a salute to those rambling walks amongst the gum trees down along the coastal Carolina shore. Oh, and don’t forget that dash of lemon zest, the very essence distilled from countless sunny afternoons spent picking lemons in grandma’s backyard.
A versatile treat for any occasion
Be it a sweet drizzle over mom’s traditional buttermilk biscuits, a glaze for a succulent barbecue chicken, or simply an addition to your favorite cup of tea, our Peppermint Gum Leaf Infused Honey provides a unique, vibrant splash of flavor. With its similarity to a traditional límon y menta (lemon and mint) mixture used in various Spanish delicacies (link: Spanish Delicacies), you can experiment with it to add a sweet and tangy twist to a myriad of dishes at your table.
Let’s not overlook the health benefits of this treat either. Apart from the antioxidants abundantly found in honey, peppermint leaves aid digestion, while lemon is a great source of vitamin C and helps boost your immunity. Truly, a treat that loves you back! (links: Health Benefits of Honey, Health Benefits of Peppermint Leaves, Health Benefits of Lemon)
So, as I stir this pot of sweet Peppermint Gum Leaf Infused Honey, I wait for that perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and a touch of Southern charm. It’s a sheer comfort tasting a swipe of this gold on a slice of freshly toasted bread, feeling that rush of nostalgia right from the first bite. It’s memories bottled, and I absolutely love it.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of honey
- 1 cup of water
- 6 fresh peppermint gum leaves
- 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
Method
Step One
Start by cleaning the 6 fresh peppermint gum leaves to ensure they are free of any possible dirt or bugs. Then, rinse them in cold water and set them aside.
Step Two
Pour 2 cups of honey, 1 cup of water, and the cleaned peppermint gum leaves into a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Allow the blend to simmer for approximately 30 minutes.
Step Three
After 30 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat. Let the mixture steep and cool for another 30 minutes, this will allow the flavours to further develop.
Step Four
Next, add in 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the mixture. Stir the mixture well to ensure the zest and juice fully incorporate with the honey mixture.
Step Five
Once the mixture has completely cooled, strain it into a clean jar. Ensure you press all the juice out of the leaves to get the maximum flavour.
Step Six
The Peppermint Gum Leaf Infused Honey is now ready to be used. It can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months. Enjoy this unique infusion in your teas, baked goods or simply on toast!
