Garlic has been celebrated for centuries for its powerful health benefits, particularly its natural antibiotic properties. If you’re looking for a simple and effective way to harness the health-boosting power of garlic, this recipe is for you. Combining fresh garlic with apple or grape cider vinegar and other beneficial ingredients, this natural remedy is perfect for boosting your immune system and keeping those nasty colds at bay. Here’s how to make it.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • Fresh Garlic: 2 kilos, peeled and cleaned

  • Apple or Grape Cider Vinegar: 1.5 cups (300 ml), known for its antibacterial properties

  • Coarse Rock Salt: 1.5 tablespoons, for preservation

  • Lemon Salt: 1 teaspoon, enhances flavor and acts as a preservative

  • Lemon Slices: 4 thin slices, adds vitamin C and freshness

  • Bay Leaves: 2, for added flavor and antibacterial properties

  • Drinking Water: Enough to fill the jars

Step-by-Step Recipe Guide:

  1. Prepare the Garlic:

    • Start by peeling 2 kilos of fresh garlic. This may take some time, but it’s crucial for the best results. Fresh garlic is packed with allicin, which is a potent antibiotic compound.

  2. Sterilize the Jars:

    • Ensure your jars are thoroughly cleaned and sterilized. This can be done by boiling them in water for a few minutes or running them through a hot cycle in the dishwasher.

  3. Fill the Jars:

    • Divide the peeled garlic cloves evenly among your sterilized jars. Add a few thin slices of lemon and one bay leaf to each jar for flavor and added health benefits.

  4. Prepare the Brine:

    • In a saucepan, combine 1.5 cups of apple or grape cider vinegar, 1.5 tablespoons of coarse rock salt, and 1 teaspoon of lemon salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to dissolve the salts completely.

  5. Add the Brine and Water:

    • Pour the hot vinegar mixture into the jars, covering the garlic and lemon slices. Fill the rest of the jar with drinking water, leaving about an inch of space at the top. This helps in creating a vacuum seal when you close the jars.

  6. Seal and Store:

    • Seal the jars tightly and store them in a cool, dark place. Let the garlic ferment for at least two weeks before using. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld and the garlic softens.

Health Benefits:

  • Natural Antibiotic: Garlic’s allicin helps fight infections and boosts the immune system.

  • Digestive Health: The probiotics formed during fermentation aid in digestion.

  • Rich in Nutrients: This mixture provides essential vitamins and minerals from garlic and lemons.

Tips for Best Results:

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and organic vinegar provide the best health benefits.

  • Be Patient: Let the garlic ferment properly to maximize its antibiotic properties and flavor.

This natural antibiotic garlic recipe is a wonderful addition to your pantry. Not only does it offer numerous health benefits, but it also adds a delicious tangy flavor to your meals. Start making this recipe today and enjoy the robust health benefits of garlic!