Making Orange Infused Honey

This post contains affiliate links.  If you make a purchase after clicking them, we will be compensated, but there is no additional cost to you.  All opinions expressed are our own.  Thank you for your support.

     Honey is such a great product to have as a staple in your pantry and as a part of your long term food storage.  Honey does not spoil.  If your honey crystalizes, all you have to do is heat it up to melt it and make it pourable again.  It is a great alternative to sugar because it has a lower glycemic index and is full of antioxidants.  We use honey a lot at our house.  I am always on the look-out for good honey prices, and I found some on Amazon that seemed like a great price.  Meanwhile, I had been reading about various ways to infuse honey with other flavors.  I decided to make orange infused honey as Christmas gifts this past year. 

     There are two ways to make orange infused honey.  I chose the non-heat way in order not to cause damage to the antibodies and antioxidants in this organic honey.   As I searched for ways to make this honey, I saw that some recipes called for fresh orange zest and/or fresh orange slices.  The problem with that method is that when you introduce moisture to the honey, you are also introducing bacteria and the potential for your honey to spoil.  Orange infused honey made with this method must be used within a couple of weeks.  So, I chose to infuse my honey using dehydrated oranges.  In this way, I wasn't introducing any moisture to the honey and it should still have an unlimited shelf life.   The method is very simple, especially if you already have dehydrated oranges on hand.  
​

Steps for Making Orange Infused Honey:

1. You will need:  honey, I used a 5 lb. bottle, 2 Quart Jars, dehydrated orange slices and a canning funnel.  I make my own dehydrated oranges in my dehydrator by slicing them thinly with a sharp knife o mandolin.  But, they are also available on Amazon.  
2. In the bottom of the jars, put 6 or 7 slices of the dehydrated oranges.  Using a canning funnel to pour the honey into the jars,  cover the orange slices with the honey.  Leave a 2 inch head space.  The 5 lbs. of honey will fill 2 jars.  
3. Put a lid on the jar and place on a shelf for about 2 weeks.  After the 2 weeks, the honey should be ready to put into decorative jars or honey pots to give away.   I found my 7 oz. honey jars at my local grocery store, but here are some other options:

These are similar to mine, but 6 oz. jars.

These are smaller, 3.4 oz, hive shaped honey pots that are super cute.

This cute little honey pot is also 3.4 oz and only $5.50!

These honey pots come in a 2 pack for only $14.39. They are 12 oz pots.

     I also included a couple of half slices of dehydrated orange in my jars when I presented them and put this label on the jars: 

Click on the picture and get the pdf that will print onto 2 inch labels.

      You can use your honey on biscuits, toast, in your oatmeal, to sweeten smoothies and other drinks.  You will love it, and the left over orange slices taste great as well.  I used mine in Hot Orange Punch and it was delightful! 
      My orange honey turned out so well, that I think I might try cinnamon honey and vanilla honey later. Let me know if you have given any of these a try! 
​

​Other ways we've used honey: 

• Honey Pear Muffins
• Canning Cherries in Honey
• ​Honey Sweetened Ice Cream
• Honey Oatmeal Raisin Cookies​
• Homemade Honey Cinnamon Butter