Prior to me beginning a 100% plant based lifestyle, honey was one of those things I used regularly. If you are vegetarian, then it is ok to use honey. Some people who are primarily vegan still use honey for various reasons. Our goal was to see if we could make something that had a similar consistency and flavor like the original honey.
There are many people making the transition to eliminate all animal derived products and by products so honey is not an option. Those who no longer consume it can find pleasure in our apple sea moss honey. Yes there are other alternative sweeteners such as maple syrup, agave, stevia, coconut nectar etc. however this recipe allows for you to get that alternative sweetener closest to the honey taste than any other sweetener. Some people who've used it have even proclaimed it to be better tasting! Our Apple Sea Moss Honey recipe is simple, contains few ingredients, and a great addition to your alternative sweeteners.
Ingredients:
32oz fresh made apple juice
(or 32oz of 100% pure organic apple juice)
1 heaping tbsp of sea moss gel
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Directions:
Soak the apples in a bowl of water with a pinch of apple cider vinegar for 10 minute.
rinse each apple thoroughly to remove any debris or thick wax.
Set on a kitchen towel to dry.
Using a juicer, process all apples and extract juice.
We recommend using a centrifugal juicer like the
Breville JE98XL Juice Fountain Plus that we are using
to make this vegan honey.
Alternative method for blenders
It is recommended that you use a high speed blender like a Vitamix or Blendtec for this method. You will also need a nut milk bag or cheese cloth to strain the pulp after blending. Simply cut apples into 4 pieces and add as much to your blender as possible without forcing. Add 1 cup of water and blend on high. Strain the pulp through the nut milk bag or cheese cloth into a large bowl. Repeat as needed until all of the apples have been blended. Keep in mind that this may add more to your cooking time since you are adding more liquid in order to blend. Now you are ready to continue with the next steps.
Ready to Make Vegan Honey!
Pour apple juice through a fine mesh strainer and into a small pot on your stove. Set stove temperature on med-high.
Add cane sugar and stir until it has dissolved.
Adjust stove temp to the point where the liquid is bubbling without heavy splashing (for us this is med-low)
Add remaining ingredients and continue to stir.
As liquid decreases and contents become more concentrated, you may need to adjust to a lower temperature.
Let cook on the stove until 1/3 to 1/4 of the starting liquid remains.
To test the consistency, place 1-3 tbsp in a small glass bowl and place in freezer for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Using a toothpick or clean finger, touch the liquid and slowly lift your finger.
What you are looking for is a consistency as close to honey as possible.
The more it's left to cook the thicker the consistency is. You decide how thin or thick you want your bee-free honey to be. The picture above is a depiction of the honey at a thinner consistency.
Once the liquid has cooked down and you have met the desired consistency, turn off stove and allow to cool for about 10 minutes. The liquid should still be very hot but not boiling.
Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer into a mason jar.
Place the lid on the jar and allow to cool.
Once cooled, you can apply your Apple Sea Moss Honey in any recipe that requires traditional bee honey.