Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Begin by thoroughly washing and coring your apples. There’s no need to peel them, as the apple peels contain valuable pectin that will contribute to the thickening of your vegan honey. Roughly chop the cored apples into medium-sized pieces, about 1-2 inches in size. Uniformly sized pieces will ensure even cooking and breakdown during the simmering process. Chopping the apples into smaller pieces will also help them release their flavors and pectin more efficiently.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Pot
In a medium to large saucepan or pot, combine the chopped apples, water, and granulated sugar. If you are using a tea bag for color and depth of flavor, add it to the pot at this stage as well. Ensure that all the apples are mostly submerged in the water. Using a heavy-bottomed pot is recommended to prevent scorching and ensure even heat distribution during the simmering process.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil and Simmer
Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low, so the mixture is gently simmering. Simmer uncovered, allowing the liquid to slowly reduce and the apples to soften and break down. This slow simmering process is crucial for extracting the apple flavor, releasing pectin, and thickening the mixture into a syrupy consistency.

Step 4: Simmer and Reduce (1-1.5 hours)
Continue to simmer the mixture uncovered for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the liquid has reduced significantly and the mixture has thickened to a syrupy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. As the mixture simmers, you will notice the apples breaking down and the liquid becoming more viscous. The color will also deepen, especially if you are using a tea bag. The target consistency should be similar to that of runny honey – it will thicken further as it cools.

Step 5: Strain the Mixture
Once the mixture has sufficiently reduced and thickened, remove it from the heat. If you used a tea bag, remove and discard it at this point. Carefully pour the hot mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined colander placed over a clean bowl. This step is essential for removing the apple solids and creating a smooth, clear vegan honey. Press gently on the solids with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible, but avoid forcing them through the sieve, as this can result in a cloudy honey.

Step 6: Add Lemon Juice and Simmer Again (Optional)
Return the strained liquid to the pot. Add the fresh lemon juice and stir well to combine. At this stage, you can optionally simmer the mixture for another 10-15 minutes over low heat to further reduce and thicken it, if desired. This additional simmering step can intensify the flavors and create a slightly thicker final product. However, be careful not to over-reduce it, as it will continue to thicken as it cools.

Step 7: Cool and Thicken
Remove the pot from the heat and allow the vegan honey to cool completely at room temperature. As it cools, it will thicken to its final honey-like consistency. This cooling process is essential for achieving the desired texture. Don’t worry if it seems a bit thin when hot – it will thicken up beautifully as it cools down.

Step 8: Store and Enjoy
Once completely cooled, transfer your homemade vegan honey to an airtight jar or container. Store it in the refrigerator for optimal shelf life. Your delicious homemade vegan honey is now ready to be enjoyed! It will keep in the refrigerator for several weeks, if not longer, allowing you to savor its sweet goodness whenever you desire.