What to do when Raw Honey Crystallizes
Ever scooped out honey from the jar only to find it’s turned solid? Don’t worry, it’s not spoiled! In this blog post, we’ll dive into why honey crystallizes and what that means for its quality. We’ll bust some myths, explain the role of enzymes, and show you how this natural process can actually preserve the nutrients in your honey. Plus, I’ll walk you through some easy steps to get your honey back to its smooth, drizzly self while keeping it rich in nutrients. Ready to become a honey-rescuing hero? Let’s get started!
Why does honey crystallize?
Honey turning solid, or crystallizing, is totally normal. It happens because honey has more natural sugars than water can hold. The sugar starts to form tiny crystals, which make the honey go from liquid to solid.
Temperature, the kind of sugars, and even tiny bits of things like pollen in the honey can make crystallization happen faster or slower.
The health benefits of Raw honey
Raw honey, which is straight from the hive and hasn’t been heated too much, is full of helpful things like enzymes. Enzymes are proteins that can help your body digest food and protect you from getting sick. Honey also has vitamins and minerals that are good for you. When honey hardens, it means it still has all these great things because heat hasn’t destroyed them.
How to make honey liquid again
If your honey has gone solid, here’s how you can make it liquid again while keeping all its nutrients:
- Warm Water Bath:
- Put your honey jar in a bowl of warm water. Make sure the water is not too hot. It should be just warm to touch.
- Stir the honey now and then so it heats up evenly.
- Skip the Microwave:
- Using a microwave might be quick, but it can heat the honey too much and destroy its healthy stuff.
- Store It Right:
- Keep your honey in a cool, dry spot and make sure the lid is on tight. Air can make crystallization happen faster.
Creamed Honey
Creamed honey is a delicious spreadable honey that you can create from crystallized honey. Creamed honey is very simple and easy to make! Start by adding your crystallized honey to a blender, blending at a low speed until it reaches a smooth, creamy texture. This process helps break down the larger crystals into a fine, spreadable consistency, similar to store-bought creamed honey. Once blended, transfer the honey into a clean container and let it sit for a few days in a cool place to help it set. This homemade creamed honey is perfect for spreading on toast or stirring into hot drinks!
Remember, when honey gets hard, it’s not spoiled. It’s just natural and shows that your honey is high quality and full of nutrients. By warming your honey gently, you can enjoy it in its liquid form anytime you want. Remember, the best way to keep your honey’s flavor and health benefits is to either warm it up slowly or create cream honey, both of which are simple processes. Remember, no matter which option you choose, make sure keep the honey stored properly so it can stay delicious and nutrient rich.
