Honey is a nutritious and versatile ingredient that has a lot of health uses and benefits. Often used as a natural sweetener, it is produced by bees collecting nectar from flowers and changing it into a viscous fluid via evaporation and regurgitation. Honey is a popular component in coking, baking, and as a topping for various dishes globally. It also has medicinal (antibacterial and antifungal) properties and is used in skincare products. However, as there’s a high demand for honey globally, especially in India, adulterated and chemically sweetened varieties have also come to dominate the market. For this reason, one has to not only purchase honey but also ensure its absolute purity and subsequently store it appropriately according to where one lives, suggests Mr Yusuf Galabhaiwala, Founder of HoneyAllDay (manufacturer of India's 1st Cold Processed Honey).
5 Tips To Identify Pure Honey
Mr Yusuf Galabhaiwala says honey is a superfood and has been “used in modern healthcare initiatives and traditional therapies both to strengthen the immune system, soothe sore throats, and promote digestion, among other things.” However, not all honey is pure.
“Pure honey is thick, aromatic, and rich in natural enzymes and vitamins,” he notes and asks, “Do you know the key to identifying if the honey is processed from a genuine source?”
He provides 5 tips to help you identify honey:
1) Thumb Test
The easiest way to check is by the thumb test. Drop some honey on your thumb and observe. Pure honey will stay in place; it won't disperse as quickly as sweetened syrups.
2) Water Test
Pour a teaspoon of honey into a water-filled glass for another. Because of added sugars, impure honey mixes rapidly; true honey falls to the bottom without quickly disintegrating.
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3) Flame Test
Another way is the flame test, a classic but optional method. With its low water level, pure honey can burn; added water causes fake honey to often crackle or not ignite.
4) Read The Label
The most proven method is reading the label. Pick honey from sources that are open about the techniques used to make it. Look for single-origin, 100% raw, or unedited language.
5) Watch Out for Crystallization
A key point to note is that crystallization shows excellence, not flaw. In particularly cool areas, raw, unadulterated honey often crystallizes over time. This natural process doesn’t affect its nutritional worth or health benefits.
6 Hacks to Preserve Honey in Different Climates
Once pure honey is identified, preserve its texture, taste, and nutritional value by storing it in the right place. Here are 6 hacks:
- Keep honey out of a humid place or direct sunlight.
- The best is a cool, dry kitchen nook within a tightly closed container.
- Honey may crystallize faster—that’s normal! Before using, just place the jar in warm (not boiling) water and stir gently.
- Skip the microwave—it kills the good stuff.
- Honey can be preserved at normal room temperature.
- Just use clean, dry spoons to avoid adding moisture.
“Knowing what makes honey pure and how to store it based on your location can help you enjoy all its natural benefits, precisely as nature intended. A small habit like choosing the right honey and storing it well can make a meaningful difference to your everyday health. So the next time you ask for a golden jar, take a moment to check its source and treat it with the care it deserves,” wraps up Mr Yusuf Galabhaiwala, Founder of HoneyAllDay (manufacturer of India's 1st Cold Processed Honey).
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