Why does honey crystallise?

Has your honey turned solid? Are you wondering if it is unusual? Honey crystallisation does not mean it is spoilt. Crystallisation occurs due to natural qualities. The natural sugars, namely fructose and glucose, present in pure honey bind together to form tiny crystals which tend to make honey harder. This is completely normal. Pure and natural honey tends to crystallise (solidify) but the medicinal nutrient quality remains stable.

Honey can stay for decades

One of the most unique properties of honey is that it remains for a very long time without getting spoiled. This is because of the presence of an enzyme found in the stomach of bees. When the enzyme mixes with nectar, it breaks it down to two by-products gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide that contribute to honey’s antibacterial properties.  Since honey does not contain water, microbes do not multiply and hence the chances of getting spoilt are nil.

Honey can stay stable because of its acidity, hydrogen peroxide and absence of water. Honey is naturally acidic with pH levels between 3.2 and 4.5, which is low for the survival of microorganisms. 

Crystallised honey does not affect honey’s nutrient and medicinal qualities

With the passage of time, pure honey only undergoes natural changes in terms of colour, aroma and honey crystallisation (solidifies) but the nutrient quality is not affected. Hence honey is known for its indefinite shelf life.  A properly sealed honey can last for years, decades and even centuries.

If honey has no expiry date, then why do honey bottles contain best before date?

Since Indian and international food laws make it mandatory to mention best before date on all packed foods, a best before date is usually mentioned on honey jars. The low water content in honey is the key factor that keeps it safe from spoiling.

What to do with crystallised honey?

Honey crystallisation does not mean the honey is bad. Here is a simple way to reliquify honey at your home.

• Place the honey bottle in a pot of warm water
• Stir occasionally, which helps to dissolve crystals and soften and liquify honey again.

 Dos

• Honey bottles must be stored in a clean, dry place.
• The lid of the honey jar must be always tightly secured otherwise it will absorb water from the atmosphere.
• Glass jar is ideal to store honey.

Don’ts

• Do not use a wet spoon to scoop honey as it will absorb water and honey might lose its antibacterial properties.
• There is no need to refrigerate honey because it might lead to honey crystallisation.

While purchasing honey, one must check thoroughly and buy pure and natural honey without any added sugars. Adulterated honey can turn harmful for health. There are a wide range of pure organic honey available but one must check for quality parameters before purchasing the product. Available in eleven rare varieties from exotic flowers, Trueney honey is gathered from the nectar of medicinal flowers whose therapeutic properties are naturally imparted in this pure honey without adding any artificial flavours and preservatives. Check out Trueney’s exotic collection of unique tastes of pure honey on www.naturesbox.in