Don't worry – this is not a sign that the honey has gone bad! In fact, crystallization is a sign that you are dealing with high-quality, pure honey. Crystallization is a natural process that occurs when the glucose in honey begins to form crystals.
Why is honey crystallization a good thing?
- Natural process: Crystallized honey is proof that the honey is pure and free of additives such as water or artificial syrups.
- Texture change: Many people prefer crystallized honey because it is spreadable and adds crunch to toast.
- Long-lasting: Crystallized honey retains all its nutritional and medicinal properties.
Why does honey crystallize?
Crystallization occurs due to the natural composition of honey, which is a supersaturated solution of sugars (mainly glucose and fructose). Here are the main factors that influence this process:
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Temperature
- Low temperatures promote crystallization.
- Store honey at room temperature in a cupboard or pantry to slow down this process.
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Glucose to fructose ratio
- Honey with a higher glucose content crystallizes faster.
- Quality honey obtained from natural nectar will often crystallize more quickly than honey with artificial additives.
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Presence of pollen
- Pure, unpasteurized honey contains traces of pollen, which accelerates crystallization.
- Pollen is not only healthy, but it is also an indicator of the origin of honey.
How to prevent or "fix" crystallization?
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Prevention
- Store honey in a dark, dry place at room temperature.
- Avoid storing in the refrigerator.
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How to liquefy crystallized honey
- Warm water: Place the jar of honey in a bowl of warm (not hot!) water and let it heat up.
- No microwaves: Avoid microwaving or overheating, as this can destroy the beneficial enzymes in honey.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer liquid honey to drizzle over yogurt or crystallized to spread on toast, it's important to choose a high-quality, pure honey to enjoy all its natural benefits and full flavor.
Do you want the real thing?
How can you find real unheated Slovenian honey?
We ensure that our honeys retain their natural potency, as we have a line that is never heated. This ensures that they are full of flavor and nutrients – just as the bees create them.
Check here 👉🏻 https://mellifera.si/collections/nesegreti-med
