Why does Honey Crystallize : Insights from Howletts Honeybees

Introduction: As a dedicated beekeeper running Howletts Honeybees, a beloved family beekeeping business in the UK, we believe it's essential to enlighten our honey-loving customers about the intriguing phenomenon of honey crystallization. In this blog, we'll explore the reasons behind honey crystallization, debunk the myth of spoiled honey, and share effective methods to decrystallize honey, all presented in our signature beekeeping style!

Why Does Honey Crystallize? If you've ever found your honey changing texture and appearance, fret not, for it's simply the natural process of crystallization. Raw honey tends to crystallize over time when stored. You may notice it becoming opaque, grainy, or even almost solid when left undisturbed.

The science behind this transformation is rather simple. Honey is a supersaturated solution of sugars and water, and over time, the natural sugars in honey, fructose and glucose, begin to 'undissolve,' forming tiny crystals. While fructose remains dissolved, glucose has lower solubility, making it more prone to crystallize.

The size and distribution of crystals can vary depending on the honey's nectar source. Some honeys develop tiny, fine crystals throughout, while others have larger, grittier ones. The crystallization process primarily depends on the honey's water content in relation to glucose content, with higher glucose levels leading to quicker crystallization.

The Secret of Raw Honey Crystallization: At Howletts Honeybees, we take pride in providing raw honey, which retains small particles of pollen, beeswax, bee glue, and other nutrients. These components are responsible for the additional health benefits of raw honey. However, they also serve as ideal surfaces for glucose crystals to form during the crystallization process, making raw honey more prone to encouraging crystal growth compared to factory-produced honey that undergoes pasteurization and processing.

Managing Crystallization: Storing Honey Wisely To slow down or prevent crystallization, it's crucial to store honey properly. Avoid subjecting honey to low temperatures, like refrigeration, as it accelerates the crystallization process. Instead, store honey at room temperature in a sealed container, away from direct sunlight. This not only preserves the honey's quality but also maintains its smooth, liquid consistency.

If you wish to enjoy honey in its liquid form and avoid crystallization altogether, consider consuming it within a few weeks or possibly months after purchase.

Decrystallizing Honey: The Gentle Warm Bath Method While crystallized honey remains perfectly edible and flavorsome, we understand the appeal of returning it to its original golden, liquid state. To achieve this, we recommend the gentle warm bath method for Howletts Honeybees' Just Bee Raw Vitamin Honey:

1. Let warm water run from your kitchen tap until it reaches a comfortable temperature.

2. Place the jar of crystallized honey in a small bowl and add water until it reaches three-quarters up the side of the jar.

3. Using a teaspoon, gently and continuously stir the honey, taking care not to splash water into the jar.

4. You'll observe the crystallization process gradually reversing.

Feel free to take breaks from stirring if needed, allowing the honey to sit in the warm water. You might need to replace the water in the bowl if it cools down significantly. Depending on the extent of crystallization, this process might take up to 30 minutes to dissolve all the crystals.

Remember, this method is the safest for preserving the honey's valuable enzymes and nutrients, ensuring that the honey retains its original flavor. It's even something the kids can participate in, provided the tap water isn't too hot!

Conclusion: At Howletts Honeybees, we embrace honey crystallization as a natural and fascinating aspect of our honey products. Rest assured that crystallized honey is just as delightful and usable as its liquid counterpart. By following our recommended storage practices and employing the gentle warm bath method, you can effortlessly manage honey crystallization and savor the goodness of our exquisite honey offerings. So, continue to enjoy our honey in both crystallized and liquid forms, knowing that it's nature's way of preserving its unique flavors and nutrients.