How to Liquify Crystallized Honey and the Best Way to Store It

When you know all the benefits of honey, it might just become your new best friend.

Crystallized honey can be turned liquid again with the help of a stove. PawelKacperek/Shutterstock

It’s discouraging when you reach for the honey only to discover that it is no longer a smooth liquid but all grainy—like sugar. You may even toss it into the trash, assuming that it has gone bad and is no longer edible. Truth be told, it is still perfectly delicious and nutritious, and it’s easy to turn it back into its liquid self.

First, if your crystallized honey is in a plastic container, transfer as much as you want to liquefy to a glass container with a lid. Apply the lid. Then, you have three choices:

Stovetop Method

Set a pan of water over high heat and bring it to a boil. Turn off the burner and allow the water to cool for about five minutes, or until it is below 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Set the honey in the water. Cover the pan. Check after an hour or so, stirring the honey as needed.

Slow Cooker Method

Set the covered honey in the slow cooker. Add enough water to cover the honey container halfway. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. After 30 minutes or so, check the water temperature to make sure that it is not higher than 140 degrees F. If it is, add a little cold water. If not, allow it to continue until the honey is liquid.

Sous Vide Method

If you have a sous vide cooker, place the tightly closed honey container in the water. Set the sous vide to 140 degrees F. Allow it to cook for several hours, as needed, to achieve liquid honey.

FAQs

What Is the Best Way to Store Honey?

Normal room temperature is ideal for honey, in places where it will not be subject to getting moisture inside. If your house tends to get warm, find the coolest spot in the pantry for it. Keep it away from the stove and other heat-producing appliances, as well as sunlight.

Why Does Honey Crystallize or Become ‘Sugared’?

The answer is temperature. When the temperature in the place where the honey is stored drops below 50 degrees F (10 degrees Celsius), crystals appear. That process starts at 57 degrees F but becomes visible below 50 degrees F. The longer it remains below 50 degrees F, the more crystals will form until it is mostly solid. Cloudy or crystallized honey is nothing to worry about.

Is Crystallized Honey Edible?

Absolutely, yes! In fact, some people prefer their honey in a more solid, spreadable state. The flavor is the same whether liquid or crystallized.

Can I Decrystallize Honey in the Microwave?

No. That’s because it is too difficult to monitor and measure the temperature of the decrystallizing process using a microwave oven. It is not a reliable method because it gets too hot, too quickly. Your results will be, at best, sketchy. At most? You will have destroyed the honey’s benefits and changed its flavor. Been there; done that; will not repeat.

Fascinating Facts About Honey

Honey Is Life-Sustaining

Honey is the only food source that contains everything to sustain human life. It contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that we need, even water.

Honey Is Medicinal

Honey is good for treating diaper rashes, stomach ulcers, burns, and seasonal allergies (although the honey you are taking must be from the same area in which you live to be useful in the latter way). Honey has long been known to help relieve sore throats when mixed with lemon juice.

Honey Never Spoils

You never have to throw honey out—even if it has become crystallized. Honey that was found in King Tut’s tomb was still good to eat.

Honey Is Effective Against Acne

Organic honey can be effective against acne—and a lot cheaper than those high-priced drugstore cleansers and creams. Spoon some honey into your hands, hold it for a few seconds to get it nice and warm, and coat the problem area. Wait at least five minutes, and then rinse with a soft, warm washcloth. You are likely to see the difference in no time.

Honey Is Good for Your Skin

Plagued by dry skin, fine lines, and wrinkles? Apply honey, leave it on for 30 minutes, and gently wash it away with warm water. Honey may soon become your best friend

Honey Is Soothing

If you suffer from anxiety, nervousness, or the inability to get a good night’s sleep, try honey. Add one to two tablespoons of honey to a mug of hot water. Stir and enjoy!

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