It’s discouraging when you reach for the honey, only to discover it is no longer a smooth liquid, but all grainy—like sugar. You may have even tossed it into the trash assuming that it’s gone bad, no longer edible.
Truth be told, it is still perfectly delicious and nutritious. It’s easy to turn crystallized honey back into its liquid self.
First, if your crystallized honey is in a plastic container, transfer as much as you want to liquify to a glass container with a lid. Apply the lid. Then, you have three choices:
No. 1: 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 5 minutes, or until it is below 140 degrees F. Set the honey in the water. Cover the pan. Check after an hour or so, stirring the honey as needed.No. 2: Slow Cooker Method
Set the covered honey into 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 it is not above 140 degrees F. If it is, add a little cold water. If not, allow it to continue until the honey is liquid.No. 3: 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, 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 where the honey is stored drops below 50 degrees F (10 degrees C), 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 to treat diaper rashes, stomach ulcers, burns. and seasonal allergies (although the honey you are taking must be from the same area that 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 was found in King Tut’s tomb that 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 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. In no time, you are likely to see the difference.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 friendHoney Is Soothing
If you suffer from anxiety, nervousness, or the inability to get a good night’s sleep, try honey. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey to a mug of hot water. Stir and enjoy!Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog and the author of the book “Debt-Proof Living.” Mary invites you to visit her at her website, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at EverydayCheapskate.com/contact, “Ask Mary.” Tips can be submitted at Tips.EverydayCheapskate.com. This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Copyright 2021 Creators.com
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