How to spot real honey: Simple tests that save your health
Honey is not just a treat, but also a treasure trove of health benefits. Unfortunately, all too often we find that instead of real honey, we've purchased artificial honey. How can you tell if honey is genuine? These tips can help.
For centuries, honey has been valued not only for its sweet taste but primarily for its rich health properties. It is a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support the immune system and protect against diseases. However, store shelves are not short of artificial substitutes that may resemble real honey in appearance but lack its many benefits. So how can you differentiate real honey from artificial?
How to check if the honey is real?
By knowing the basic differences between the two products, you can avoid purchasing poor-quality honey. Real honey naturally crystallises, taking on a matte appearance, while artificial honey often remains perfectly smooth and fluid. Over time, a characteristic white coating forms on the surface. These are sugar crystals that indicate the high quality of the honey. Artificial honey almost never crystallises, which is an important clue when shopping.
Another aspect worth paying attention to is the consistency of the product. Natural honey should have a thicker consistency, while artificial honey is too runny and often opaque. The colour of honey can also vary and depends on the plants from which the bees collected nectar. Remember that an overly uniform colour and transparency may indicate that the honey is not real.
How can you test the honey? At home, you can conduct a few simple tests that help distinguish real honey from its artificial counterpart. One of the most well-known is the matchstick test. It involves dipping the head of a matchstick in honey and trying to light it. If the honey is natural, the match should light, which is not possible with moist, artificial honey.
One method is to spread honey on a plate. If the honey forms a cone, it is most likely real. If it spreads out on the plate, it might be artificial.
Another method is to observe the behaviour of honey in water. In the case of real honey, when dropped into water, it will settle at the bottom and dissolve unevenly, creating streaks. Artificial honey, on the other hand, dissolves quickly and evenly.
What to look for when buying honey?
When buying honey, it's best to choose it from local beekeepers. These products are often of higher quality because they come from a reliable source. Additionally, local producers more frequently offer natural honey, which is not a blend of different honeys.
During shopping, it is also worth reading the labels carefully. Real honey clearly indicates its place of origin and ingredients. Products with generic descriptions or many additional ingredients should be avoided. Often, labels can provide information on where the honey comes from, which is further proof of its authentic source.
