Honey Myths: Common Misconceptions Addressed

Many honey myths exist — misconceptions people have about raw honey, its purity, what it looks and feels like, shelf life, and health benefits. In this article, we debunk some common honey myths and present facts.

Myth 1: All Pure Honey Crystallizes

• Fact: While crystallized honey is a sign of good quality, not all pure honey crystallizes. Crystallization depends on the fructose-to-glucose ratio. High glucose content means quicker crystallization, like Mustard Honey, while honeys like Acacia take longer due to lower glucose levels. External temperature also plays a role. Know more.

Myth 2: White Foam Indicates Spoiled Honey

• Fact: The white foam atop honey is merely air bubbles that have risen to the top. Far from spoiling, this foam is airy and delicious, and no cause for concern.

Myth 3: Honey never Spoils

• Fact: Honey has an incredibly long shelf life when stored properly and also due to its acidic nature and hydrogen peroxide content, which act as natural preservatives. On the other hand, its hygroscopic nature means it absorbs moisture, which can lead to spoilage. If you keep honey jars tightly closed, use dry, clean utensils to scoop honey, your honey will last a very long time.

Myth 4: Only Thick Honey is Pure

• Fact: Honey’s thickness, or viscosity, varies based on temperature, moisture content, and carbohydrate composition. Honey can be runny or thick without affecting purity. Regional climate also influences honey’s consistency.

Myth 5: Metal Spoons Damage Honey

Fact: Using a metal spoon to scoop honey is harmless. However, due to honey’s natural acidity, it’s not advisable to store honey in metal containers or leave metal utensils in honey for extended periods.

Myth 6: Excessive Sweetness Means Added Sugar

Fact: Honey is naturally sweeter than sugar due to its composition. The taste of honey varies greatly, from very sweet to flavors like malty, slightly bitter, tangy, or even fruity. The Honey Company offers a diverse range of raw honey to experience this diversity.

Myth 7: Honey and Diabetes

Fact: Diabetics should generally avoid sugar. Unprocessed honey may be included in a diabetic diet in controlled amounts, but it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional to fit honey into the prescribed carbohydrate intake.

Myth 8: Ants don’t eat Pure Honey

Fact: Ants love honey. Honey largely contains naturally occurring sugars like fructose, glucose and water in varying proportions and others sugars such as sucrose, maltose, turanose, trehalose, isomaltose, nigerose, kojibiose, maltulose, maltotriose, and melezitose. In addition honey consists of small quantities of protein, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, enzymes and polyphenols, including flavonoids. Ants eat honey for energy and nutrition. They store it in their ‘social stomachs’ or crop to share it with members of their colony.

Myth 9: Raw Honey and Allergies

Fact: The idea that consuming local raw honey can build tolerance to pollen allergies has some backing, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all remedy. It’s important to consult an allergist, especially for those with specific honey or bee-related allergies.

Note: Information sourced from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov