If you’ve ever opened a cupboard to find your honey has thickened and crystallised, there’s a good reason. Thankfully, there’s a simple solution to savour the smooth delight
Many of us don’t give a second thought to storing honey until we find it’s turned thick and crystallised, leaving us with a coarse, sugary mess instead of that smooth, sweet goodness. It’s a common reason why people chuck out perfectly fine honey, but there’s an easy fix to prevent this sticky situation.
The honey gurus at Asheville Bee Charmer have shared their wisdom, “All raw honey will crystallise over time, though the type of honey, method of storing, and temperature all affect how quickly it will crystallise.” They highlight that temperature is key, noting that crystallisation “happens much faster at lower temperatures”, especially under 10C (50F).
Their top tip? “Don’t store honey in a chilly basement or unheated mudroom.”
For Brits, that means avoiding places like conservatories, garages, and utility rooms where it can get chilly, reports the Express.
To keep your honey delightfully runny, stash it at room temperature, ideally between 10-21C (50-70F), in a cool, dry cupboard for the best results.
The team at Asheville Bee Charmer also has a top tip for honey lovers as they warn to steer clear of honey in plastic containers.
They point out that plastic, being more porous than glass, can let moisture sneak in, leading to crystallisation.
Instead, opt for glass jars with tight-fitting lids to keep your honey in tip-top condition. And if you do find your honey has gone grainy, don’t fret or toss it out.
The team at Just Bee Honey assures us that “there’s nothing wrong with crystallised honey” – it’s still perfectly good to eat.
You can even sprinkle those sugary crystals over your morning porridge for an extra bit of sweetness.
If you’re looking to restore your honey to its smooth state, just grab some warm tap water and a bowl.
Let the water heat up, then pop your honey jar into the bowl, filling it until the water reaches about three-quarters of the way up the jar. Give the honey a gentle stir with a teaspoon, careful not to splash any water inside.
If you think the cold is causing your honey to harden, try storing it in a warmer spot, maybe near a source of heat.
And don’t worry about honey going off – it’s got a shelf life that lasts for ages, so you can enjoy it for months on end.