Facts & Questions
No *Honey has an indefinite shelf life and does not spoil. Archaeologists have found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and still perfectly edible. Its natural composition, low water content, and acidic pH create an environment that inhibits the growth of microorganisms and spoilage.
Honey crystallizes because of its natural sugar composition, primarily containing glucose and fructose. When the ratio of glucose to fructose shifts, and the honey becomes supersaturated with sugar, crystals form. These crystals give honey a grainy or solid texture.
Crystallization is absolutely okay and natural for honey. It doesn’t mean the honey has gone bad; in fact, it’s a sign of purity and quality. Honey crystallization is a reversible process, and it doesn’t affect the taste or nutritional value. Crystallized honey is still perfectly safe to eat.
The crystallization process can be influenced by factors like temperature, the honey’s floral source, and impurities present. If you prefer liquid honey, you can easily return it to its liquid state by gently warming it. Placing the honey container in warm water or using a microwave on low power with intermittent stirring will dissolve the crystals without compromising the honey’s quality.
So, don’t worry if your honey becomes a bit solid over time—it’s just honey being its natural, versatile self. You can enjoy it in its crystallized form or bring it back to liquid with a little warmth.
Wax dipping is done to protect wooden bee boxes from weathering, decay, and pests. The wax creates a protective barrier, extending the life of the hive equipment. It’s not mandatory but is often recommended, especially in regions with harsh weather conditions. Wax dipping enhances the durability of bee boxes, making them more resistant to moisture and pests. Some beekeepers may wax dip annually, while others do it every few years.
Typically, a mixture of paraffin and microcrystalline wax is used for dipping bee boxes. This mix is designed to remain hard in the summer heat and will impregnate the wood. It also means that it can be heated up to a temperature that will kill pathogens. Some beekeepers may use a blend of waxes and natural resins.
They can, but the wax will cling to the metal. It may fill the screen holes in the bottom board if not immediately wiped, and it will dull the shine of the lid. It will work fine, but you may not be pleased with how it looks.
DO NOT FEED TO INFANTS UNDER ONE YEAR OF AGE!
Our Honey is Processed and prepared without state inspection.
Honey Nutrition Facts
The USDA provides the following honey nutrition facts information for
1 tablespoon (21 grams) of honey.
- Calories: 64
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 17g
- Protein: 0.1g
- Potassium: 10.9mg
- Iron: 0.1mg
- Calcium: 1.3mg
Carbs
The calories in honey come from carbohydrates, specifically sugar. The sugar in honey is about 50% glucose and 50% fructose. The glycemic index of honey is estimated to be around 60. A teaspoon has a glycemic load of approximately 3.5. For comparison, the glycemic index of table sugar (sucrose) is 65.
Fats
There is no fat in honey.
Protein
Honey contains trace amounts of protein, but not enough to contribute to your daily protein requirements.
Vitamins and Minerals
The vitamins and minerals in honey may include B vitamins, calcium, copper, iron, zinc, and others, which are mainly derived from the soil and nectar‐producing plants. The quality of honey and its mineral content are determined by where it is grown and how it is processed.
Generally, darker honey provides more vitamins and minerals than pale honey, but honey is usually consumed in such small amounts that it will not significantly contribute to meeting your daily vitamin and mineral needs.
A tablespoon of honey provides 64 calories, almost all of which come from carbohydrates in the form of sugar.
Adverse Effects
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to never give honey to babies during the first year of life. It is a potential source of botulism-causing spores which can lead to severe illness in young babies.
American Academy of Pediatrics. Botulism.
Health Benefits
Certain varieties of honey have been shown to offer promising healing powers. When applying these characteristics to everyday life, it’s essential to balance honey’s purported health benefits with the nutritional cost (high sugar content).
Also, it is important to remember that honey is often consumed in small quantities that may not be equivalent to amounts used in studies to investigate potential benefits.
May Soothe a Cough
Research suggests honey may help calm a cough. A review of six studies treating coughs in children found that a spoonful of honey suppresses a cough as well as dextromethorphan—the cough suppressant found in Robitussin DM—and better than Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or no treatment. The research also found honey may provide longer relief than Albuterol (salbutamol).
May Promote Regularity
Studies suggest that honey might positively impact the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Researchers theorize that phytochemicals and flavonoids may help aid digestive processes in the body. But so far studies that support this benefit are limited in size and scope.
For instance, one study involving rats showed that raw honey soothed the stomach and reduced diarrhea and constipation symptoms. Honey reduces the severity and duration of viral diarrhea better than conventional antiviral treatment. However, the benefit has not been replicated in humans.
May Support Reproductive Health
A type of honey called royal jelly has numerous effects on female reproductive health. Royal jelly has been found to reduce premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopausal symptoms.
The antioxidants in royal jelly may help reduce oxidative damage associated with the aging of the ovaries. Preliminary animal studies also suggest that royal jelly improves sperm quality for men. Although promising, this effect has yet to be proven in humans.
Aids Wound Healing
Propolis, a component in honey, is made up of 50% resin, 30% wax, 10% essential oils, 5% pollen, and 5% other organic compounds. Propolis suppresses the activity of free radicals and promotes the synthesis of collagen, both beneficial for wound healing.
The ability of propolis to promote wound healing has been suggested for diabetic foot ulcers and certain types of acne when used topically.
May Reduce Cancer Risk
Honey may impact the development of cancer during multiple stages of the progression of the disease. Honey has been shown to induce tumor cell apoptosis (cell death), reduce inflammation, and inhibit tumor growth in in-vitro (test tube) studies.
Studies in humans have yet to show this benefit. Although honey is not an effective treatment for cancer in itself, preliminary studies suggest the need for further investigation.