At Honingwinkel.nl we regularly get the question:
"My honey has hardened, is it still good?"
The short answer: yes, absolutely!
Sugared (granulated) honey is actually a sign of real, natural honey . In this article, we explain why honey sugars, what it says about its quality, and how to handle it.
What is candied honey anyway?
Saccharification – also called crystallization – is a natural process in which liquid honey slowly transforms into a solid, granular substance. This occurs because one of the natural sugars in honey, glucose , forms crystals. Honey with a higher glucose content will saccharify more quickly than honey with more fructose.
Is saccharification a sign of quality? Absolutely!
Contrary to popular belief, saccharification is not a sign of bad or spoiled honey . On the contrary, it means the honey hasn't been heated or industrially filtered . Commercial honey brands often pasteurize and ultrafilter honey to prevent saccharification, but this compromises flavor, aroma, and beneficial nutrients like enzymes and antioxidants.
So, saccharification is a natural characteristic of real, unprocessed honey , such as that from our beekeepers.
Why does some honey remain liquid?
Not all honey crystallizes at the same rate. The speed depends on:
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The flower type : Acacia honey and chestnut honey, for example, remain liquid for much longer due to their high fructose content.
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Processing : Industrial honey is often highly heated, which slows down or even completely stops crystallization.
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The temperature : Honey crystallizes faster at temperatures around 10–15 °C.
At Honingwinkel.nl, we sell only real, raw honey —and it's perfectly safe to candy. That means it's alive!
How do you make saccharified honey liquid again?
It's very simple: place the honey jar in a bowl of warm water (bain-marie) at a maximum temperature of 40°C . Let it melt gently, stirring occasionally.
Note: Never heat honey in the microwave or above 40°C, as this will destroy the valuable enzymes and aromas.
In short: candying is a sign of pure honey
Candied honey is:
- 100% natural
- Unedited
- Rich in flavor and nutrients
- A sign of real quality
So, are you seeing crystals in your honey jar? Don't worry—that's just how it should be with good honey from Honingwinkel.nl.
