One of the most common questions we get at Good Morning Honey is, “Why does my liquid honey crystallize?” Many people mistakenly believe that crystallized honey has gone bad, but the truth is that crystallization is a completely natural process that actually proves your honey is pure and unprocessed.
What Causes Honey to Crystallize?
Honey is made up of natural sugars—primarily glucose and fructose—along with water, pollen, and other natural compounds. Crystallization happens when glucose separates from the water in honey and forms tiny crystals. The rate at which honey crystallizes depends on several factors, including:
- Sugar Composition – Honey with a higher glucose content, such as canola honey, crystallizes faster while honey with more fructose stays liquid longer. WE DO NOT ADD SUGAR! These sugars are naturally occurring from the floral nectar source that the bees use to make the honey.
- Temperature – Honey stored below 10°C (50°F) crystallizes more quickly, which is why honey left in a cool pantry or fridge hardens faster. Ideally, honey should be stored at room temperature and not stored on a cement surface.
- Pollen & Natural Particles – Raw honey, like ours, contains tiny pollen grains and other natural components that act as “seeds” for crystallization. This is a sign that the honey is minimally processed and full of beneficial nutrients.
Does Crystallization Mean Honey is Spoiled?
Not at all! Crystallized honey is just as delicious and nutritious as liquid honey. In fact, some people prefer the spreadable texture of crystallized honey. Since honey is naturally antimicrobial and has an indefinite shelf life, it never actually spoils.
How to Soften Crystallized Honey
If you prefer your honey in a liquid form, simply warm it up!
- Place the jar in a bowl of warm water (not boiling) and stir occasionally.
- Alternatively, use a low-temperature setting on a double boiler.
- Avoid using the microwave, as high heat can destroy some of honey’s beneficial enzymes and natural flavors.
Embracing Crystallized Honey
Many customers have come to love the creamy texture of crystallized honey—it’s perfect for spreading on toast, stirring into tea, or using in baking. Some honey lovers even prefer creamed honey, which is controlled crystallization that results in a smooth, spreadable delight! Our creamed honey will stay a soft texture and has a peanut butter like consistency. It can be used just like liquid honey.
At Good Morning Honey, we take pride in offering 100% pure, raw, and natural Canadian honey. Crystallization is just another sign that your honey is real, unprocessed, and packed with all the goodness nature intended.
