How to Soften Honey: A Helpful Guide

Do you have a jar of honey that has become hard and difficult to use? Fear not! This article will teach you how to soften honey in no time. Himalayan mad honey has been prized for its natural healing properties, but it can be a pain when it hardens. All types of honey will crystalize if left unattended for too long. Luckily, there are several methods that you can use to soften it up. Keep reading for our helpful guide!

DO YOU HAVE A JAR OF HONEY THAT IS SO HARD THAT YOU CAN'T GET IT OUT OF THE POT?

Crystallized honey is a common problem, but it doesn't mean you have to throw your honey away. There are several ways to soften crystallized honey and make it usable again.

We will also provide tips on preventing your honey from crystallizing in the future. This way, you can enjoy the healthful benefits of your Himalayan mad honey for longer!

If you don’t already have some, purchase a jar from our store now!

 

WHAT IS HONEY, AND WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?

Honey is a sweet, sticky substance that’s produced by bees. Bees collect nectar from flowers and then store it in their honey stomachs. The nectar is mixed with enzymes and then regurgitated into the hive, which is stored in honeycomb cells. Once the cells are complete, the bees seal them with wax to preserve the honey.

Himalayan mad honey is an ancient variety of medicinal honey that contains compounds not found in standard honey. Native Nepalese have been using this sticky elixir for thousands of years to help reduce stress and anxiety, sleep well, and ease life’s everyday pains. Authentic Himalayan mad honey is found high in the rugged mountains of Nepal and has only become available to outsiders in recent years.

HOW TO SOFTEN MAD HONEY AND PRESERVE ITS BENEFICIAL PROPERTIES

1. WARM WATER METHOD

This is the quickest and easiest method for softening honey. Simply fill a pot with hot water from the tap and place your honey jar into it. Let it sit for a few minutes until the honey has softened. You can remove the container from the pot and use it as desired. Make sure to use hot, but not boiling, water; excessive heat can damage the precious compounds that make your Himalayan mad honey so special.

2. HONEY IN A SUNNY SPOT

If you don't have time to wait for the honey to soften, you can place the jar in a sunny spot. The heat from the sun will help to loosen the honey and make it easier to use. Long-term sunny storage should be avoided, however. Once your honey has reached a more pliable state, return it to a darkened, room-temperature storage location.

3. MICROWAVE HONEY

If you are in a hurry, use this microwave method to soften hard honey quickly. Place the honey in the microwave-safe glass jar and heat it low for 30 seconds. Check the honey to see if it has softened; if not, heat it for an additional 15 seconds. Continue as needed until the honey crystals relax. You should be careful not to overheat the honey, but if you follow these steps, this shouldn’t be an issue.

4. NATURAL PROCESS

Some unexpected natural processes can help to soften honey, too. One is to mix the honey with an equal amount of hot water and then place it in a sealed container. It will cause the honey to liquefy and be easier to use.

Another method is to add a slice of fresh ginger or a few cloves of garlic to the honey. Let it sit for a few hours to infuse the flavors into the honey. It will make it easier to use and also add to your mad honey’s already potent healing abilities. Natural therapies, like life, are all about synergy!

TIPS FOR PREVENTING HONEY FROM CRYSTALLIZING

Honey naturally contains glucose molecules. Over time, these molecules will separate from the fructose and rise to the top of the honey. This process is called crystallization, making the honey hard and challenging to use. The honey hasn’t spoiled (in fact, honey can’t spoil.) You can use crystalized honey the same as you would regular honey. However, it is easier to use if you reintegrate the crystals.

But of course, the best thing to do is to prevent crystalization before it starts. There are a few things that you can do to avoid honey crystalization.

1. Make sure you store your honey in an airtight container, at room temperature, in a dark area away from direct sunlight. It will help keep the honey's moisture and temperature constant and prevent the formation of crystals.
2. Keep an eye on your honey. If you catch crystalization early, you can place the jar in a pot of hot water. The heat will help loosen the crystals and prevent them from spreading.
3. You can add a bit of lemon juice or vinegar to your honey, and it will change the pH of the honey and prevent crystallization.
4. Our preferred method? Use your Himalayan mad honey within a few months before crystalization becomes a bigger risk. After all, your honey can’t crystalize if you don’t give it the time … and your body and mind could use the love.

HOW TO STORE AND MAINTAIN LIQUID HONEY 

Once you have softened your honey and reclaimed it as liquid honey, you will need to store it properly, so it doesn't crystallize again. The best way to store honey is in an airtight container or a glass jar. Favor darker containers to keep out sunlight. Our Himalayan mad honey ships in darkened plastic containers to help maintain your honey at peak freshness and efficacy.

Remember, mad honey and honey generally do better at room temperature or warmer. Colder temperatures promote crystallization faster. Avoid storing your honey in the refrigerator or freezer for this reason.

BENEFITS OF SOFTENING HONEY

There are a few benefits of using softened mad honey.

• The first is that it is easier to use. Hard, crystallized honey can be difficult to spread or measure, but softened honey is much easier to work with.
• Liquid honey has a more pleasant texture, particularly if you consume your mad honey as the natives do, smeared on a piece of crusty bread. Honey crystals are crunchy and change the experience. Some like it, but many don’t.
• Soft honey also has a better flavor. Heating honey helps to release aromas and flavors, making it more intense and delicious.
• Finally, softened honey is easier to digest. The enzymes in raw honey are easier to break down when they are in a liquid form. This makes the healing properties of your mad honey more bioavailable, potentiating their effects.

 

Himalayan mad honey is a potent natural remedy for many of the stresses that plague modern life. Whether your honey is soft, creamed, or crystallized, these benefits are available. Consume your honey however you like (or in whatever state you find it.)

FAQS ON HOW TO SOFTEN HONEY

Q: Does mad honey contain beneficial enzymes, vitamins, and minerals? Does crystallization affect these?

A: Like any honey, mad honey contains all of these beneficial compounds. More importantly, it contains prized grayanotoxins, those compounds responsible for mad honey’s health-promoting effects. These aren’t affected by crystallization. Temperature extremes can be damaging, however.

Q: What water temperature should I use when mixing with honey?

A: You should use hot water, but not boiling water. Boiling water will damage the honey and make it less effective.

Q: Should I use full, medium, or low power when microwaving honey?

A: You should use low power so that you don't damage the honey.

Q: If your honey crystallizes, can you still use it?

A: Yes, you can still use crystallized honey. It’s a crunchier experience, but it’s just as capable of aligning your mind, body, and spirit.

 

IN CONCLUSION

Crystallized honey can be a pain to deal with, but as you can see, there are several ways to soften it. Heat is the easiest way to accomplish this, but there are several other methods.

You can add a slice of fresh ginger or a few garlic cloves to infuse the flavors into the honey. To prevent honey from crystallizing, store it in an airtight container and add a bit of lemon juice or vinegar to change the pH.

We hope this information helps you get the most out of your Himalayan mad honey. If you have any other questions, please feel free to give us a call. There’s no experience quite like mad honey, and it's our goal to help you reap the benefits.