5 Easy Ways to Test Honey at Home — Number 3 Even Surprised Beekeepers!

 

Honey is one of the most ancient foods valued for its medicinal properties and its unique flavor. Sin embargo, en la actualidad es común contrar adulteradas versions que contienen en apenas a small portion of natural honey mixed with jarabes and azúcares. Therefore, it is important to identify whether the honey you buy is authentic. In continuation, we present five easy and effective cases to discover.
1. Pour
the honey into the frasco, mix gently and voltéalo.

Auténtica honey: when moving, it forms burbujas that slowly and can be delayed within a few hours by llegar to the surface, depending on its density and viscosity.

False honey: if the bubbles disappear quickly or do not appear, probably it has been diluted with water or jars.

2. Take a transparent water bottle and already have a spoonful of honey in the center without the remover.

Auténtica honey: little hasta el fondo and maintaine its form.

False honey: it disappears before it leaves on the bottom, it indicates that it contains additives.

3. Precautions for crystallization
Pure honey tends to crystallize in a natural form, even in cold climates or when the temperature is below 14 °C.

Authentic honey: it becomes thicker and presents small granules, without losing its properties.

Fake honey: remains liquid year-round, which may indicate heat treatment or mixing with sugars.

4. Paper test
Place a few drops of honey on a clean piece of paper or napkin.

Real honey: stays on the surface without spreading or wetting the paper.

Fake honey: leaves a wet halo due to the presence of water or syrups.

5. Aroma, flavor and texture
Aroma: Pure honey has a deep, floral smell.

Flavor: can be sweet with slight bitter notes.

Texture: Dense and slightly sticky, leaving a warm sensation in the throat.
Fake honey is usually excessively sweet, lacking aromatic nuances, and dissolves quickly in the mouth.

Tips and recommendations:
Buy honey from local producers or at fairs, where it’s easier to identify its origin.

Avoid honey that looks too runny and clear all year round.

Store honey in a cool, dry place, away from direct light, to preserve its properties.

If you’re looking for honey for medicinal purposes, choose honey from beekeepers who don’t use pasteurization processes.

Do not use wet spoons when taking honey, as moisture promotes fermentation.

Knowing how to identify authentic honey not only ensures you enjoy its natural flavor, but also all its health benefits. With these simple home tests, you can detect adulteration and choose a genuine, nutritious product straight from the hive to your table.