Found your honey has gone hard?
Here’s how to rescue it.
But what happens when you reach for the honey, only to find it hardened into the container?
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Why Does Honey Harden?
Honey naturally hardens over time in a process called crystallization.
How To Soften Honey
There are several methods you could use to de-crystalize your hardened honey.
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The water level should be at least halfway up to the level of the honey in the jar.
This method is easy and effective, but it requires some patience and time, generally around 20 minutes.
Do not let any water get inside the honey container.
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Using this method, you’re free to soften honey in about 15 minutes.
Its better to transfer honey into a glass or ceramic vessel first.
Microwave the hard honey for about 30 seconds.
Then stir it, and microwave in additional 15-second increments as needed, until all the honey is liquified.
Though the longest method, this is perhaps the most passive way to de-crystalize your honey.
Can I Soften Honey In A Plastic Container?
you might use a heat-safe plastic container to soften honey using the warm water methods.
However, you should avoid microwaving plastic if possible.
Does Honey Expire?
In short,honey does not expire.
Because there are more sugars than water in honey, it is an inhospitable host for bacteria.
Note:Do not store honey in the refrigerator.
Instead of slowing down the process of crystallization and hardening, this will only speed it up.
(The same goes for storage in a very cold pantry or garage.)
It makes a great, healthier substitution for sugar.
See some of our favorite recipes below:
Purdue Extension FoodLink.Honey.
Published August 10, 2023.
Published August 20, 2019.
Plastic Food Container Safety.Integr Med (Encinitas).2024;23(2):6-10.
