How to tell natural honey: crystallisation and the water test
Does crystallised honey mean it is fake? Does the glass of water test work? What to know before buying natural honey in Morocco.
Honey is one of the products people ask most about: is it pure? Does it contain sugar? Here is what is actually true.
Crystallisation is not fraud
Many people think honey that "sets" is fake. It is often the opposite: natural honey crystallises over time, especially in the cold, faster or slower depending on the flowers. To make it runny again, stand the jar in warm (not hot) water.
Glass of water, match: unreliable tests
- The glass of water: thick honey sinks to the bottom, but so does honey cut with a thick syrup.
- The match or flame test: gives no reliable answer.
The only real check is done in a laboratory. What matters most is where the honey comes from and trust in the seller.
Each flower, its honey
A honey's colour and taste depend on the flowers the bees visit:
- Alfalfa honey: 100% natural honey, at 100 DH.
- Orange blossom honey: a fresh citrus taste, 1 kg at 110 DH.
- Herb honey: raw honey with herb extracts, 500 g at 400 DH.
How to store honey
- In a closed glass jar, at room temperature.
- No need for the fridge: cold speeds up crystallisation.
- Always use a dry spoon: water spoils honey.
Note: never give honey to babies under one year old.
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