Crystallized Raw Honey Is A Beautiful Thing!

Have a sweet tooth or maybe a sore throat?  

Since ancient times, raw honey has been a staple in homes. Cultures around the world, including the Egyptians, the Greeks, the Romans, and the Chinese, have fallen for the sweet substance. Raw honey, which comes straight from the beehive, is not only delicious, it also contains healthful bee pollen, bee propolis, and plenty of antioxidants.  

It's because of these attributes that raw honey is used both in medicine and in the kitchen. And the reason why today we continue to buy raw honey. Some of us filling our pantries with multiple jars from our favorite local farms and markets. So, what happens when raw honey crystallizes? Do we have to throw it out, or is it still good?  

Crystallized raw honey is not spoiled and preserves the flavor and quality characteristics of liquid honey. So, if you've noticed your jar of honey getting hard and granular, don't fret! 

There are many uses for crystallized raw honey.   

1. Don't Throw it Out - Eat It! 

Many like it in this state since it is easy to spread on bread or toast without dripping off, and the taste is richer. Crystallized raw honey dissolves easily in a hot tea, tastes delicious spread onto waffles, or adds a sweet crunch when eating it by the spoonful right out of the jar! At the farm, we use it to make our Blueberry Sauce. The recipe can be found in our Facebook Group, Blueberry Fields, at Hazens Blueberry Farm 

2. Use it When You're Baking 

Crystallized raw honey is a great sugar substitute. The honey's lower moisture content means fewer adjustments to the liquids in your recipes while maintaining the classic honey sweetness. You can use it to make a honey simple syrup to sweeten drinks, add it to yogurt for texture and sweetness, spread it on fish, meat and chicken, or any way you would typically use honey.  

3. Make a Beautiful Creamy Spread (My Favorite) 

Light, frothy, and with the full, rich taste of honey, this is a delicious way to use crystallized raw honey. 

Ingredients: (1 to 1 portions in case you want to make a larger amount) 

1/2 cup of crystallized honey 

1/2 cup of liquid honey  

1/4 teaspoon of ground vanilla beans 

In a bowl, place the crystallized honey, liquid honey and vanilla. Using an electric mixer, whip the honey until it becomes very light and frothy (about 10 - 15 minutes). Pour into a jar and store at room temperature. 

4. Scrub with It 

Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it pulls water into itself. When used on the skin, it hydrates and softens your complexion and leaves behind a lightly sweet fragrance. The crystallized raw honey's lightly coarse texture is a perfect all-natural way to slough away impurities from the skin. 

Do you have a favorite way you use crystalized raw honey? Share it with us in the comments below, we would love to hear from you! 

Crystallized Honey is a Beautiful Thing!!