Is your honey crystallised? Don't be alarmed; it's a natural occurrence. However, there are simple ways to make it pourable again. We've all experienced frustration while attempting to open jars of really solid honey. Since honey doesn't spoil, you can use it in its crystallised form.
But pourable honey is simply so much more effective and convenient to use. Softening is a quick and simple procedure. Continue reading to learn easy techniques for softening honey without sacrificing its flavour or quality.
What Causes Honey To Harden?
Starting a dish only to discover that all you have in your pantry are jars of crystallised or hardened honey is so frustrating, whether you're using processed or raw honey. However, this crystallisation is totally natural. Due to the presence of glucose, fructose, and water in honey, the sugars may separate from the honey and crystallise.
Although you can consume these crystals without any problems, you might not like how they feel. The honey's ability to crystallise can be influenced by the glucose-to-fructose ratio. Higher fructose honey has a tendency to crystallise more slowly than honey with a higher glucose content.
Three Ways To Soften Your Honey
Warm Water Method:
If you have the time, you can warm honey in a glass or plastic container by submerging it in a bowl of warm (not steaming) water. The water level should be at least halfway up from the level of the honey in the jar.
You must keep adding warm or hot water to the cooling water until the honey is completely softened. Although simple and efficient, this procedure needs some time and patience.
Sunlight Method:
You may try keeping a jar of ordinary honey in a sunny area if you want it to melt. Maybe on your counter's exposed edge or a windowsill. However, softening honey in this manner is not widely recommended. You could end up overheating it and losing the honey's therapeutic effects.
Microwave Method:
Now, the microwave is your fallback option if you simply don't have time but need your honey for a recipe right away. Although it isn't advised to do this frequently because heating honey in the microwave might lose many of its health benefits, it will still taste good in a pinch.
First, put your honey in a glass jar that is microwave-safe. After that, microwave it for 30 seconds. Take great care to prevent letting it boil. Stir once more, and if necessary, add 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each addition to make sure your honey is smooth and liquid. Before usage, remove the jar from the microwave with care, set it on the counter on a dish towel or a cloth hot pad, and allow it to come to room temperature for at least an hour. You can use it in your recipe as soon as it has cooled to room temperature.