Honey is that delicious natural sweetener made by bees. The truth is that it is a food that, due to its numerous nutritional properties, has been used since ancient times.
Its elaboration is carried out only by honey bees or apis; as well as by the bees that lack stinger or the meliponinas. These are the only species that produce enough of this nectar to be fruitful harvesting.
The truth is that there are many myths and truths around this delicious delicacy. Next, we show you some of the most popular, pay attention!
Changes in the color, texture, or viscosity of the honey
Most people consider that honey is spoiled when it crystallizes, but nothing is further from the truth. The truth is that its crystallization is carried out by a natural process, which occurs when honey is preserved for a long time.
The crystallization of honey takes place when the water becomes saturated, separating from the glucose and forming small crystal-shaped structures.
The higher the percentage of water, the more likely it is to crystallize. A similar process occurs when this sweetener is stored at a low temperature.
In any case, this food does not spoil when it crystallizes, so it can continue to be consumed normally. Its properties and flavor will be the same regardless of the state in which the honey is.
Even so, if we want it to return to the liquid state, we can put it in a water bath until it is diluted.
Honey must be liquid
There is a misconception that honey should be liquid, that it never hardens, but this is not the case. The truth is that we can find it in three different ways: liquid, solid or in the form of a cream.
Generally, we find it in a liquid state, since the bees produce it and a series of processes are carried out that facilitate the existence of an appropriate temperature and ventilation, which maintain the correct humidity of the honey. This facilitates obtaining a nectar in perfect condition for consumption.
On the other hand, when the honey is removed from the hive, there is a change both in the environment and in the humidity, causing it to lose properties … but be careful! It only affects the physical properties, not the benefits.
With this, the consistency is altered, ending in one of the three states. Depending on the state in which it is, its characteristics change. Therefore, although they can be used in different ways, this does not make them worse or better … just different!
Honey does not spoil
As has been verified through various archaeological finds, the ancient Egyptians already used honey. Thus, honey pots have been found inside the tombs of the pharaohs, but the most curious of all is the fact that this nectar is still edible 3,000 years later.
In this way, we can affirm that honey does not spoil over the years. However, we must bear in mind that although it does not spoil, its flavor, texture or aroma may vary over time.
To ensure that these qualities are maintained for as long as possible, it is recommended to properly store the honey in a hermetically sealed jar. This container should be stored at room temperature in a dry place, where there is not too much humidity and it does not receive direct sunlight.
Now, why does honey last so long without spoiling? The truth is that the secret of its durability is due to an enzyme that bees contain in their stomach. This enzyme prevents the growth of bacteria, transforming the absorbed nectar into gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide.
Honey must be a specific color
This myth is like the previous one, there is no law, no exact formula, and no single type of honey.
There are many factors that affect honey, from the location, the weather conditions, the season of the year… Thus, there are honeys of a great variety of colors and flavors.
Thus, the hue of honey can vary remarkably from an almost whitish or a very soft color, to shades of dark amber, gold or brown. Depending on your needs, you can choose light or dark honeys:
- Clear honeys: Rich in vitamin A, clear honeys are a great source of energy and have numerous restorative properties that are beneficial for the body.
- Dark honeys: These honeys have numerous antibacterial properties and are rich in minerals such as iron, phosphorus or magnesium.
More nutritious than sugar
It is a food composed of water, vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Among the benefits of this natural sweetener we find:
- Provides necessary energy for the body
- Rich in antioxidants beneficial for brain functions
- Rich in carbohydrates and glucose: This is why honey is considered a natural energy provider
The energy provided by honey is comparable to that obtained from caffeine, but its duration is much longer. In fact, different studies certify how honey is a healthy alternative to sweeteners, both natural and artificial.
This is due to the fact that it is much sweeter, and less quantity is needed to obtain the same energy.
Improves the immune system
But honey is not only a natural sweetener. This food has numerous medicinal properties, which go beyond fighting infections.
The truth is that taking a tablespoon of honey daily helps to strengthen the immune system. This is due to the fact that this natural sweetener facilitates the production of immune cells, at the same time that it helps fight allergies or soothes throat discomfort.
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