How to identify real honey? Things to watch out for

It is important to research the source and quality of the honey from which it is obtained, as consuming fake honey in the market poses a health risk. The best choice is to buy from a reliable honey producer or grower and to deal with it consciously.

Fake honey on the market

The fact that honey is a natural food attracts the attention of those who want to counterfeit it. For this reason, both fake honey and real honey can be found on the market. To produce mock honey, ingredients such as sugar, corn syrup, glucose or other sweeteners are added to the honey.

Consumption of fake honey is risky to health. Because the sugar and sweeteners in fake honey do not replace the natural sugars and nutrients in real honey. In addition, the adverse effects of the ingredients used to produce fake honey on health are also known.

So, how do you spot fake honey on the market? Here are some tips for you:

Price

If the price of honey is much lower than usual, chances are the honey is fake.

Coherence

Natural honey usually has a dense and firm consistency. Fake honey, on the other hand, can be more runny and runny.

Colour

The color of fake honey can often be brighter and more homogeneous. Natural honey, on the other hand, usually has a more matte and cloudy appearance.

Crystallization

Sugar crystals can form in natural honey. Fake honey, however, does not crystallize or crystallises too late.

Brand and manufacturer data

Choosing honey with reliable brand or manufacturer information can reduce the risk of fake honey.

How to identify fake honey?

Honey is a natural food with many health benefits. However, fake honey can also be found on the market. Fake honey is a product made with sugar or other sweeteners and obtained by mixing sweeteners not collected by bees. Consumption of fake honey can cause health problems and cheating. That is why it is important to distinguish between real honey and fake honey. This is how you recognize a fake honey:

Price

The price of real honey can be high due to the rarity of the nectar bees collect to make honey. The price of fake honey is usually lower than the price of real honey. A very low price is a sign that it may be fake honey.

Colour

The color of fake honey often appears brighter and artificial. The color of real honey can vary depending on the plant species collected by the bees and the maturation process. Fake honey is usually found in colors from yellow to brown.

Taste

The taste of fake honey is usually very sweet and differs from the natural taste of real honey. Also, the taste and aroma of fake honey is often artificial.

odor

The scent of fake honey is different from the natural floral scent of real honey. The scent of fake honey is usually lighter and more artificial.

Intensity

Real honey usually has a dense texture and fake honey is more liquid. Fake honey is also less dense so it can spread more easily.

Crystallization

Real honey may crystallize over time, but the crystals are usually small. The sugar crystals in fake honey can be larger.

Fake honey is made with sweeteners and sugars and does not exhibit the natural properties of real honey. Consumption of fake honey can cause health problems. Therefore, it is important to examine the properties such as price, color, taste, smell, density and crystallization to understand the counterfeiting of honey. Consuming real honey is good for health and avoiding consuming fake honey is the way to go.

What are the benefits of real honey?

Honey is a natural food that has been consumed by humans for thousands of years and has many health benefits. Real honey is obtained by processing the nectar collected naturally by bees, and no additives or artificial sweeteners are added to the processing process. These are the health benefits of real honey:

1. Creates an antioxidant effect

It is a food rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants can prevent cell damage by fighting free radicals in the body. Honey can protect health by increasing the levels of antioxidants in the body, especially since it is rich in antioxidants called polyphenols.

2. Heals wounds

Honey is known for its wound healing properties. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, honey reduces the risk of infection and can speed up the healing process of wounds.

3. Strengthens the immune system

It is one of the foods that strengthen the immune system. The antibacterial and antiviral components in honey can help the immune system fight infection.

4. Relieves sore throat

Honey can help relieve symptoms such as a sore throat. Honey’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can ease a sore throat and prevent coughing.

5. It facilitates digestion

Honey can be beneficial for digestion. Thanks to its antibacterial and prebiotic properties, honey can help the growth of good bacteria in the gut and relax the digestive tract.

6. Affects Heart Health

The antioxidants in honey are beneficial for maintaining heart health. Honey may protect heart health by lowering cholesterol levels, regulating blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Things to consider while consuming honey

Although honey is a natural food, it can cause health problems in some people. Therefore, it is important to be careful when consuming honey. Here are some points to keep in mind when consuming honey:

Honey contains a lot of calories

Honey contains a lot of sugar and is rich in calories. It can cause weight gain if consumed in excess. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the amount of honey when consuming honey.

Honey consumption in babies

Honey may contain spores of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. This bacteria can grow in babies’ intestines and cause a serious illness called botulism. Therefore, it is recommended that babies up to one year old do not consume honey.

Sources of honey

The quality of honey can vary depending on the source. Some types of honey differ according to the plant species from which the bees collect their nectar. That’s why it’s important to buy honey from high-quality and reliable sources.

Storage of honey

It is normal for honey to crystallize naturally. However, storing honey in hot and humid environments can cause it to spoil. Therefore, it is necessary to store honey in a cool and dry place.

Allergic reactions to honey

Honey can cause allergic reactions in some people. People with bee allergies should consult their doctor before consuming honey.

fake babies

It is necessary to pay attention to the presence of people selling fake honey in the market. It is produced by mixing fake honey with sugar syrup or other sweeteners. Consumption of fake honey can cause health problems. Therefore, it is necessary to be careful when buying honey from reliable sources.

Is most of the honey sold in the market fake?

No, most commercially available honey can be real honey. However, there are also fake honey producers, so it is important to buy honey from reliable sources.

How can I tell if the color of honey is real?

The color of honey can vary depending on the source of the honey and environmental factors. In general, light-colored honeys have a lighter sweetness, while dark-colored honeys offer a more intense flavor and aroma. However, the color alone does not tell whether it is real honey.

How do I know if the smell of honey is real?

The smell of real honey comes from the objects of flowers and has a sweet smell. The smell of fake honey can often resemble a chemical smell or have no smell at all.

How do I know if the taste of honey is real?

The taste of real honey can vary depending on the source and manufacturing process. However, it usually has a natural sweet taste and leaves a feeling of lightness in the throat. The taste of fake honey can often be very sweet, artificial and homogeneous in taste.

Does the crystallization of honey indicate whether it is real?

No, the crystallization of honey is a natural process and is not an indication of real honey. Honey can crystallize depending on environmental factors and production methods.

What methods can I use to store honey?

Honey is best stored in a cool, dry and unlit place. In addition, it is necessary to store it in an airtight container and ensure that the temperature does not exceed 25 degrees.

What should I pay attention to when consuming honey?

When consuming honey, it is necessary to pay attention to the amount of calories, not to consume it until the baby is one year old, to buy from quality sources, to store it correctly and to be careful of allergic reactions. Also avoid fake honey