Pure Honey Facts

Bees making honey

As nature's sweetener, the thick golden goodness of honey offers plenty of benefits. This natural antioxidant was used as medicine in ancient Egypt; it was also used to treat battlefield wounds during the First World War many centuries later and continues to be a popular home remedy today.

Taste

Pure honey has a rich and unique sweet flavor that varies depending on where the honey is harvested and the flowers from which bees gather nectar.

Sugar Substitute

Due to its sweet taste, honey can be used as a substitute for granulated sugar. In recipes calling for one cup of sugar, you can substitute 3/4 cup of honey.

Shelf Life

A jar of honey can sit on the pantry shelf for years and still be edible because it does not chemically break down the same way most other foods do. Therefore, it does not require an expiration date.

Health Benefits

Pure honey has many health and medicinal benefits. It helps the body resist infection and can help cuts, burns and other skin irritations heal if applied directly to the injured area.

Dangers

According to the Academy of Pediatrics, honey should not be given to infants or children under the age of two. Honey contains bacterial spores that can cause botulism when ingested by young children.

References

• Food Fun & Facts
• Uptodate For Patients

Resources

• American Academy of Pediatrics