How to Keep Honey Soft

Each bee produces 1/2 tsp. of honey in its lifetime.

Collected nectar becomes honey in the beehive. One busy queen and thousands of male drones use the honey for food and to heat the hive during cold months. Professional beekeepers collect the bees' sweet work and sell it to consumers. There are many varieties of honey, each with its own special sweetness and subtle flavor. Occasionally, if the honey is not used fast enough, it may crystallize or harden. Keep this natural sweetener soft so it's always ready to use in your coffee or in your favorite recipes.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic or glass container with lid
• Small saucepan

Instructions

1. Pour the honey into an airtight glass or plastic container. Use a spoon to scrape out any honey from the original container.

2. Screw the lid on tightly.

3. Place the jar of honey out of direct sunlight in a warm area.

4. Soften hardened honey by placing the honey, in the jar, in a small saucepan of warm water.

Tips & Warnings

• Honey may darken as it ages but it is still safe to use.

• If stored properly, honey does not go bad.

• Do not add water to the honey to soften it. This will ferment the honey and cause it to spoil.

• Do not refrigerate the honey. This will cause it harden.

References

• Utah State University: Food Storage Use It or Lose It
• Honey: Honey and Bees
• Still Tasty: How Long to Keep Honey