Why Does Honey Crystallize And What
To Do About It?

You bought a jar of natural honey, but after a while, it thickened and developed small crystals? Don’t worry—this is a normal and natural process that actually proves your honey is pure and unprocessed!

Why Does Honey Crystallize?

Crystallization is the process of liquid honey turning into a thick, grainy, or even solid mass. This happens because honey naturally contains two main types of sugars: glucose and fructose. Over time, the glucose in honey separates from the water and forms tiny crystals, while the fructose remains liquid. The balance between these sugars, as well as the presence of pollen and other natural particles, encourages the formation of crystals.

The higher the glucose content, the faster the crystallization. For example, rapeseed (canola) honey tends to harden much more quickly than acacia or tupelo honey, which are higher in fructose and stay liquid longer. Temperature also plays a big role: low temperatures speed up the process, which is why honey often becomes thicker or crystallizes during the colder months. Even the storage container can have an effect—honey stored in glass jars tends to crystallize faster than honey in plastic.

What to Do If Your Honey Crystallizes?

1. Enjoy It as Is: If you like thick, spreadable honey, simply use it as it is! Crystallized honey retains all its beneficial properties, flavor, and nutrients. It’s perfect for spreading on toast or stirring into yogurt.

2. Gently Liquefy: If you prefer liquid honey, place the jar in a bowl of warm water (up to 40°C or 104°F). Stir occasionally until the crystals dissolve. Be careful not to overheat it—high temperatures can destroy the valuable enzymes, vitamins, and antioxidants in your honey.

3. Avoid the Microwave: Never use a microwave to re-liquefy honey, as the intense heat can damage its natural structure and health benefits.

Remember, crystallization is a natural sign of pure, raw honey. Many commercial honeys are heated and ultra-filtered to prevent crystallization, but this process removes much of the honey’s natural goodness. At ECOBEEZZZ, we never heat our honey, so if your jar crystallizes, you can be sure it’s 100% natural and unprocessed.

Tips for Slowing Down Crystallization

• Store honey at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and cold drafts.

• Keep the lid tightly closed to prevent moisture from entering the jar.

• If you buy honey in bulk, consider dividing it into smaller jars to minimize exposure to air.

Crystallized honey is just as delicious and healthy as liquid honey, so embrace this natural transformation as a mark of quality!