Honey

Honey Color, Flavor and Form

Color, Flavor and Form Honeys differ in color and taste depending on the blossoms visited by the honey bees. In general, lighter-colored honeys are milder in flavor while darker-colored honeys are bolder. Honey is enjoyed in several forms – comb honey, liquid honey and whipped honey.

Storage Store honey at room temperature, never in the refrigerator. If honey crystallizes, simply place the honey container in warm water and stir until crystals dissolve. Or, microwave 1 cup of honey in a microwave-safe container, stirring every 30 seconds, until crystals dissolve. Be careful not to boil or scorch the honey.

Health Benefits Research has shown that unlike most other sweeteners, honey contains small amounts of a wide array of vitamins, minerals and amino acids as well as antioxidants. Honey's composition also makes it an effective antimicrobial agent. Research continues into the use of honey for treating minor burns and scrapes and for aiding the treatment of sore throats and other bacterial infections. Honey is also a great pre-workout energy source, aiding an athlete's endurance and helping the athlete's muscles recuperate following a race or workout.

Beauty Treatments Honey is a natural humectant, which means it has the ability to attract and retain moisture. Try using honey in facial masks, bath oils, hair conditioners and more.

Substitution and Cooking Tips For best results, select recipes developed for using honey. When you do substitute honey for granulated sugar in recipes, begin by substituting honey for up to half of the sugar called for in the recipe. With experimentation, honey can be substituted for all of the sugar in some recipes. When substituting honey for sugar in baked goods:

• Reduce the liquid in the recipe by 1/4 cup for each cup of honey used.
• Add about 1/2 teaspoon baking soda for each cup of honey used.
• Reduce oven temperature by 25 degrees to prevent over-browning.
  
  Note: Honey should not be fed to infants under one year of age. Honey is a safe and wholesome food for older children and adults.

Why is Honey Kosher?