Why Does Raw Honey Crystallize? And Is It Still Good?

Why Does Raw Honey Crystallize?

If you've opened a jar of honey and discovered that it has become thick, cloudy, or grainy, you may wonder if something went wrong.

The good news is that crystallization is a natural process in honey. It doesn't automatically mean your honey has spoiled.

Raw honey can crystallize because honey is naturally made up largely of sugars, including glucose and fructose. Over time, some of the glucose can separate from the liquid portion of the honey and form crystals.

Why Does Some Honey Crystallize Faster Than Others?

Not every jar of honey crystallizes at the same speed.

The nectar sources available to the bees affect the natural composition of the honey, so one harvest may crystallize more quickly than another. Storage temperature and other factors can also influence crystallization.

That's one of the interesting things about real honey: natural variation is normal.

Our bees forage in the countryside surrounding our hives in Birch Tree, Missouri, so the honey they produce reflects the plants and flowers available to them throughout the season.

Is Crystallized Honey Still Good?

In most cases, yes.

Crystallization itself does not mean honey has gone bad. Some people even prefer crystallized honey because its thicker texture makes it easy to spread on toast, biscuits, and other foods.

You can enjoy it just as it is.

How Do I Make Crystallized Honey Liquid Again?

If you prefer liquid honey, you can gently warm it.

Place the closed honey container in warm water and allow it to warm gradually. Stirring the honey occasionally can help the crystals dissolve.

Avoid overheating the honey or placing the container directly over high heat. Gentle warming is all that's needed.

Does Raw Honey Expire?

Honey is known for its exceptionally long shelf life when stored properly, although its texture, color, and flavor can change over time.

Keep your honey tightly closed and store it at room temperature in a dry place. Refrigerating honey generally isn't necessary and can encourage it to crystallize more quickly.

Natural Honey Is Supposed to Be Natural

We think the natural differences between batches are part of what makes honey special.

At Sun Prairie Honey, our family cares for our own hives in the Missouri Ozarks and harvests the honey we offer to our customers. From season to season, nature gets a say in what each harvest looks and tastes like—and we wouldn't want it any other way.

From our family and our bees to your table, thank you for supporting Sun Prairie Honey.