Welcome to our blog post about the many wonders of raw honey! Raw honey is a healthy and natural sweetener. It has been embraced for millennia for its several multiple benefits.
It contains various antioxidants, enzymes, and minerals that can help with everything from soothing sore throats to improving digestion.
But today, we’re here to answer many people’s questions: can raw honey be runny? Let’s dive in and find out!
Yes, Raw Honey Can Be Runny!
Hello, there! Are you aware that raw honey spans from a very runny form to a very dense and creamy one? Yes, really! Raw honey may have various textures due to variables, including temperature range and the blossoms the bees visited to acquire nectar.
Honey with a greater fructose concentration takes longer to crystallise than those with a decreased fructose content because fructose is more soluble than glucose. This implies that particular honey will always stay liquid, whereas others may be aqueous initially but eventually crystallise.
Note that viscosity is not a surefire approach for whether honey has been processed. It’s only sometimes the case that raw honey is more sticky than treated honey, and honey that’s been heated will become more liquidity as it cools.
But, the advantages and flavour of raw honey remain the same irrespective of whether the honey is thin or dense. Runny honey denotes that it might have been handled as little as possible, remaining true to its native form.
Here’s a list of some popular varieties of honey in NZ that tend to be runny:
- Dandelion honey: This variety is known for its bright yellow colour and unique flavour, which is slightly bitter with a hint of sweetness. It’s often runny in texture and is produced primarily in New Zealand.
- Pine tree honey: This honey is made from honeydew found in pine forests and has a dark amber colour with a slightly bitter flavour and woody undertones. It’s typically runny in texture.
- Orange blossom honey: This light and sweet variety are common in Spain and Mexico. It tends to be runny in texture.
- Clover honey: This is one of the most popular varieties in the United States and has a light, mild flavour that pairs well with almost everything. It is typically runny in texture.
- Eucalyptus honey: This honey is known for its homeopathic properties and is often consumed straight from the spoon or in tea due to its strong flavour. It’s not typically used in cooking and needs to be more smooth in texture.
- Avocado honey: This honey is thick and creamy with bold sweetness and earthy molasses undertones. It’s a predominant type of honey in Mexico and California.
Go no farther than Don Buck Honey’s: Neighborhood Honey or Kaiwhenua Honey for a delightful raw runny honey supplied locally.
Some West Auckland honey varieties are notable for their fluid consistency, most likely because they are made using a combination of nectar from gardens in the Massey and Henderson suburbs. These kinds of honey taste delicious and help local beekeepers.
Remember that honey’s texture can vary even within the same variety, depending on temperature and storage conditions.
Why Runny Raw Honey is Delicious.
If your raw honey is on the runnier side, don’t worry – it’s still just as nutritious and delicious.
Here are some recipe ideas that use raw honey:
Honey Garlic Shrimp: In a small bowl, mix raw honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Sauté shrimp in a pan with olive oil until cooked, then pour the honey garlic mixture over the shrimp and toss to coat.
Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Cut sweet potatoes into cubes and toss with melted coconut oil, raw honey, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Roast in the oven until tender and caramelised.
Honey Ginger Chicken Stir Fry: Marinate chicken strips in a mixture of raw honey, soy sauce, grated ginger, and minced garlic for at least 30 minutes. Sauté chicken with vegetables of your choice, such as broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas, until cooked through.
Honey Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with fresh berries, raw runny honey, and granola for a healthy and delicious breakfast or snack.
Honey Roasted Carrots: Toss carrots with olive oil, raw honey, and a pinch of salt before roasting in the oven. Top with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Honey Glazed Pork Chops: Mix raw honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary. Brush over pork chops before grilling or baking.
Honey Cinnamon Roasted Almonds: Toss almonds with melted coconut oil, raw honey, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Roast them in the oven until golden and fragrant.
In addition to these recipes, raw honey can be used as a sweetener in many other dishes. Try drizzling it over plain yogurt or adding it to salad dressings for natural sweetness.
You can even use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles or mix it into a smoothie for added sweetness and nutrition.
Raw honey is also known for its healing properties. It contains antioxidants, enzymes, and other beneficial compounds that can help support your health.
Some creative ideas for using raw honey for health include:
Honey and Lemon Water: Mix a tablespoon of raw honey and the juice of half a lemon in a glass of warm water for a refreshing and detoxifying drink. This is a terrific way to boost your immune system and support digestion.
Honey Face Mask: Mix raw honey and a few drops of lavender essential oil, then apply to your face for a natural and nourishing face mask. Raw honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe and heal your skin.
Honey and Ginger Tea: Add a spoonful of raw honey and a slice of fresh ginger to a cup of hot water for a soothing and healing tea. This is an excellent remedy for colds and coughs, as honey and ginger have natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
How to Store Raw Honey to Keep it Runny
Offer some tips for storing raw honey to help maintain its texture, such as keeping it in a cool, dark place and avoiding extreme temperatures.
Emphasise the importance of using high-quality, raw honey that has not been heated or filtered.
Conclusion
Raw runny honey is a natural sweetener as good as thicker honey. It’s made by bees who work hard during winter to bring nectar to the hive. This liquid gold is sweet and packed with minerals, vitamins, pollen, and protein – making it a superfood.
With various honey flavours, like acacia and eucalyptus, the possibilities for adding raw runny honey to your recipes are endless. Try it out and get the tasty and beneficial effects for yourself.