Honey 101: Your Top 18 Questions Answered

1. What is honey? Honey is a sweet and viscous substance produced by bees using the nectar from flowers.
   
2. What are the health benefits of honey? Honey is rich in antioxidants, can help soothe a sore throat, improve digestion, and boost your energy levels.
   
3. How is honey made? Honey is made by bees using nectar from flowers. The bees collect the nectar, then break it down into simple sugars and store it inside the honeycomb. The design of the honeycomb and constant fanning by the bees’ wings causes evaporation, creating thick, sweet honey.
   
4. What are the different types of honey? There are over 300 varieties of honey, including clover, buckwheat, manuka, and acacia. The difference lies in the type of flower nectar collected by the bees.
   
5. Why does honey vary in color and taste? The color and flavor of honey depend on the type of flower nectar the bees have collected. Generally, darker honey has a stronger flavor than lighter ones.
   
6. What is raw honey? Raw honey is honey that has not been pasteurized, heated, or processed in any way. It retains all the beneficial nutrients like pollen, enzymes, and antioxidants that are often lost during commercial processing.
   
7. How should I store honey? Honey should be stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place. It doesn’t need to be refrigerated.
   
8. Can honey go bad? Honey doesn’t spoil. If stored correctly, it can last indefinitely. However, it might crystallize over time, but this can be fixed easily.
   
9. What is crystallization, and how do I fix it? Crystallization is a natural process where the glucose in honey precipitates out of the liquid honey. To fix it, simply place the honey jar in warm water until the crystals dissolve.
   
10. What is the white foam on top of honey? The white foam is tiny air bubbles trapped during the extraction and packing process. It’s not harmful and doesn’t affect the quality of the honey.
    
11. Is honey better than sugar? While honey and sugar both contain glucose and fructose, honey is generally considered healthier because it’s less processed and contains small amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
    
12. Can infants eat honey? No, it’s not safe to feed honey (including raw honey) to children under 12 months of age due to the risk of botulism, a rare but potentially fatal illness.
    
13. Is honey vegan? This depends on an individual’s interpretation of veganism. Some vegans avoid honey because it’s produced by bees, while others consider it acceptable because bees are not harmed during the production process.
    
14. Can I cook with honey? Absolutely! Honey is a versatile ingredient and can be used in a variety of dishes, from desserts to marinades.
15. Is honey gluten-free? Yes, honey is naturally gluten-free.
16. Does honey contain allergens? Honey does not commonly cause allergic reactions, but it can contain traces of flower pollen, which some people are allergic to.
17. Is honey good for my skin? Yes, honey is often used in skincare for its moisturizing, anti-aging, and complexion-boosting properties.
18. What makes hiveandholler.com’s honey special? Our honey is 100% pure, raw, and never heated or microfiltered. It’s packed with all the natural goodness and has a taste that’s unparalleled.
    

We hope this FAQ has addressed your questions about honey. Ready to enjoy the sweet, healthful benefits of honey? Shop now at hiveandholler.com for the finest selection of honey products!