Honey is a sweet, viscous substance produced by bees from flower nectar. It is composed of natural sugars such as glucose, fructose, water and small amounts of proteins, enzymes, vitamins and minerals.

Honey is rich in antioxidants and can help heal wounds, soothe sore throats, improve digestion and even provide a natural source of energy. It also has antimicrobial properties, making it useful in topical treatments.

Although rare, some people may be allergic to honey or the pollens it contains. Symptoms can range from mild (itching or rash) to more severe (difficulty breathing). Anyone with allergies to bee stings or pollen should exercise caution.

Yes, honey has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing. Mixed with lemon or ginger, it’s a popular natural option for relieving these symptoms.

Yes, honey can be substituted for sugar in many recipes. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1/2 to 2/3 of the amount of honey for every cup of sugar, since it is sweeter. It is also important to reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe, since honey has a high moisture content.

Honey is a healthier, more natural sweetener than refined sugar because it contains beneficial nutrients. However, it should be consumed in moderation, as it is high in calories and can affect blood glucose levels.

Organic honey is produced without the use of pesticides or synthetic chemicals, and the bees are kept in environments that follow sustainable agricultural practices. Conventional honey, on the other hand, may come from agricultural practices that use these products.

This is a common phrase that we hear everywhere, “Children under one year old cannot eat honey”, yes, it is true! But do you know why this is? Well, let us explain.

There is a disease called infant botulism that is caused by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. It is present in soil, water, dust and air. This bacterium can enter the body through the ingestion of contaminated food. It produces a toxin that, even if ingested in small quantities, it can cause serious poisoning. Contamination in humans can occur in the form of spores, the vegetative form of the organism (a type of protected capsule).

The gastrointestinal system of a child under one year old is not yet fully developed, meaning that the little one’s body is unable to maintain the bacteria in the form of spores or eliminate it, which can transform it into a toxin. At this stage, the disease becomes quite aggressive and can lead to death.

In adults and older children, the body is already strong enough and capable of dealing with this bacteria in the form of spores, therefore eliminating the risk of contamination.

Since this bacteria is widely distributed in the environment, honey contamination can occur when the combs are still in the field, from pollen or even from the bees themselves. Therefore, it is not possible to avoid contamination.

All honeys are liquid when produced by bees, but, as they are supersaturated glucose solutions, when stored at temperatures below the average temperature of the hive (37°C), they tend to crystallize spontaneously, although this phenomenon does not alter the nature of the honey.

So, yes! It is normal for honey to crystallize and we can say that this happens when the honey leaves its liquid form and becomes more consistent in texture and gives the impression of being full of little crystals.