Originating from the heart of flowers, raw honey, or nectar, is collected by honeybees into a special honey stomach and mixed with secretions from their glands. This is then deposited into honey cells in the beehive, where it ripens into honey.
 Primarily composed of fructose, glucose and water, honey is easily absorbed by our bodies, preventing fatigue and enhancing athletic performance. Containing vitamin B6, riboflavin, thiamin, and essential minerals such as calcium, copper, iron, and magnesium, to name but a few, honey makes a good substituted for sugar.
On top of that, honey also contains several compounds that function as antioxidants, eliminating free radicals in our bodies that are believed to contribute to many serious diseases.
The high fructose content in honey gives it a higher sweetening power than sugar. Hence less honey should be when replacing sugar to achieve the desired sweetness.
On the other hand, sugar makes a poor substitute for honey in certain dishes where honey is usually used. Roast chicken glazed with honey, for instance, doest not taste quite right with a sugar coating. Honey not only gives the chicken meat a nice sheen but also successfully enhances the flavor in a way that sugar cannot.
Storing honey
Golden liquid honey in easy-to-pour packaging is most commonly available in our local markets. It will be a good idea to take advantage of the convenience by retaining the honey's wonderful luxuriant texture by storing it at room temperature rather than in the refrigerator. However, the shelf life for honey is longer when stored in the refrigerator. So it is advisable to buy and store only a small quantity at room temperature. Large quantities should be kept in the refrigerator. Make sure that the honey is kept away from direct sunlight as this shortens its shelf life.
Pay attention, honey !
Honey will crystallize and become cloudy when stored in the refrigerator. To use, simply place your bottle of honey in warm water until crystals disappear.
To minimize wastage, coat your measuring cup or spoon with some vegetable oil before pouring in the honey to prevent sticking.
For each cup of honey used in cooking, reduce any liquid called for by 1/4 cup. |
