How to Determine if Your Honey is Real or Fake

Do you doubt the authenticity of the honey you’re purchasing? You’re not alone, so don’t worry. A lot of us have trouble telling the difference between pure honey and tampered honey. But do not worry—we have a thorough guide to help you recognise genuine honey and make sure you reap all of its health advantages.

Begin by reviewing the fundamentals.

There’s a quick step you should always take before starting the testing. Before you buy the honey, make sure you read the label. Keep an eye out for any possible additions of preservatives or additives. There shouldn’t be any fake ingredients or additional flavours in a real, premium honey.

At-Home Honey Purity Tests

Let’s move on to some easy tests you can do at home to find out the purity of honey now that you know what to look for on the label. The density and properties of pure honey are the basis for these tests.

The Test of Thumb

Put a drop of honey on your thumb to begin. Watch its behaviour.

• Does it drip or spread fast? If so, it’s likely adulterated.
• Pure honey should stay intact on your thumb without spreading rapidly.

The Thumb Test

Fill a glass with water and add a spoonful of honey. Watch what happens.

• Does the honey dissolve quickly? If it does, it’s likely adulterated or artificial.
• Pure honey will settle at the bottom of the glass before stirring.

The Flame Test

Unbeknownst to you, pure honey can catch fire. Check the purity of it using this test.

• Light a match and place it on top of the honey.
• The match will light up and immediately extinguish if the honey is false. The moisture content of adulterated honey makes it extinguish more quickly.

The Test with Vinegar

Combine honey, water, and a small amount of vinegar. Watch the response.

• Does foam form in the solution? If it does, adulteration is evident.
• If pure honey is combined with vinegar, it shouldn’t foam.

The Test with Paper Towels

Place a few drops of honey on a paper towel and observe its behaviour.

• Does it absorb fast enough? If so, it might have syrups or added sweets.
• Pure honey shouldn’t absorb too rapidly and should stay in its original form on the paper towel.

You can become more confident in your ability to differentiate between real and fake honey by carrying out these easy tests. Thus, have these checks in mind the next time you go honey buying. Savour the sweetness of genuine, unadulterated honey!