How to distinguish between genuine and fake honey

The identification of honey authenticity can be comprehensively judged by observing its color, testing its viscosity, checking its crystalline state, smelling its aroma, tasting its taste, and other methods.

1. Observing Color

True honey usually presents a natural cloudy feeling, with varying shades of color depending on the honey source, but overall uniform without layering. Fake honey may be too translucent or have abnormally bright colors, and some honey mixed with syrup may exhibit obvious color block precipitation. Pour honey into a transparent container. True honey may appear slightly cloudy under light, while fake honey may be as clear as water or have an unnatural luster.

2. Testing viscosity

True honey has a certain viscosity and elasticity. When picked up with chopsticks, it forms a thin and elongated line, and after the flow breaks, the honey liquid rebounds into a small mound shape. Fake honey is prone to breakage and slow rebound due to the addition of thickeners or syrup, or it is too viscous and difficult to flow. You can drip honey onto a tissue. True honey is not easy to penetrate, while fake honey will quickly spread and be absorbed.

3. Check the crystallization status

True honey will naturally crystallize at low temperatures, with fine and soft crystalline particles that are easy to melt by hand rubbing. The crystallization of fake honey may appear as coarse brown sugar or completely amorphous, and some adulterated honey may exhibit layering. After the crystallization of pure honey, the overall texture is uniform, and there will be no local hard lumps or separation of liquid and crystal.

4. Smell

True honey has the natural floral fragrance of honey plants, with a fresh and non pungent aroma. False honey may emit essence, caramel or no obvious smell. A small amount of honey can be stirred in warm water. True honey will continue to release fragrance, while fake honey will quickly dissipate or produce the taste of chemical agents.

5. Taste

True honey has a sweet and mellow taste, with a slight spicy sensation in the throat and a floral aftertaste. False honey has a single sweet taste and a short stay time, which may be accompanied by the bitter taste of saccharin or the strange taste of essence. True honey has a smooth taste when dissolved in water, while fake honey may have a grainy or abnormally sweet texture.

It is recommended to choose regular channel products when purchasing honey in daily life, and check the product testing report and ingredient list. Real honey is rich in glucose, fructose, enzymes and minerals, which can moisten the intestines and relieve coughing. However, diabetes patients need to control their intake. When storing, it should be placed in a cool and dark place to avoid deterioration caused by high temperature or humid environment. If honey is found to ferment and produce bubbles, alcohol or sour taste, it should be immediately stopped from consumption.