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Posted by Chip McCurdy on November 17, 1999 at 23:17:06:
In Reply to: question about honey posted by Ira Berman on September 17, 1999 at 17:14:41:
I have heard contradictory facts about honey, I hope you can clear some
things up for me:" When a honey has become condensed does this mean it is pure or that sugar
has been added to it? ============== I think you're talking about crystallization, or when the
honey becomes solid? If so, this is a sign of pure raw honey. The sucrose
content causes this. However with Tupelo and Sourwood Honeys, which contain
a very small amount of sucrose, it takes much longer... years. When honey is clear does that mean it is pure? ============== No, in fact, SOME large packers will pasteurize honey and add
corn syrup to the honey to make it stay clear for a longer shelf life. This
is called Adulteration (adding something other than honey) and requires
extensive testing to detect. Many packers have gotten away with, and still
do get away with this "crime". Do honey makers sometimes give sugar to bees to speed up their honey
production? ==============No, sugar syrup or corn syrup is fed to the bees during the
winter, or times when there is no nectar source, so they won't starve to
death. This is common up in the northern parts of the continent, we don't
have that problem in the warmer south. The bees will usually store enough to
eat during the short winter weeks we have here (we try not to steal it
all!). In fact we always try to keep some extra honey on hand so if we do
have to feed some of the weaker hives, we can give there own food back to
'em. What are some characteristics that an inexperienced eye can look for to find
good, pure, and natural honey? ==============This goes back to question number one... if it stays clear for
a long period of time you can almost bet that it has been
pasteurized.(except for Tupelo and Sourwood) Cloudy or fully crystallized
honey is, no doubt, the pure natural stuff... I know this response is somewhat late but I hope it helps. I just happened
to stumble on your post this evening.... Chip Chip McCurdy President/CEO
Georgia Honey Corporation
P.O. Box 422
Perry, Georgia 31069-0422
1-877-GA HONEY http://www.GEORGIAHONEY.com
Chip@GEORGIAHONEY.com
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