Bee smart: Simple trick to spot real honey vs. artificial

Artificial honey mimics authentic, natural honey so well that it can be hard to differentiate between the two at first glance. However, a straightforward trick can be utilized even before you make a purchase.

Differences between artificial and real honey are noticeable to the astute observer. Artificial honey has a smooth, faultless consistency that neither crystallizes nor forms typical honey lumps. On the other hand, real honey crystallizes over time while artificial honey maintains consistency. Real honey, once crystallized at room temperature, either doesn't flow from the jar or does so very slowly.

Moreover, you can frequently spot a white layer on the surface of real honey, a result of a natural process. This layer, expectedly, is absent in artificial counterparts. The way the product dissolves also varies. Natural honey added to water sinks to the bottom, whereas artificial one dissolves nearly instantly. Another noteworthy point is that real honey comes with a significant price tag.

By definition, "honey" is the substance bees produce from plant nectars or honeydew. When you are purchasing natural products, look for the term "honey," details about its Polish apiary source, and its veterinary number (the name of the apiary, the address, and the production date ensure its authenticity). Avoid products marked as "like natural," or "like real."

If you're still unsure about the authenticity of the honey in your pantry, there's a simple test you can carry out. You can perform this test in-store or with a direct seller. Simply upturn the honey jar. Observe if the honey flows slowly down the sides, or if it drips like tap water. In the first scenario, it's real honey; in the second, it's a processed natural product.