How to tell real honey from fake: The matchstick test might surprise you

I once observed my mother-in-law lighting a matchstick she'd dipped in honey. Her explanation of why she was doing so led me to replicate this test at home. As it transpires, this method is fairly helpful in distinguishing between real and artificial honey.

Artificial honey sports a flawless, smooth consistency that doesn’t crystallize or develop lumps, both of which are characteristic of real honey. Natural honey undergoes crystallization over time, while artificial honey maintains its consistency. When crystallized, real honey either does not flow out of the jar or does so very sluggishly.

Authentic honey often has a white residue on the surface due to a natural process, a feature absent in artificial products. There are also telltale signs when honey is dissolved. Real honey sinks to the bottom when added to water, while artificial honey dissolves almost instantly. It's also important to add, real honey is never inexpensive. Quality, regrettably, comes with a price tag. It's beneficial to support local suppliers who prioritize bee health and hive maintenance.

By definition, only the substance that bees produce from plant nectars or honeydew can be called honey. Consequently, when buying real honey, seek out information indicating that it originates from a local hive and carries a veterinary number. Avoid products labeled "like natural" or "like real".

If you're still unsure about the authenticity of your honey, consider performing the matchstick test. This clever trick was taught to me by my mother-in-law, who has used it repeatedly to avoid being duped. Simply dip the tip of a matchstick in honey and ignite it. If it lights up, the honey is real. Otherwise, you're dealing with a counterfeit product.