Updated November 12th, 2019 at 16:44 IST

Honey: Tests to differentiate between pure and adulterated

Honey is known for its rich anti-oxidant properties. Many companies claim to produce natural honey. Here are some tricks to identify fake and pure honey.

Reported by: Jiya Chulet
| Image:self
Advertisement

Honey has been used since ages in food and medicines because it is reportedly a rich source of high-quality anti-oxidants. Many organic companies sell honey but then, it becomes difficult to differentiate between natural and adulterated honey. To enjoy the numerous benefits of this sweet substance naturally made by bees, one needs to identify if they are consuming natural or adulterated honey. Here are a few ways in which you can try to differentiate between pure and fake honey.

READ | Beauty Tips: Best Kitchen Ingredients For Daily Skincare Routine

1) Take a pinch of honey on your thumb. Check if it spills or spreads around like other liquid. If it does, it may be adulterated honey. Pure honey sticks to the surface it is applied to and doesn't drip away because of its thickness. 

2) Put a teaspoon of the honey in a glass full of water. Fake honey will dissolve in the water while pure honey that has a dense texture will settle at the bottom of the glass as lumps. The same is the case with blotting paper or white cloth. If you spill pure honey on the two, it will not get absorbed or leave stains. 

READ | Simple, Effective Home Remedies To Cure Symptoms Of A Cough

3) You can also take a bread test to differentiate between fake and pure honey. Take a slice of bread and spread the honey on the surface of bread and if the bread gets wet, there are possibilities that the honey you are using is adulterated. Because fake honey contains moisture. 

4) You can take a heat test for more accurate results of differentiation. Take a tablespoon of honey in a pan and heat it. If it is pure honey, it will start caramelising. However, if it starts foaming, it is fake honey. 

READ | Sunny Leone : The Most-watched Dance Performances By The Actor

5) The flame test is one of the easiest tests you can give a try. Take a dry matchstick and immerse it into a cup of honey. Then, try lighting it. If the stick lights up without any hesitation, it is pure honey.  The moisture contents of fake honey will not let matchstick light up easily.  

READ | Brown Rice Recipe: Easiest Recipe To Make This Delicious Healthy Dish

Advertisement

Published November 12th, 2019 at 11:43 IST