Pure or Fake? How to test and identify authentic honey

  New Delhi: Honey is one of the best gifts of nature and is known for its wonderful health benefits, antioxidants, and also as a natural sweetener. With the rapidly increasing demand, there is fake or adulterated honey available in the market that is often mixed with sugar syrup, corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners.

Consuming honey that is impure not only reduces its nutritional value but can also have an impact on health. It is very important to know how to distinguish between pure and fake honey before buying or consuming it.

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There are many tricks and techniques to test whether the honey is pure or fake. By performing the water test checks, it is easy to check if the honey dissolves quickly, while the flame test helps in knowing the moisture content, if any. Checking the label of ingredients is very important before buying it. 

Here are some tips and tricks on how to spot fake honey at home:

1. Check the label

Real honey has one main ingredient, i.e. pure honey. Avoid brands that have added glucose, corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners. Look for certified organic or raw honey that has undergone minimal processing and is not flavoured. Fake honey often has preservatives in it. Read the added flavours listed on the label.

2. Thumb test

To spot a fake honey, place a drop of honey on your thumb. If it spreads or drips off quickly, it can be fake, as real honey stays in its place. Pure honey is thick and not runny. 

3. Water test

Add a spoonful of honey to a glass of water. If the honey dissolves quickly, it can be fake, as real honey settles at the bottom before mixing it. This trick helps in checking if sugar syrup has been added to the honey.

4. Flame test 

Dip a dry matchstick or cotton earbuds in honey and try to light it. If it burns out in flames, the honey is real, as fake honey contains moisture and will not light easily.

5. Crystallisation test

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Over time, real honey thickens and crystallises, whereas fake honey remains smooth and runny due to the added sugars. If your honey never crystallises, it may be fake.

By using these easy and simple tests at home, you can make sure that the honey you are consuming is natural, unprocessed, and free from harmful ingredients."