Crystallised honey: why it happens and how to make it runny again

You open the jar and the honey, once runny and glossy, is now thick, cloudy and almost like butter. Many people’s first thought is that the honey has gone off or has added sugar. In most cases it’s the exact opposite. Crystallisation is a natural process and often even a good sign.

What crystallisation actually is

Honey is a highly concentrated solution of natural sugars, mainly glucose and fructose, with very little water. It holds more dissolved sugar than the water can keep stable. Over time, some of the glucose separates out and forms tiny crystals. Those crystals multiply and the honey takes on that creamy or grainy texture.

None of this changes the value of the honey. The flavour stays the same, and so does the aroma. Only the texture changes and sometimes the colour, which turns lighter.

Why some honeys crystallise and others don’t

It depends a lot on the flowers the honey comes from. Honeys higher in glucose crystallise quickly, sometimes within a few weeks. Honeys higher in fructose can stay runny for many months.

• Crystallise easily: many wildflower and light honeys, such as Spanish lavender honey, which can develop a fine, creamy texture.
• Take longer: dark honeys such as chestnut honey tend to stay liquid for longer.
• Special cases: heather honey has a texture all of its own, dense and sometimes almost jelly-like, which is part of its character.

Temperature matters too. Between 10 and 15 °C crystallisation speeds up, so a jar kept in a cool cupboard in winter changes faster than in summer.

Does crystallised honey mean fake honey?

No. It’s one of the most common myths. Crystallised honey is not a sign of adulteration, and honey that never crystallises doesn’t prove on its own that it’s pure either. Some natural honeys always stay runny, and some syrups imitate honey. To tell them apart, the label, the origin and trust in the producer count for far more than texture.

If you’re interested in the topic, we’ve written a guide on how to tell real honey from adulterated honey, with practical signs to check before you buy.

How to make honey runny again

If you prefer runny honey, the fix is simple and just needs a little patience.

1. Fill a pan with hot but not boiling water. You should be able to dip your finger in without burning yourself (about 40 °C).
2. Stand the open jar in it, like a bain-marie, with the water reaching halfway up the jar.
3. Stir now and then with a dry spoon. If the water cools, swap it for more warm water.
4. In 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the amount, the honey will be runny again.

Avoid the microwave and boiling water. Strong heat can create very hot spots, change the flavour and lose some of the aroma that makes each honey special. It’s also not worth warming the whole jar over and over. If you only need a portion, spoon it into a small container and warm just that.

What if you like it crystallised?

Plenty of people do. Crystallised honey doesn’t drip, spreads nicely on bread and is ideal to take to work. It’s lovely on buttered toast, on pancakes or on a slice of fresh cheese. Some people even make it on purpose, stirring the honey for a few days to get a smooth, creamy texture.

For everyday ideas, take a look at our breakfasts and snacks with honey.

How to store honey so it lasts

• Keep the jar tightly closed so it doesn’t absorb moisture or smells.
• Store it somewhere dry at room temperature, away from the hob and direct sunlight.
• No fridge: the cold speeds up crystallisation and brings no benefit.
• Always use a clean, dry spoon.

Stored like this, good honey keeps for a very long time without losing quality. The texture may change; everything else stays.

A natural process, nothing to worry about

Next time you find a jar of crystallised honey in the cupboard, you’ll know: don’t throw it away. Warm it gently or enjoy it as it is. In the Pi Alfa shop you’ll find Portuguese honeys from several regions, dispatched within 24 hours, with free shipping across the European Union on orders over €50. Sign up for free to the Members Area to get 10% off your first order and access to exclusive content and products. And every order comes with a small free honey.