A number of years ago I made the switch from store bought honey to buying honey from beekeepers within my area. While I believe that it is important (and super fun!) to buy different local honeys, they tend to crystalize much faster than mass produced brands. And then what? Is it still usable in anything other than tea?
With just a bit of effort, you can make your honey smooth and pourable again. There’s something magical about watching honey transform from a gritty, crystallized state into a smooth, spreadable delight. The fun part comes when you separate some out to make whipped honey.
This blog is all about how to make and use whipped honey.
Why Buying Local Matters
Local honey is a magical gift from your community, with a number of benefits for you. When you buy local honey, you’re supporting nearby beekeepers who help maintain healthy bee populations, which are essential for pollinating local crops and flowers. Local honey may also contain trace amounts of regional pollen, which some people believe may help the body build resistance to seasonal allergies.
Different types of local honey are created based on the flowers the bees visit while foraging for nectar. For example, wildflower honey comes from a mix of blossoms growing naturally in a region, like clover, goldenrod, or dandelion, so its flavor and color can vary depending on the season and location.
On the other hand, monofloral honeys like buckwheat, lavender, or orange blossom honey are made when bees collect nectar primarily from one type of flower. These honeys often have distinctive flavors, colours, and aromas that reflect the plant they came from. Beekeepers help guide this process by placing their hives near large blooms of the desired plant during peak flowering season. Nature’s plants and creatures work together to create a unique local signature in every jar.
Understanding Whipped Honey
All honey will naturally crystallize over time. However, by controlling the crystallization process, we can influence the size of the sugar crystals formed. Smaller crystals result in a smoother texture, which is the hallmark of whipped honey.
Whipped honey, also known as whipped honey or spun honey, is honey that has undergone a controlled process, resulting in a smooth, creamy texture that’s perfect for spreading on toast, stirring into tea, or enjoying straight from the spoon. Despite the name, whipped honey contains no dairy. It’s 100% pure honey that’s been processed to achieve its unique consistency.
Reviving Crystallized Honey
Before we begin the creaming process, it’s essential to return any crystallized honey to a liquid state. Here’s how:
Prepare a Water Bath: Fill a pot with warm water, ensuring the temperature doesn’t exceed 40°C (104°F) to preserve the honey’s beneficial properties.
Submerge the Honey Jar: Keeping the lid on, place your jar of crystallized honey into the water bath, making sure the water level is below the lid to prevent water from seeping in. Depending on the size of the jar, I aim for the water to stop about 2/3 of the way up.
Gently Heat: Allow the honey to sit in the warm water, stirring occasionally, until it returns to a liquid state.
Cool Down: Once liquefied, let the honey cool to room temperature before proceeding to the creaming process.
Crafting Your Own Whipped Honey
Creating whipped honey at home is a rewarding process. Once you start you can create customized blends with tastes and spices that delight your taste buds. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Instructions:
- Warm the Honey: Place your crystallized honey in a glass jar with the lid on, and gently heat it in a warm water bath until it becomes smooth and pourable.
- Whip It: Pour the revitalized honey into the bowl of a stand mixer. Whip on medium speed for 20–30 minutes until the honey becomes light, fluffy, and cream-colored.
- Customize: If desired, add flavorings like cinnamon, vanilla extract, almond extract, nutmeg, cardamom, clove, or a pinch of Himalayan pink salt for a sweet and salty twist. Mix just until combined.
- Jar and Store: Spoon the whipped honey into clean jars with tight-fitting lids. Store at room temperature.
- Enjoy!
Delicious Ways to Use Whipped Honey
Whipped honey’s versatility makes it a delightful addition to various dishes:
- Spread on Toast: Its smooth texture makes it perfect for spreading on bread, bagels, or muffins.
- Sweeten Beverages: Stir into tea or coffee for a natural sweetener with a hint of flavor. Don’t forget to try it in your favourite smoothie!
- Enhance Breakfast: Drizzle over oatmeal, yogurt, or pancakes for added sweetness.
- Baking: Incorporate into recipes for cookies, cakes, or bread for a moist texture and rich flavor.
- Charcuterie Boards: Pair with cheeses and crackers for a sweet contrast.
- Fruit Dip: Serve it alongside apple slices, strawberries, or pears for an easy and elegant snack or dessert.
- DIY Gifts – Pour into cute jars, customize with flavors like cinnamon or vanilla, and gift to friends and neighbors for holidays or host gifts.
- Granola: Add a handful of nuts and seeds, and maybe a few cocoa nibs to make a healthy granola style snack.
- For cough: One teaspoon of honey may help to ease a cough short term.
How to Store Your Whipped Honey
Whipped honey is pretty low maintenance, but a little care will help it stay smooth and spreadable. Store it in a cool, dry place. There’s no need to refrigerate. In fact, cold temperatures can make it firmer. Because honey is naturally antimicrobial, your whipped honey can last a long time, especially if you use clean utensils and seal the jar tightly between uses.
Share Your Experience
Making whipped honey is more than just a culinary endeavor, it’s an opportunity to connect with others. Share your creations, swap flavor ideas, and encourage your friends to try their hand at this sweet transformation. Remember, the journey from crystallized to whipped honey is a testament to the beauty of transformation. It’s a reminder that with a little patience and care, we can turn something ordinary into something extraordinary.
I can’t wait to hear what you come up with!
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