Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a diabetic patient consume honey?
World Health Organization classifies honey as free sugars and the WHO Health advisory recommends the reduction of free sugars consumption to 5% of daily requirement. Diabetic patients are advised to follow the advice by their medical doctors.
2. Does the use of metal spoon affect the honey quality?
The use of metal spoon does not affect the quality of honey. As honey is hygroscopic, it is important that no additional water is introduced to your bottle of honey. Make sure that your spoon is dry before scooping the honey with a metal spoon.
3. Does putting a bottle of honey in a refrigerator affect the honey quality?
Storing honey in a refrigerator does not affect the quality of the honey. The low temperature in the refrigerator quickens the crystallization of the honey. The quality of crystalized honey is just as good as liquid honey, though is more difficult to scoop as compared to liquid honey.
4. What is the best storage condition for honey?
Honey is best stored in cool and dark condition. Do ensure that the honey is not exposed to sunlight and heat from cooking stoves or ovens.
5. Why is honey not suitable for infants less than 12 months old?
Pure and raw honey is harvested directly from the honey comb with no heating or pasteurization. Spores of clostridium botulinum are present in natural foods and can survive in the honey. When ingested by children less than 12 months old, the bacteria in the spores can survive and multiply leading to a medical condition known as botulism.
6. Why is honey suitable for a one-year old child?
Dr Ari Brown explains in her book, Toddler 411, that “Once kids have been out in the world for a year, their guts are full of enough ‘good’ bacteria that can break down the Clostridium botulinum found in honey.” So, adults and older children are generally able to deal with these small amounts of spores without becoming sick.
7. Does All Honey Have Clostridium Botulinum?
No. But it is always better to be safe than sorry, in the event clostridium botulinum is present.
8. When is honey consumption not recommended?
As milk is not recommended to people who are lactose intolerant, honey is not recommended to people who are fructose intolerant. Similarly, people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are best to avoid honey.