4 Honey Myths Debunked

Honey is one of the world’s oldest natural ingredients — steeped in tradition, folklore, and family remedies. But with centuries of buzz comes a fair share of misinformation. Is raw honey healthier? Does it really never expire? And can you eat it if you’re allergic to pollen? Let’s untangle the facts from the myths and explore what’s really true about this golden go-to.

Myth 1: Honey never expires
Truth: Technically, honey can last forever – in fact, archaeologists have found jars of honey in Egyptian tombs over 3,000 years old that were still edible, though they may have lost some of their flavor. This is only true under ideal conditions: unopened, airtight, and stored at room temperature. Once opened, honey can lose quality if exposed to moisture, contaminants, or heat.

Myth 2: Crystallized honey means it’s artificial or low-quality
Truth: Actually, crystallization is a natural sign of quality. Real honey, especially raw or minimally filtered honey, contains natural sugars that eventually crystallize over time. It’s a normal, harmless process that often happens faster in cooler climates, like Switzerland. To make it smooth again, simply warm the jar in a water bath or place it on a radiator, ensuring the temperature does not exceed 40 °C. Excessive heat can destroy valuable components such as enzymes, vitamins, and amino acids.

Myth 3: All honey is basically the same
Truth: The flavor, color, and health benefits of honey vary wildly depending on the flowers the bees visited. Swiss alpine honey, for example, tends to have a light color and delicate taste, while forest or chestnut honey can be darker and more robust. Some varieties are higher in antioxidants, others more antibacterial. That cheap supermarket bottle labeled “honey”? It might be a blend from five different countries. It can be filtered, heated, and stripped of most beneficial properties.

Myth 4: People with pollen allergies can’t eat honey
Truth: Most people with seasonal pollen allergies can eat nay without issues. That’s because the pollen in honey is typically flower pollen (from nectar), not the airborne pollen that causes allergies. That said, raw honey can contain trace amounts of pollen, so if you have a severe allergy or histamine intolerance, check with your doctor. In fact, local honey may even help with hay fever – many people find that eating it regularly can reduce pollen allergy symptoms over time.