My Honey has crystallised is it still good to eat ?

Yes, all Honey eventually crystallises as it should because Honey is a supersaturated solution of sugar. Honey is at ~ 34C within the hive and in these conditions the honey is unlikely to set. However, once the honey is away from the bees, extracted and stored at lower temperatures the sugar molecules begin to form a crystal matrix. This can initially be seen as a cloudy aspect, following onto distinct sugar crystals and finally the entire solution has crystallised.

The time taken for this to transpire depends on factors such as honey type, quantity of solids (e.g. pollens) and storage temperature.

How do I turn my set Honey back into liquid Honey ?

This can be achieved by gently heating the jar of honey in a bahn marie or double boiler system so that the honey does not come into direct contact with the heat. Warm the water to Hive temperature ~ 34C and maintain temperature for several hours. The sugar crystals will slowly melt and the liquid state shall return.

For personal safety and honey quality keep an eye on your warming honey and do not let the honey go above 40C. At and above this temperature the enzymes and other biologically active molecules in honey will become denatured (damaged), aroma compounds will be evaporate more rapidly leaving your honey tasting flat, and you may potentially begin burn the sugars in honey.

How do I store my Honey ?

Honey should be ideally stored in a dark and cool location – such as a kitchen cupboard or a pantry. For long term storage you can also keep your honey in the fridge or freezer.

Due to the nature of cut comb honey (wax being slightly porous to water, and container not hermetically sealed like a jar) it is best to store cut comb or full frames in the freezer until you are sure you will eat it.

Generally the colder the temperature the better, as it slows down the natural degradation of sugars which slowly darkens honey (and makes it taste slightly burnt) eventually darkening completely to pitch black.

Do you recommend using a Honey Pot and Dipper on the kitchen table

It depends on how quickly it takes you to eat the Honey. Honey is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs water from the atmosphere. resulting in its percentage water content increasing. This has two effects. Dormant yeasts can activate and begin fermenting the honey eventually spoiling the honey, not having a hermetically sealed lid will result in the aroma compounds escaping and the honey will taste flat.

So if you know you will eat it within a short period of time a honey pot is fine, otherwise its best to continue to use a sealed jar.

A honey dipper is fine to use in any circumstance.

Is it true that Honey found in the Tombs of the Pharaohs is still good to eat ?

Kind of. The honey after several thousand years will no longer be nutritious to eat and will have turned black from the sugars degrading. The honey will still be safe to eat but it will no longer have any nutritional or health properties derived from organic molecules or biologically active molecules in honey.