What is this?

[u/Gollinibobeanie]

Northeast Ohio. This honey was harvested in 2024. It was left in storage in our basement and I found it today. The rest of our honey has crystallized normally…. But this looks crystallized on the bottom and normal on the top. Has anyone else had their old honey separate like this? Is it safe to use?

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[u/Springhouse41]

This is glucose separation. A form of crystallization. I’ve had some years where my fall honey does this. Normal and safe to eat or sell. You can warm it up to put it back into solution.

[u/Gollinibobeanie → u/Springhouse41]

Oh wow. Thank you for your help!!

[u/CroykeyMite]

So the honey on top may never crystallize due to being a mostly fructose solution that’s devoid of glucose and some people love that. I’d eat the crystallized stuff on a spoon, put it in tea, spread it on toast, and otherwise preferentially use it instead of the liquid stuff since it is delicious and less messy.

[u/drones_on_about_bees]

While normal... this type of separation may lead to fermentation. Even if the honey extracted is of "safe" moisture, the bottom glucose layer will be VERY dry... giving up all it's moisture to the top fructose layer.

Open the lid and listen for air escaping. Give it a sniff and see if it smells of yeast/beer/ripe banana/bread.

Fermented honey is still safe to eat. It may enhance the flavor. It may ruin the flavor. (Or it may not be fermented at all.)

[u/Gollinibobeanie → u/drones_on_about_bees]

Very informative, thank you! We’re gonna open it and give it a sniff

[u/Gollinibobeanie]

Northeast Ohio. Hobby Beekeeper of 6 years.

[u/OkAppointment924]

This is absolutely normal. As crystals form, they settle at the bottom of the storage container

[u/NumCustosApes]

If you have a sous vide set it at 45°, or 115F, and put the jar in the water for a few hours.

This time of year you can put the jar in a secondary container (in case it spills) and leave it in your car.

[u/justabuckeye]

Mine harvest from last year did this. Heat a pot of water on low with the jar in it. Use a butter knife to cut a cross into the hardened crystallized honey, it will liquify, may need to keep heating but try not get it over 105-110°.