Skip to content

honey

SweetenersYear-round. Raw honey is typically harvested in late summer and early autumn following the blooming season; processed and blended honeys maintain consistent availability throughout the year across most markets.

Honey contains primarily glucose and fructose, along with trace minerals including potassium, magnesium, and manganese; raw honey may retain small amounts of bee pollen, propolis, and enzymes. Despite its glycemic impact, honey is valued in traditional medicine for potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, though these effects vary by floral source and processing method.

About

Honey is a viscous, golden-to-amber liquid produced by honeybees (Apis mellifera and related species) through the enzymatic breakdown of flower nectar. The bees collect nectar, store it in their honey stomach, and deposit it into honeycomb cells where water gradually evaporates through hive ventilation, reducing moisture content to approximately 17-18%. This natural concentration and the antimicrobial compounds present allow honey to remain stable indefinitely without refrigeration.

Honey's flavor profile varies dramatically based on floral source—monofloral varieties such as clover, acacia, manuka, and wildflower each possess distinctive taste characteristics, ranging from delicate and mild to robust and complex. The color spectrum extends from nearly colorless (acacia) to dark amber or brown (buckwheat), with darker honeys generally exhibiting stronger, more pronounced flavors. Crystallization, which occurs naturally over time in most honeys (except those with very high fructose content), does not indicate spoilage and can be reversed by gentle warming.

Culinary Uses

Honey functions as both sweetener and ingredient across global cuisines. It dissolves readily in cold and warm liquids, making it ideal for beverages, dressings, and marinades; its hygroscopic properties keep baked goods moist and extend shelf life in cakes, cookies, and breads. In Middle Eastern, North African, and Mediterranean cooking, honey appears in savory applications—drizzled over cheese, paired with nuts and spices, or used as a glaze for roasted meats. It is essential in Asian cuisines for sweet-and-sour dishes and as a component in traditional medicine infusions. The caramelization temperature of honey differs from refined sugar, requiring adjusted baking techniques.

Used In

Recipes Using honey (473)

RCI-BR.003.0234.001

Honey Scones

Honey Scones from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.001.0216.001

Honey-sweet Pineapple Dip

Source: Lean and Luscious and Meatless, Volume 3 in the series, by Bobbie Hinman and Millie Snyder

RCI-MT.002.0153.002

Honey Teriyaki Spareribs

This puts a Asian spin on classic barbecue ribs.

RCI-MT.002.0153.001

Honey Teriyaki Spareribs

This puts a Asian spin on classic barbecue ribs.

RCI-SC.003.0097.001

Honey-Vinegar Dressing

Source: High Cotton Cookin': A Collection of Southern Country Recipes by Mary E. Abramson, Marvell A

RCI-RC.001.0094.001

Honey Walnut Dressing

Makes 6 servings

RCI-SN.003.0137.001

Hornickels' Glazed Onion Canapes

This recipe is a slightly modified version of the onion canapés that I find very enjoyable. Notice that the recipe is for 8 canapés and may need to be doubled or tripled to meet needs.

RCI-SC.003.0102.001

Hot Bacon Honey Red Wine Dressing

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * This recipe yields

RCI-MT.004.0484.001

Hot Hot Habanero Wings

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.001.0128.001

Houska

Adapted from Betty Crocker's International Cookbook. We had something similar at a wonderful local Swiss restaurant.

RCI-DS.001.0282.001

Indian Carrot Jelly

.

RCI-SF.001.0199.001

Inihaw na Pusit – (Grilled squid)

Inihaw na Pusit – (Grilled squid) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.002.0110.001

Irish Avocado Buttermilk Sherbet

Try this deliciously fruity sherbet.

RCI-SC.007.0171.001

Island Sun Lava Sauce

Island Sun Lava Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0246.001

Israeli Honey Orange Muffins

Israeli Honey Orange Muffins from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0504.001

Jamaican Chicken Fingers with Honey-Mustard Sauce

Jamaican Cuisine | Chicken entree

RCI-DS.003.0188.001

Koba

Koba from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0522.001

Korean Roast Chicken Thighs

Korean Roast Chicken Thighs Vegetable oil can be used in place of the sesame oil and it still tastes great. This recipe is for 8 servings. Preparation: 1 hour and 10 minutes.

RCI-BV.002.0051.001

Krupnik

Krupnik from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.002.0052.001

Krupnikas

Lithuanian Honey Liqueur

RCI-SC.003.0111.001

LAVENDER AND HONEY SALAD DRESSING

.

RCI-DS.002.0116.001

Lemon and Rose Water Granita

Lemon and Rose Water Granita from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0312.001

Lica Layered Cake

In Romanian: Tort Lica

RCI-BR.006.0171.001

Limelight Cheesecake

Limelight Cheesecake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0814.001

Linsen und Spätzle

One has to eat Spätzle with the lentils. Best procedure is to prepare the dough before you cook the lentils, and afterwards you cook the Spätzle. This one is a slightly modified recipe, the traditional one has no tomato and honey.

RCI-SN.002.0191.002

Loukoumas

Loukoumas is a Greek fried pastry, similar to a doughnut.

RCI-SN.002.0191.001

Loukoumas

Loukoumas is a Greek fried pastry, similar to a doughnut.

RCI-BR.005.0387.001

Low-cholesterol Oatmeal Cookies

Low-cholesterol Oatmeal Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0260.001

Low-cholesterol Walnut Scones

Low-cholesterol Walnut Scones from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0313.001

Low-fat Banana Rice Pudding

Low-fat Banana Rice Pudding from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0265.001

Macadamia Bread

300px| Macadamia Bread

RCI-BR.007.0080.001

Macedonian Pear and Fig Strudel

Macedonian Pear and Fig Strudel from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.007.0080.001

Mango-Banana Yogurt Smoothie

Mango-Banana Yogurt Smoothie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0170.001

Mango Creamy Banana Split

Mango Creamy Banana Split from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.003.0128.001

Mango Dressing for Green Salads

From the Weekend magazine.

RCI-VG.001.0374.001

Marinated Cucumber Salad

Quebecers are big cucumber consumers, whether the cuke is fresh or pickled.

RCI-MT.004.0565.001

Mary's Fave Stir-fry

An easy dish that can be made quickly after work, this stir fry has a ton of flavor and most people like these ingredients so it's a crowd pleaser. Plus, I use low-sodium soy and just a bit of honey so it's a pretty healthy, quick dinner.

RCI-DS.003.0208.001

Mazurka Salami-style

In Romanian: Mazurca salam

RCI-MT.005.0178.001

Meatballs with Honey Lime Sauce

Meatballs with Honey Lime Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0179.001

Melon à la Mode

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-VG.001.0384.001

Melon and Prosciutto Salad

Melon and Prosciutto Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0183.001

Mexican Melon

Mexican Melon from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0122.001

Midas Gold Pancakes

I got this recipe from the pecanbread group. My son LOVES them. They freeze well. and they seem healthy enough! I make pancakes and I use coconut oil in my stainless steel pan. I made these 2 days ago, froze the extras.

RCI-BR.004.0344.001

Mienski Honey Cake

Makes a 1 kg cake

RCI-RC.005.0057.001

Millet-Sweet Potato Congee

Millet-Sweet Potato Congee from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.003.0218.001

Mixed Nut Torrone

Recipe by MsJoelBoxer Uploaded by Drimble Wedge I posted looking for a recipe for torrone (Italian nougat candy) because I was getting so many conflicting temperatures while searching recipes.

RCI-MT.004.0579.001

Mole Chicken

This delicious spicy dish is best served over rice or rice noodles.

RCI-SN.004.0104.001

Monster Mish-Mash Mix

Contributed Catsrecipes Y-Group Makes 12 cups

RCI-BR.006.0213.001

Moo-Less Chocolate Pie

Moo-Less Chocolate Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.003.0172.001

Moo Sate

Moo Sate from the Recidemia collection