
honey
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)
Honey Scones
Honey Scones from the Recidemia collection
Honey-sweet Pineapple Dip
Source: Lean and Luscious and Meatless, Volume 3 in the series, by Bobbie Hinman and Millie Snyder
Honey Teriyaki Spareribs
This puts a Asian spin on classic barbecue ribs.
Honey Teriyaki Spareribs
This puts a Asian spin on classic barbecue ribs.
Honey-Vinegar Dressing
Source: High Cotton Cookin': A Collection of Southern Country Recipes by Mary E. Abramson, Marvell A
Honey Walnut Dressing
Makes 6 servings
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.
Hot Bacon Honey Red Wine Dressing
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * This recipe yields
Hot Hot Habanero Wings
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
Houska
Adapted from Betty Crocker's International Cookbook. We had something similar at a wonderful local Swiss restaurant.
Indian Carrot Jelly
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Inihaw na Pusit – (Grilled squid)
Inihaw na Pusit – (Grilled squid) from the Recidemia collection
Irish Avocado Buttermilk Sherbet
Try this deliciously fruity sherbet.
Island Sun Lava Sauce
Island Sun Lava Sauce from the Recidemia collection
Israeli Honey Orange Muffins
Israeli Honey Orange Muffins from the Recidemia collection
Jamaican Chicken Fingers with Honey-Mustard Sauce
Jamaican Cuisine | Chicken entree
Koba
Koba from the Recidemia collection
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.
Krupnik
Krupnik from the Recidemia collection
Krupnikas
Lithuanian Honey Liqueur
LAVENDER AND HONEY SALAD DRESSING
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Lemon and Rose Water Granita
Lemon and Rose Water Granita from the Recidemia collection
Lica Layered Cake
In Romanian: Tort Lica
Limelight Cheesecake
Limelight Cheesecake from the Recidemia collection
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.
Loukoumas
Loukoumas is a Greek fried pastry, similar to a doughnut.
Loukoumas
Loukoumas is a Greek fried pastry, similar to a doughnut.
Low-cholesterol Oatmeal Cookies
Low-cholesterol Oatmeal Cookies from the Recidemia collection
Low-cholesterol Walnut Scones
Low-cholesterol Walnut Scones from the Recidemia collection
Low-fat Banana Rice Pudding
Low-fat Banana Rice Pudding from the Recidemia collection
Macadamia Bread
300px| Macadamia Bread
Macedonian Pear and Fig Strudel
Macedonian Pear and Fig Strudel from the Recidemia collection
Mango-Banana Yogurt Smoothie
Mango-Banana Yogurt Smoothie from the Recidemia collection
Mango Creamy Banana Split
Mango Creamy Banana Split from the Recidemia collection
Mango Dressing for Green Salads
From the Weekend magazine.
Marinated Cucumber Salad
Quebecers are big cucumber consumers, whether the cuke is fresh or pickled.
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.
Mazurka Salami-style
In Romanian: Mazurca salam
Meatballs with Honey Lime Sauce
Meatballs with Honey Lime Sauce from the Recidemia collection
Melon à la Mode
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group
Melon and Prosciutto Salad
Melon and Prosciutto Salad from the Recidemia collection
Mexican Melon
Mexican Melon from the Recidemia collection
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.
Mienski Honey Cake
Makes a 1 kg cake
Millet-Sweet Potato Congee
Millet-Sweet Potato Congee from the Recidemia collection
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.
Mole Chicken
This delicious spicy dish is best served over rice or rice noodles.
Monster Mish-Mash Mix
Contributed Catsrecipes Y-Group Makes 12 cups
Moo-Less Chocolate Pie
Moo-Less Chocolate Pie from the Recidemia collection
Moo Sate
Moo Sate from the Recidemia collection