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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-MT.004.0583.001

Moroccan Chicken

A gorgeous dish straight from the heart of Morocco. This recipe serves 6.

RCI-VG.001.0403.001

Moroccan Orange Walnut Salad

orange walnut salad is a combination of sweet and savoury, the kind that Morocco is famous for.

RCI-SP.005.0160.001

Mrouziya

As Lamb is a delicacy in Morocco, this dish is a real treat. If you like Lamb, you'll love this!

RCI-BR.005.0428.001

My Halwa Shebakia

My Halwa Shebakia from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.002.0071.001

Navajo Fry Bread

Navajo Fry Bread

RCI-DS.001.0364.001

Navajo Peach Pudding

Navajo Peach Pudding

RCI-BR.001.0163.001

Nine grain bread

Nine grain bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0164.001

No-knead Bran Bread

Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at

RCI-BR.001.0169.001

No-Knead Whole Wheat Bread

High altitude directions (over 3500 feet): Not recommended for use.

RCI-MT.004.0600.001

North Carolina Style BBQ Chicken

, they use thin, vinegar based sauces called mops unlike what most Americans think of barbecue sauces as thick, rich, and tomato based.

RCI-MT.002.0194.001

North Carolina-Style BBQ Ribs

C.

RCI-BR.001.0173.001

Nut Kolacky

Nut Kolacky from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.002.0223.001

Nutty Bunuelos

Nutty Bunuelos

RCI-BR.003.0292.001

Nutty Corn Muffins

Nutty Corn Muffins from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.005.0089.001

Nutty Noodles

.

RCI-BR.003.0293.001

Oat bran muffins

Oat bran muffins from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.0111.001

Oat Granola

Recipe from Quaker® Oat Bran Cookbook

RCI-SN.004.0112.001

Oil-free granola

Oil-free granola from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0424.001

Oozing with Goodness Tangerine Napa Cabbage Salad

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Butler Estate in Irving, Texas in 1988.

RCI-BR.003.0301.001

Orange Breakfast Bread

Makes 3 servings

RCI-BV.007.0097.001

Orange Delight

Orange Delight from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.007.0098.001

Orange Dream

Whip up this frothy cooler in minutes — it tastes like an old-fashioned Creamsicle. For best results, start with ice-cold soy milk and use freshly squeezed orange juice. Creamy, custard-like silken tofu adds extra body.

RCI-BV.005.0050.001

Orange Eggnog

Orange Eggnog from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0979.001

Orange-Honey Acorn Squash

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-BV.007.0099.001

Orange Honey Shake

Purchased from the Roberts Estate in Dayton, Ohio in 1988. Dated 1937. This is an incredible morning drink. I love it. I make this for the office at least once a week, everyone loves it.

RCI-SP.006.0047.001

Orange Mango Soup

Orange Mango Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.001.0141.001

Orange Raisin Rice

Makes 6 servings

RCI-SC.003.0147.001

Orange Vinaigrette

Orange Vinaigrette from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.003.0150.001

Outback Steakhouse Honey Mustard Dressing

This is terrific on a salad, or maybe you even have some chicken tenders that you want to dip into this honey mustard salad dressing. This recipe isn’t a secret anymore. A few simple ingredients will give you a great tasting salad dressing.

RCI-BR.008.0141.001

Ova Sfongia Ex Lacte

Ova Sfongia Ex Lacte is an Ancient Roman recipe that is similar to a pancake.

RCI-MT.004.0618.001

Oven-Fried Chicken Breasts

If the amount of oil absorbed by a chicken breast fried in 350 degree F oil (1 tbs) isn't enough to satisfy you health nuts, then here is a recipe for oven-fried chicken.

RCI-SF.001.0262.001

Pan-roasted Salmon

Pan-roasted salmon Served on seared Poblano and red peppers with Manila mango, ginger, lime coulis

RCI-DS.004.0199.001

Papaya Fruit Salad

Papaya Fruit Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0231.001

Parade Magazine's Sheila Lukins' Favorite Bar-B-Q Sauce

* Makes 3 cups

RCI-BR.001.0191.001

Paska

1 recipe, makes 3 loaves of bread, 3 Kalachas and 1 longosha (cabbage pie) and 1 portion of Babalki (or 8 loaves of bread) (or 8 Kalachas).

RCI-SC.003.0152.001

Passion Fruit Vinegarette

right|PassionFruitVinegarette

RCI-DS.005.0036.001

Passover Beet Preserves

Passover Beet Preserves from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.003.0236.001

Passover Cashew Crunch

Passover Cashew Crunch from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.0119.001

Passover Granola

Passover Granola from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.005.0063.001

Passover Orange Granola

Passover Orange Granola from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.002.0118.001

Pawnee Baked Sweet Potatoes

Pawnee Baked Sweet Potatoes

RCI-BV.007.0108.001

Peach-Tofu Smoothie

Peach-Tofu Smoothie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0445.001

Pea, Feta and Mint Salad With Pistachios

Fresh or baby garden peas are great with this refreshing salad.

RCI-DS.001.0408.001

Peanut Brittle Parfait

Makes 8 servings

RCI-DS.003.0241.001

Peanut Butter Easter Eggs

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-DS.003.0244.001

Peanut Butter Play Dough

Makes 2 servings

RCI-SW.001.0064.001

Peanut Butter Sandwich

This recipe is meant to show you how to make the peanut butter sandwich to end all others.

RCI-SN.004.0127.001

Peanutty Granola

Peanut & Pecan Recipes by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe

RCI-BR.007.0095.001

Pear and Fig Strudel

Pear and Fig Strudel from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0273.001

Pecan-coated Salmon with Honey Mustard

Purchased from the Neely Estate in Waxahachie, Texas in 1994. Date and Source unknown. Another tried and true. I love salmon and make it every chance I get. This is a keeper.