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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.004.0635.001

Pecan Pork Cutlets

Makes 4 servings

RCI-VG.001.0447.001

Pechay Salad

Pechay is a cabbage. It is one of the most known vegetables in the Philippines. It is also known as one of the oldest green vegetables in Asia. In the United States, this vegetable is popularly known as bok choi.

RCI-PF.001.0023.001

Peppers and Cauliflower in Vinegar

In Romanian: Legume asortate in otet

RCI-PF.001.0025.001

Peppers in vinegar Romanian Style

In Romanian: Gogosari in otet in stil romanesc

RCI-SP.004.0248.001

Persian Beef and Couscous

This is a great Persian dish that isn't too spicy. Substitute any kind of meat or poultry you want.

RCI-BV.007.0115.001

Personally Fit Peach Morning Smoothie

recipe was created for the SC Peach Council by Matt Fulmer, owner of Personally Fit in the Vista, a personal training facility in Columbia, SC. The recipe is a good way to start the day and uses peaches and dairy!

RCI-BR.005.0503.001

Pfeffernusse Crescents

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 5 dozen cook

RCI-DS.004.0213.001

Pineapple Boat Fruit Salad

Contributed by Indiancuisineandculture Y-Gro

RCI-BR.001.0197.001

Pineapple Carrot Coffee Ring

Pineapple Carrot Coffee Ring from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0225.001

Plum Rice Salad

Makes 6 servings

RCI-MT.004.0660.001

Pollo Asado con Glaceado de Ron

Roasted chicken with honey-rum glaze.

RCI-MT.004.0670.001

Polynesian Chicken

This recipe is great the next day. Reheat gently. It also makes fantastic sandwiches. Serve with Pan-grilled Broccoli or Herbed Zucchini.

RCI-SC.003.0158.001

Pomegranate Dressing

Yield: About ½ cup

RCI-MT.002.0215.001

Pork chops with honey and curry

Pork chops with honey and curry from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0245.002

Pork Marinade

Pork Marinade from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0245.001

Pork Marinade

Pork Marinade from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SW.002.0086.001

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Please don't try to do this in the oven 'cause you'll just ruin it.

RCI-BR.003.0342.001

Quick Corn Bread

This recipe also may be used for muffins.

RCI-BR.003.0344.001

Quick Oat Bread

Quick Oat Bread

RCI-MT.004.0688.001

Quick Tropic Chicken Kabobs

Quick Tropic Chicken Kabobs from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0226.001

Rainbow Fruit Dessert

Rainbow Fruit Dessert from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0519.001

Raisin breakfast bars

Raisin breakfast bars from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1095.001

Raisin Spice Lentil Cookies

These cookies fill the kitchen with a delicious fragrance while baking. They taste great fresh from the oven with a glass of cold skim milk. Recipe From: Magic Beans, 1996 by Patti Bazel.

RCI-SC.003.0164.001

Raspberry Dressing

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Pryor estate in Grapevine, Texas in 1996.

RCI-BV.007.0126.001

Raspberry Peach Blender Breakfast

Makes 4 servings

RCI-BR.008.0184.001

Rice Dollar Pancakes

Makes 8 servings

RCI-BR.003.0354.001

RICE 'N HONEY MUFFINS

Makes 4 servings

RCI-SW.002.0091.001

Rich, Sweet Toast

Rich, Sweet Toast is a dessert that uses toast and various rich and sugary ingredients. The dessert is by Peanut64.

RCI-SF.001.0301.001

Roasted Salmon with Shallot Grapefruit Sauce

Remember grapefruit can interfere with certain medications!

RCI-MT.002.0239.001

Roast Pork Loin with Cranberry Stuffing

For those of you in the good ol' US, this recipe is a lot easier to follow than the other recipe on this book.

RCI-MT.002.0240.001

Roast Pork Loin with Gravy

If you look up comfort food in the dictionary, you'll see a picture of this dish.

RCI-BV.007.0133.001

Ruby Red Grapefruit Smoothie

Ruby Red Grapefruit Smoothie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.002.0257.001

Rum-Honey Fritters

Rum-Honey Fritters from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0499.001

Salade Côte Cap Verte

Photo of Salade Côte Cap VerteSalad with chopped eggs. La Salade is so important in French cuisine that in Senegal it may be used both as an appetizer or as a salad following the main dish.

RCI-SN.003.0224.001

Salami Slam

This is something we use on a very regular basis when friends just pop in...

RCI-VG.005.0194.001

Sauerkrautsalat mit Schinken

Sauerkrautsalat mit schinken

RCI-BV.008.0068.001

Sbiten

An ancient recipe Russian Hot beverage. There are several variations and also spelled sbiten A non-alchoholic version is made with blackberry jam or other flavours and water instead of the wine.

RCI-VG.004.1201.001

Scallion Crêpes with Red Lentils

Scallion Crêpes with Red Lentils from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.005.0134.001

Scallion-Laced Sesame-Peanut Noodles

.

RCI-DS.003.0280.001

Selloh

This snack is often served during Ramadan in Morroco, but their nutritious goodness make them a healthy snack every time. This makes about 40.

RCI-DS.003.0282.001

Sesame Candy

300px| Sesame Candy

RCI-MT.002.0253.001

Shashlik

alt=Shashlik|Shashlik

RCI-SN.003.0235.001

Shrimp Salad with Creamy Pepper

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

RCI-SF.002.0268.001

Shrimp with Thai Dipping Sauce

A thin but flavorful low-fat sauce that serves as a dipping sauce and marinade.

RCI-BR.003.0367.001

Simple Corn Bread

Simple Corn Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SW.004.0042.001

Sirloin Fajitas with Mango Relish

Sirloin Fajitas with Mango Relish from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0563.001

Slovak Christmas Honey Cookies

Slovak Christmas Honey Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.002.0265.001

Slow-cooked Barbeque Chipotle Spare Ribs

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Stewart Estate in Quinlan, Texas in 1994.

RCI-MT.003.0086.001

Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

Yes, the sauce isn't tomato based, but unless you want it to taste like a stew, stay with vinegar based.

RCI-MT.002.0267.001

Smoked Pork Roast

Smoked Pork Roast from the Recidemia collection