Honey is unarguably the food of Gods. With infinite health benefits such as Immunity & Energy Boosting, Fortification of the digestive system, rich in probiotic properties which nourish the skin & hair, healing properties against burns & wounds as well as resistance against several diseases. The list runs endlessly.

However, during its production, several of its properties may get tampered with adulteration. Despite its label mentioning ‘Organic’ or ‘Natural’, there are high chances of compromise by adding simple solvents such as sugar, corn starch, glucose solution or food colouring.

Let’s ensure that the honey we add to our plate is pure, natural and toxin-free through these 5, simple yet highly effective tests, which can be conducted right at home.

5 Simple Honey Purity Tests

1. HEAT TEST

When you heat pure honey, it quickly caramelizes instead of turning foamy. On the other hand, adulterated honey turns bubbly.

2. FLAME TEST

Fact: Pure honey is inflammable. We’d request you to perform this test with caution or at your own risk. It’s quite simple.

Dip a match-stick or cotton bud in honey and try to light it. Pure honey will light up. Adulterated may contain some amount of moisture added while contamination, which will not allow it to catch fire.

3. THUMB TEST

Add a small amount of honey to your thumb and try spilling or spreading it around. Pure honey is thick and will stick to the surface. Impure honey may drip away. Also, the taste of impure honey will linger due to the presence of added sugar.

4. WATER TEST

Another simple yet effective test. just take a teaspoon of honey and drop it in a glass full of water. Pure honey will settle at the bottom due to its dense texture, while adulterated honey will dissolve. The same is applicable with blotting paper or white cloth. If you pour pure honey on the two, it will not get absorbed or leave a stain.

5. VINEGAR TEST

Mix a tablespoon of honey, some water and 2-3 drops of vinegar essence. If the mixture starts to foam, it might be a sign that the quality of your honey has been adulterated.

In fact, a lot of differences between pure & adulterated honey can be spotted with the naked eye by examining its physical properties. Pure honey is dense and trickles only into a stream. It has a soft texture, will never separate into layers and offers a distinctly sweet aroma. Raw honey, which is honey in its purest form, often leaves a slight tingling feeling or mild burning sensation in your throat when consumed.