What is Creamed Honey?
What is Creamed Honey?
Definition
Creamed honey, also known as whipped honey, spun honey, or churned honey, is a form of honey that has been processed to control crystallization. Unlike regular honey, which can become grainy and hard as it crystallizes, creamed honey has a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Characteristics
- Texture: Smooth and creamy, similar to butter or a thick spread.
- Appearance: Opaque and lighter in color compared to liquid honey.
- Taste: Maintains the flavor of the original honey but offers a different mouthfeel.
How is Creamed Honey Usually Made?
Process Overview
The production of creamed honey involves a process called controlled crystallization. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Selection of Seed Honey: A small amount of finely crystallized honey is chosen as the "seed" to initiate the process. This honey has tiny, smooth crystals which serve as a template.
- Preparation of Base Honey:
- Heating: The raw honey is gently heated to about 140°F (60°C) to dissolve any existing large crystals.
- Cooling: The heated honey is then rapidly cooled to 57°F (14°C) to prepare it for seeding.
- Mixing: The seed honey is thoroughly mixed with the prepared base honey. This mixture is crucial as it determines the size and uniformity of the crystals.
- Storage: The mixed honey is stored at a constant cool temperature, around 57°F (14°C), for about a week. During this time, the small crystals from the seed honey proliferate throughout the entire batch, leading to a smooth, creamy texture.
- Packaging: Once the honey has reached the desired consistency, it is packaged in jars and is ready for consumption.
How is Oneroot's Creamed Honey Made?
Unlike the common method, we do not use seed honey or heating to achieve the creamy texture. Instead, we churn the raw honey at a specific low temperature, which encourages crystallization. The churning helps crystals to spread evenly. The churning speed is about 1 rotation per second.
- Particulate matters, i.e. pollen, wax, etc, help crystals to form faster.
- Because we don't use heat, all of the honey's healthful properties are retained.
- Slow churning speed ensures minimal disturbance.
Benefits of Creamed Honey
- Spreadability: Easier to spread on bread or toast without dripping.
- Stability: Retains its creamy texture without further crystallizing.
- Flavor: Preserves the natural flavor of honey while offering a unique texture experience.
Uses
- Spread: Perfect for spreading on toast, bagels, or pancakes.
- Cooking: Can be used in baking and cooking as a sweetener.
- Health: Offers the same health benefits as raw honey, including antibacterial properties and antioxidants.
Conclusion
Creamed honey is a delightful variation of traditional honey, providing a smooth and spreadable alternative. Its production involves a meticulous process of controlled crystallization, ensuring a consistent and creamy texture that enhances its usability and enjoyment.