All You Need To Soften Honey Is Warm Water

When tasty treats made with sugar or artificial sweeteners aren't an option, there are plenty of alternatives to sweeten up a dessert or cut the sting from a spicy dish without dealing with the health consequences associated with excessive sugar intake. According to Mayo Clinic, too much sugar can lead to an increased likelihood of some chronic diseases and is directly linked to poor dental health.

Luckily, sugar alternatives can mimic the delightful sweetness of sugar and high fructose corn syrup without repercussions. From dates to maple syrup and stevia, there are abundant glow-glycemic sweetener options for just about anyone. Among the many to choose from, honey is one sugar alternative that many people already have on their shelves. And according to Healthline, honey is high in antioxidants and can help the wound healing process. So not only does it taste great, but honey actually boasts some enticing health benefits.

But there's just one annoying detail about honey — it crystallizes. And when you go to add honey to peanut butter toast, you want it coming out of the bottle velvety smooth and viscous. But hardened honey doesn't mean it's gone bad, so don't toss your crystallized honey out. Instead, just heat up some water!

Raw sugar in particular is susceptible to hardening and crystallization. Honey is primarily made up of fructose, glucose, and pollen. And because of its low water content, the pollen creates the perfect environment for glucose to emerge from the honey solution creating tiny crystals and a hard texture. But you don't need to understand the science behind it to know that hard honey can be really annoying.

Luckily, all you really need is hot water. Place a pot of water over medium heat and warm it up until it's hot, but not boiling. It's important to avoid placing your honey container in boiling water so that you don't melt plastic or crack glass depending on how your honey is stored. Once you have a pot of hot water, place your honey inside of the water until it's smooth again. You can also use a bowl filled with microwaved water, a bain-marie, or just about any other method that offers a vessel of hot water for your honey to bathe in. It's as easy as pie! I mean ... easy as honey!

One more tip: be patient! You might have to refresh your pot of warm water if it doesn't soften the first time around, but this fool-proof method will keep your honey smooth and soft until your final drizzle.