Honey is a healthy alternative to sugar, but is the honey available in the market really pure? In this article, let us tell you how to identify real and fake honey by doing some simple tests.

When we see sweet syrup packed in shiny jars in the market, we assume that it is pure honey. Shopkeepers also often make the same claim, but have you ever wondered what exactly that 'honey' is?

Many times it is just sugar syrup being sold in the name of honey. Chemicals are mixed in it and colors are added to make it look like honey. This can not only harm your health but also weaken your immunity.

In such a situation, the tips of your grandmother and grandmother will come in handy with the help of which you will find the real honey. This article will not only teach you to differentiate between real and fake honey, but will also tell you what things to keep in mind while shopping.

How is honey adulterated?

• Honey is adulterated in many ways. The most common way is to add glucose, sugar or fructose syrup to honey. This syrup is cheap and easily available in the market, which increases the quantity of honey.
• Mixing brown rice syrup in honey is a new technique that makes fake honey look like the real thing. It is transparent and thick, which makes it difficult to identify.
• Some people make completely fake honey by adding colors, flavors, syrups and preservatives to make it look like honey.
• Invert sugar is made with the help of acids or enzymes and it also looks like honey.

Identify honey in these ways-

You have learned how honey is adulterated, now let us tell you how to identify honey-

1. Test by dropping honey on a cloth

Put a few drops of honey on a white cotton cloth and see if it spreads across the cloth. Real honey will stay in one place and leave no marks, while fake honey or adulterated syrup will spread and form a yellow stain.

2. Identify real honey through flame test

Dip a cotton wick in honey and light it. If the wick burns easily, then the honey is genuine, as it has less moisture. The wick does not burn or crackles due to the water and syrup present in fake or adulterated honey.

3. Do the honey and vinegar test

You can also identify honey with the help of vinegar. This trick will definitely be useful for you. For this, mix a few drops of white vinegar in some honey. If it forms foam, then understand that there is definitely some adulteration in it.

4. Thumb rubbing test

You can also test it with your hand. Yes, rub a little honey on your thumb. If it dissolves in your skin and does not feel sticky, then it is real. Fake honey will spread like water and will remain sticky.

5. Identify by weight

A special characteristic of honey is its density, that is, it is heavier than water. To do this test, fill a clean glass with normal water. Now slowly add a spoonful of honey in it, without stirring it. This will make the real honey settle down and will not dissolve immediately with water. On the other hand, fake or adulterated honey will spread in the water or start floating on the upper surface.