It can be a great substitute for sugar while baking. Some say it can help soothe sore throats when mixed with tea or hot water. But what’s the difference between light vs dark honey? And does it matter which one you use?
We’re lucky enough to have friends who raise bees and harvest their own honey — and then gift some of that honey to us! There’s something about the bright flavors in fresh honey that you just can’t find in most store-bought kinds.
But honey is not one-size-fits-all. Different colors in honey range from very light to dark brown. And flavors can span from mild to more pronounced, depending on the type of honey.
But in wider terms, honey can be classified more generically as light and dark. And each has its own benefits and specific uses. Read on to discover the main differences between the two and how best to use each kind of honey.
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What is dark honey?
Dark honey comes from honey bees that get nectar from specific kinds of flowers, like lilies or wildflowers – or plants like black locust trees and palmetto. They tend to have dark pollen grains. When bees extract nectar from them, those dark grains mix with uncapped honey and can darken it.
A particularly dark-colored honey is Buckwheat honey, which comes from the nectar from buckwheat flowers. It has a rich molasses flavor, but can be less sweet than other kinds of honey.
Other flowers that bloom throughout the year can also produce darker or lighter-hued honey depending on the time of year the nectar source is harvested.
Honey processing
The color of honey is also derived from how it is stored and processed. During the production process, honey is pasteurized in order to help prevent it from fermenting or crystallizing – and pasteurization involves subjecting the honey to high levels of heat.
That can cause the sugars to caramelize and turn a dark color.
Similarly, if the honey is stored in an environment with high temperatures, that can affect the color, as the same caramelization process can occur.
Often, raw honey will be dark as it is unprocessed and unpasteurized.
Is dark honey better for you than light honey?
Typically, darker honey will contain more antioxidants than light honey. And antioxidants help limit free radicals in the body — which can damage cells and are linked to a range of diseases, including cancer.
Darker-colored honey can also include anti-inflammatory benefits, which can help fight infection and irritations in the body and skin.
And darker honey may have higher antibacterial properties which can benefit gut health.
Key differences between dark honey vs light honey
Color – As you might imagine, one of the differences between dark and light honey is the color. Dark kinds of honey are usually classified as amber or dark amber. Lighter varieties of honey may be categorized as light amber, extra light amber, or white.
Flavor – As a general rule, dark honey has a stronger flavor and aroma than lighter-colored honey. You may get hints of a rich flavor like molasses in dark varieties, whereas light honey may give off more delicate floral notes and have a more mild taste. In terms of how sweet they are, dark honey tends to be sweeter, while light honey has a more subtle sweetness.
Health benefits – As mentioned above, dark honey may hold several advantages over light honey when it comes to nutritional value. In addition to high levels of antioxidants, dark honey also has other beneficial properties, like higher natural amounts of vitamins and minerals.
Is it better to use dark honey or light honey in cooking?
Honey can be a great substitute for sugar in baking as it provides sweetness and can keep things like cakes and muffins moist. It can also add a darker color to your baked goods.
Dark honey features a richer, deeper sort of sweetness. So many prefer it for baking and some other types of cooking, like honey glazes, as the more intense flavor can enhance the overall taste.
Raw kinds of honey also include a lot of natural sweetness so a little can go a long way when using it in baking recipes.
Some bakers prefer to use wildflower honey instead of sugar as it contains subtle floral tones. For the same reason, it’s also delicious as a simple spread on bread or as a sweet addition to oatmeal or tea.
If you’re looking for a subtle sweetness, like for muffins, scones, or salad dressings, then go for a lighter honey.
FAQ
If stored properly, honey can last nearly indefinitely. But you’ll get peak freshness if you consume it within 12 months. It’s best to keep honey in a sealed jar in a cool, dry place like a pantry.
Honey generally doesn’t spoil, but improper storage can result in things like mold formation. If you notice mold or any suspicious or sharp odors, it’s probably time to discard the honey.
The bottom line
A honey’s color does not denote its quality. Both dark and light-colored honey can be premium choices. The United States Department of Agriculture assigns the color classifications as a way to distinguish them for consumers.
That said, dark honey may have some health benefits over lighter kinds, including higher amounts of antioxidants. And lighter colored honeys can have a milder taste.
If you’re looking for a good and readily available substitute for sugar in your cooking and baking recipes, both light and dark honey can be great options. The best honey for your recipe may simply come down to personal preference.
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