The crystallization of honey is little understood by the consuming public. Many assume that crystallized honey is adulterated or ‘spoiled.’ ABSOLUTELY NOT. Real, pure raw honey crystallizes. The crystallization process is natural and spontaneous. Pure, raw and unheated honey has a natural tendency to crystallize over time. It has no effect on the honey other than color and texture. What's more, the crystallization of honey actually preserves the flavor and quality characteristics of your honey. Many honey users prefer it in this state as it is easier to spread on bread or toast. Indeed, some raw honey recipes can be easier to make with partially or fully-crystallized honey. Crystallized honey also tastes richer. When the honey is in a crystallized state it takes longer to melt on your tongue, allowing all of your taste buds to activate and pick up on the tiny raw honey crystals. 

You don’t need a huge amount of beeswax to work with. For example, in order to make an herbal healing salve in some cases, you would need just a tablespoon of melted beeswax combined with other ingredients. You can melt down the beeswax and make an all natural and sustainable beeswax food wrap instead of using plastic. One of our favorite ways to use the wax is homemade beeswax candles. From balms to candles, to wraps and creams beeswax has many uses in your life. Beeswax has a low boiling point which comes to its advantage, particularly when making cosmetics, but you do need to watch the temperature to which the beeswax is being heated. Beeswax has a melting point range of 62 to 64 °C (144 to 147 °F). At 85 °C (185 °F), discoloration can occur. At 204.4 °C (400 °F), you better watch out, for this is the flash point of burning beeswax. Slow and steady heating is the trick to turn your solid beeswax into a pourable version.

Honey is primarily composed of sugar, providing small amounts of several vitamins and minerals, and is rich in health-promoting plant compounds. Honey contains a number of antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids. Honey has been linked to beneficial effects on heart health, including reduced blood pressure and blood fat levels. Still, more human research is needed on the topic. When applied to the skin, honey can be part of an effective treatment plan for burns, wounds, and many other skin conditions. It’s particularly effective for diabetes-related foot ulcers. For children over 1 year of age, honey can act as a natural and safe cough suppressant. Some studies show that it’s even more effective than certain cough medicines. They're also numerous benefits of raw honey in skincare products. Most everyday skincare products use some form of beeswax or honey. Next time look at your ingredient your products for honey and beeswax and you might just bee surprised.