Honey

Apis mellifera (European honey bee) Sweetener

Honey Sweetener

At a Glance

  • Category Sweetener

The Forktionary Angle

"Nature's golden syrup, offering a spectrum of flavors based on floral source, from delicate acacia to robust buckwheat, enriching every dish."

Definition

A sweet, viscous food substance made by honey bees from nectar, used as a natural sweetener and flavor agent.

Science Primarily composed of fructose and glucose; its hygroscopic nature allows it to draw and retain moisture in baked goods.
Storage Indefinite shelf life when stored properly in a cool, dark place due to low water content and acidity.
Usage Globally consumed in beverages, baking, savory glazes, and as a spread.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Honey are:

Sweet floral sometimes fruity woody malty

Chef’s Secret

When baking with honey, reduce other liquids by ¼ cup for every cup of honey used, as honey adds moisture. Also, reduce baking temperature by 25°F (15°C) to prevent over-browning.

Best Substitutes

Maple Syrup

Ratio 1:1

Agave Nectar

Ratio 1:1

Corn Syrup

for texture but less flavor complexity
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for raw, unfiltered honey for maximum nutritional benefits and flavor complexity, often varying by floral source.

Recipes Using Honey

Shellfish 3 Steps Or Less Dietary Preparation

Asian Honey Tea Grilled Shrimp

Experience a burst of Asian flavors with these succulent honey tea grilled shrimp! This recipe combines the sweetness of honey, the earthiness of tea, and the tang of soy sauce for an unforgettable taste. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these grilled shrimp are quick to prepare and packed with deliciousness. Get ready to impress your family and friends!

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Brunch Main Ingredient Occasion Poultry

Almond Chicken Apricot Rice

A delightful twist on a classic! Inspired by a beloved sandwich recipe, this Almond Chicken Apricot Rice dish delivers a satisfying crunch and a sweet and tangy flavor explosion. Tender chicken, crunchy almonds, and sweet apricots are perfectly complemented by fluffy rice, creating a warm and comforting meal ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.

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Meat Time To Make Oven Main Ingredient

Beef Jerky

Make this incredibly delicious and easy beef jerky that even the kids will love! This recipe produces a perfectly chewy, flavorful jerky. We'll guide you through marinating, slicing, and drying techniques for a fantastic result. For an extra kick, try adding a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to create a 'hot' version. Prep and cook time includes marinating and drying.

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Desserts Main Ingredient Desserts Time To Make

Apricot Sauce

This vibrant apricot sauce recipe is bursting with sweet and tangy flavors! Perfect as a topping for pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or even grilled chicken, this easy 30-minute recipe will impress. Made with fresh apricots, orange juice, honey, and warming spices, it's a delicious and versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Prepare to be amazed by its rich texture and unforgettable taste!

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Chicken Breasts 60 Minutes Or Less Meat Chicken Breasts

Aloha Chicken

Escape to paradise with this incredibly flavorful Aloha Chicken recipe! Tender chicken breasts are coated in a sweet and savory honey-soy glaze, then pan-fried to perfection. The vibrant pineapple chunks add a juicy burst of tropical flavor that will transport your taste buds to a Hawaiian luau. Double the sauce (but not the chicken!) for extra deliciousness. Get ready for a quick and easy weeknight meal the whole family will love!

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Mixer Technique Main Ingredient Occasion

Bibb Greens Topped With Orange Dried Cranberries And Sunflower

Beat the summer heat with this vibrant and refreshing Bibb lettuce salad! Sweet dried cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, and a zesty orange dressing create a flavor explosion in every bite. This easy 10-minute recipe is perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or healthy weeknight meal. Get ready for a taste of sunshine!

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Easy Asian Easy Main Ingredient

Asian Chicken Cutlets

Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful Asian Chicken Cutlets recipe, inspired by Rachel Ray! Tender chicken cutlets are marinated in a zesty peanut sauce, then grilled to perfection. Fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, and parsley elevate this quick and easy weeknight meal to restaurant quality. Get ready for a burst of Asian-inspired deliciousness in just 25 minutes!

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Pies And Tarts Low Sodium Tarts Course

Apple Walnut Tart With Date Nut Crust

Indulge in this heavenly Apple Walnut Tart featuring a wholesome date nut crust! Inspired by the World's Healthiest Foods, this recipe is bursting with flavor and goodness. Your kitchen will be filled with the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and apples while it bakes. Perfect for a healthy and delicious dessert or autumnal treat. Prep time excludes chilling.

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Low In Something Course Preparation Tropical Fruit

Banana Pancake

Experience the exotic flavors of Papua New Guinea with this delightful banana pancake recipe! Fluffy, flavorful pancakes bursting with ripe banana goodness. A simple yet satisfying breakfast or brunch treat, perfect for any occasion. This recipe offers a unique twist on a classic, using readily available ingredients for an easy and delicious culinary adventure.

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Cuisine Main Ingredient Southwestern United States American

A Smoked Beef Brisket With Rub And A Texas Bbq Sauce

Unleash the smoky, savory goodness of Texas BBQ with this mouthwatering smoked beef brisket recipe! Our flavorful rub, infused with oil-soluble spices and salt (essential for penetration!), creates a tender, juicy masterpiece. Slow-smoked to perfection over mesquite, pecan, or oak wood (mesquite delivers a bold flavor!), this recipe yields a generous amount of tangy Texas BBQ sauce – enough for leftovers and more! Enjoy the juicy brisket as is, or transform it into a slow-cooked shredded brisket masterpiece with onions and extra sauce. Prepare for pure BBQ bliss!

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30 Minutes Or Less 30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Preparation

Basil Tomato Salad

This vibrant salad is a delightful blend of fresh green leaf lettuce, juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and crunchy pine nuts, tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Perfectly paired with homemade toasted baguette sticks, this recipe makes a light yet satisfying meal. Elevate it further by serving alongside grilled chicken or fish, also drizzled with the tangy vinaigrette! A perfect summer recipe ready in under 30 minutes.

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Bananas 60 Minutes Or Less Bananas For Large Groups

Banana Apple Oatmeal Muffins

Moist and delicious Banana Apple Oatmeal Muffins, bursting with flavor! These easy-to-make muffins are perfect for breakfast or a delightful snack. The sweet banana and apple blend beautifully with warm oatmeal, creating a texture that's both soft and satisfying. Elevate your experience with a dollop of creamy frosting (recipe not included). Get baking today!

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4 Hours Or Less 3 Steps Or Less Low In Something Dietary

Bailey's Irish Cream Bread Bread Machine

Indulge in the irresistible aroma and taste of homemade Bailey's Irish Cream Bread! This easy bread machine recipe delivers a moist and flavorful loaf infused with the creamy sweetness of Bailey's Irish Cream liqueur. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a delightful afternoon treat, this recipe is surprisingly simple to make.

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Easy Lettuces Salad Dressings Easy

Dressed Up Salad With Secret Dressing

Elevate your salad game with this stunning Dressed Up Salad! Inspired by a decades-old secret recipe from California's exclusive Golden Door spa, this recipe features a vibrant array of fresh vegetables artfully arranged on a bed of crisp lettuce. The show-stopping presentation is matched by the incredible flavor of the homemade ginger-infused dressing – a unique blend of sweet and savory that will impress your guests. Forget boring salads – this recipe is perfect for dinner parties, potlucks, or a special weeknight treat. Easily adaptable to different lettuce types and serving sizes, this recipe is as beautiful as it is delicious!

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Main Ingredient Free Of Something Lactose Preparation

Banana Nut Tofu Muffin

Inspired by a Whole Foods favorite, these Banana Nut Tofu Muffins offer a surprisingly delicious and healthy twist on a classic! This recipe expertly blends the sweetness of bananas with crunchy walnuts and the wholesome goodness of tofu for a moist, flavorful muffin that's perfect for breakfast or a snack. Get ready to impress yourself and others with this surprisingly close dupe of a beloved bakery item!

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Egg Free Occasion Dietary Egg Free

Bahraini Sweet Rice Muhammar

Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Bahraini Sweet Rice Muhammar, a fragrant and subtly sweet rice dish perfect as a side or dessert. Inspired by Tess Mallos' Complete Middle East Cookbook, this recipe elevates simple basmati rice with aromatic saffron, cardamom, and rosewater, creating a delightful culinary experience. A perfect complement to savory dishes (try it with recipe #372093!), this sweet rice is beautifully presented and bursting with authentic Middle Eastern flavors.

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Course Main Ingredient Gifts Greek

Apricot Baklava

Indulge in this exquisite Apricot Baklava, a delightful twist on a classic dessert! Layers of crisp filo pastry envelop a luscious filling of tender apricots, spiced with cinnamon and enhanced by the subtle sweetness of brown sugar and the aromatic touch of Fetzer's Gewürztraminer. This recipe, perfected after a few playful kitchen mishaps, is guaranteed to impress. The secret? A fragrant honey-infused syrup that takes this baklava to the next level. Get ready to savor every bite!

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Dietary Course Tropical Fruit Low Protein

Anemic Build Your Blood With Honey And Bananas

Fuel your day with this quick and easy Honey-Banana Energy Boost! Dark honey, like buckwheat honey, is packed with natural minerals and combined with potassium-rich bananas, this recipe is a delicious way to start your day or power through an afternoon slump. This recipe is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your doctor before making significant dietary changes. This simple recipe is perfect for busy mornings or a healthy snack.

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