Sweetener | Vegetarian Gluten Free Paleo

Honey

Apis mellifera product Allergen-Free
honey

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family N/A (Animal Product)
  • Primary Cuisine Global
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Nectar (from flowers), Honey Bees

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 produced by honey bees from floral nectar, known for its unique flavor and preservative qualities.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet, Floral, Fruity, Earthy (depends on source)
TextureViscous, Sticky, Smooth
AromaFloral, Caramel, Malty
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

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.

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 tbsp (21g)
Calories304 kcal
Total Fat0 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0.3 g
Total Carbohydrate82 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars82 g
Calcium6 mg
Iron0.4 mg
Potassium52 mg

Chef’s Secret

To easily measure sticky honey, spray your measuring spoon with non-stick spray or lightly oil it beforehand.

Substitutions

Best Match

Maple Syrup

1:1

Similar sweetness and viscosity, good for baking and drizzling. Distinct flavor.

Agave Nectar

3/4:1 (agave:honey)

Sweeter and thinner than honey, good for vegan baking and beverages.

Corn Syrup

1:1

Similar viscosity and prevents crystallization, less flavor complexity.

Brown Rice Syrup

1:1 (may need more)

Less sweet, but provides similar stickiness and texture, suitable for vegan.

Buying Guide

Look for raw, unfiltered honey for maximum nutritional benefits. Store at room temperature.

Flavor Pairings

Tea Yogurt Cheese Toast Fruit Marinades Glazes Baking.

Recipes Using Honey

Taste Mood Comfort Food Easy Corn

Jiffy Roasted Corn And Jalapeno Cornbread

This vibrant and flavorful cornbread is a game-changer! Roasting sweet corn brings out its nutty sweetness, while jalapeños and cheddar cheese add a delightful kick. The secret? A touch of honey glaze baked in for irresistible caramelized goodness. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, this moist and colorful cornbread will be your new favorite side dish or snack!

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Cuisine Easy African Beginner Cook

African Couscous Salad

A vibrant and refreshing African couscous salad, perfect for a light lunch or a side dish. This recipe, inspired by Raley's magazine, features fluffy couscous tossed with toasted almonds, a zesty orange dressing, and your favorite fresh vegetables. Get ready for a flavor explosion in just 20 minutes (plus chilling time)!

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Carrots Cuisine Broccoli Time To Make

African Style Broccoli

A vibrant and flavorful African-inspired broccoli recipe! This quick and easy dish, originally discovered during the Zaar World Tour 2005, combines tender broccoli with a zesty, nutty sauce. Perfect as a side dish or a light vegetarian meal.

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Cookies And Brownies Course Dietary Cookies And Brownies

Alfajores

Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of homemade Alfajores! This authentic South American recipe, adapted from a Nestle classic, yields incredibly delicious sandwich cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth dulce de leche filling. While it requires a bit of time and effort, the rewarding taste is well worth it. Prepare to impress your friends and family with these delightful treats!

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Chicken Easy European Nuts

Almond Crusted Catalan Chicken

Transform ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece with this Almond Crusted Catalan Chicken recipe! This recipe is perfect for Passover (using matzah meal instead of breadcrumbs) and easily doubles for a crowd. The fragrant blend of spices and crunchy almond crust creates a flavor explosion. Serve with basmati rice and a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Prepare to impress!

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4 Hours Or Less Mixer Small Appliance Number Of Servings

Amish Soft Honey Whole Wheat Bread

Discover the secret to unbelievably soft and fluffy whole wheat bread! This Amish-inspired recipe, perfected over time, delivers a delightful honey sweetness and a perfect texture for sandwiches or any occasion. Easily adjustable to bake one or three loaves, this recipe is a kitchen staple. Get ready to experience the best whole wheat bread you've ever tasted!

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Scandinavian Dietary Main Ingredient Fish

Andreas Viestad's Honey And Mustard Marinated Salmon With Rosema

Experience Scandinavian culinary magic with this elegant and easy salmon recipe! Inspired by a 2005 Scandinavian cooking site discovery, this dish features honey-mustard marinated salmon baked to perfection and served with tender rosemary apples. A romantic dinner for two, ready in under an hour. Impress your loved ones with this flavorful and sophisticated meal.

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Pancakes And Waffles Time To Make Preparation Low Sodium

Apple Honey Dutch Baby

Fluffy, golden-brown Dutch Baby pancake brimming with sweet and tart sautéed apples, drizzled with honey, and spiced with warming cardamom. This easy-to-make recipe, inspired by a 2005 Taste of Home recipe, is perfect for brunch or a delightful dessert. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Preparation Nuts Main Ingredient Preparation

Apple Matzoh Kugel

This Apple Matzoh Kugel is a family favorite, a must-have for your Passover Seder! Sweet and subtly spiced, this baked kugel features tender apples, crunchy nuts, and the delightful texture of matzah. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, this recipe will become a new tradition in your home.

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Low Fat Course Low Fat Easy

Apple Spinach Salad

A vibrant and refreshing Apple Spinach Salad, perfect for a light lunch or side dish! This recipe features a zesty honey-lime dressing and is incredibly easy to make in just 10 minutes. Pairs perfectly with a slice of gluten-free honey bread (recipe not included). Get ready for a burst of flavor!

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Apples Kid Friendly Dietary Easy

Apple Banana And Strawberry Froth

A refreshing and vibrant Apple Banana Strawberry Froth recipe, perfect for a light breakfast, brunch, or a healthy dessert. This delicious concoction, created by the US Apple Consumers Association, blends the sweetness of ripe bananas and strawberries with the crispness of apples, enhanced by fragrant vanilla and warming cardamom. Easy to make in under 15 minutes!

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South West Pacific Small Appliance Preparation Diabetic

Apricot Yoghurt Ice

A refreshing and healthy Apricot Yoghurt Ice recipe, perfect for a hot day! This diabetic-friendly dessert is adapted from Diabetes Australia's ultimate diabetes cookbook, featuring a delightful combination of apricots and creamy yoghurt. Enjoy this guilt-free treat – a delicious and easy recipe for everyone.

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Meat Preparation Main Ingredient Time To Make

Asian Steak Wraps

These flavorful Asian Steak Wraps are a quick and easy weeknight meal! Tender steak marinated in a zesty lime and sesame marinade is perfectly complemented by crisp-tender onions and peppers. Using a frozen onion and pepper mix speeds up prep time, leaving you with more time to enjoy this delicious and satisfying meal. Get ready for a burst of Asian-inspired flavors in every bite!

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30 Minutes Or Less Main Dish Preparation Easy

Autumn Pork Chops

Embrace the flavors of fall with these delicious Autumn Pork Chops! Tender pork chops simmered in a sweet and savory apple cider sauce, creating a comforting and aromatic meal perfect for a cozy autumn evening. This 20-minute recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress.

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Australian Easy Beverages Low Protein

Baileys Coffee Frappe

Cool down with this decadent Baileys Coffee Frappe! A luxuriously smooth and creamy coffee drink, perfectly blended with the irresistible taste of Baileys Irish Cream. This refreshing treat is the ideal way to unwind after a long day or to indulge in a delightful coffee break. Easy to make and intensely satisfying!

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Weeknight Oven Low In Something Weeknight

Baked Beets Shallots

Elevate your beet game with this irresistible recipe! Roasted to perfection, these sweet and earthy beets are tossed in a luscious balsamic-honey glaze and paired with caramelized shallots. The slightly sweet and tangy flavor combination is unbelievably delicious and surprisingly easy to make. Perfect as a side dish or a vibrant addition to your fall menu.

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