The composition of real honey contains vitamins and microelements that make it possible to use honey as a medicine at home. But for these purposes only natural ripened honey can be used. To determine its quality, buy a little honey in different places, only visually assessing it, and conduct experiments at home.
It is necessary
- - honey
- - iodine
- - thin stick
- - vinegar essence
Instructions
Step 1
When buying honey, pay attention to its color. If the honey is whitish, there is a danger that it contains sugar syrup. If the honey is dark brown, then it may be honeydew honey, which is less valuable. Real honey, regardless of color, is always transparent. If a suspension of particles is visible in the honey, it means that there are foreign additives.
Step 2
In terms of consistency, honey should be of medium density. Dip a thin stick in honey, and then slowly remove it. Real honey will follow the stick with a thin ribbon. If you twist the stick, honey will wrap around it. And when the honey ribbon is interrupted, it will descend to the surface of the honey in a slide, which will slowly diverge. But it should be borne in mind that there are liquid varieties of honey, for example, clover, linden, acacia.
Step 3
Honey shouldn't ferment. If foam appears on the surface of the honey, there is abundant gas release, a sour smell appears, then this indicates the immaturity of the honey, a high content of water in its composition. Such honey must be placed in a water bath and heated for 20 minutes. Fermentation will stop, but keep in mind that unripe heated honey is much less useful.
Step 4
Check the honey for foreign inclusions. Dissolve honey in water in a 1: 2 ratio. You should get a cloudy honey solution in two parts. Add a few drops of iodine to one part, if the solution turns blue, then starch has been added to the honey. Examine the second part of the solution carefully. If there is a precipitate, then drop vinegar essence into it. If there is chalk in the sediment, the solution will foam.
Step 5
When honey stands for a long time, it becomes sugar-coated, which is a sign of good honey. If the honey has stood for a long time, and still remains liquid, then this is poor quality honey. Candied honey can be heated in a water bath, this will not affect its medicinal properties.
