What happened to my honey?
Have you opened a jar of honey only to find it’s turned thick, grainy, or even solid? Don’t worry — it hasn’t gone bad. It’s just crystallised. And if your honey crystallises, it’s actually a sign you’ve bought real, raw, high-quality honey.
At South West Honey, we’re proud to offer pure, unprocessed Western Australian honey — and crystallisation is just part of nature’s process.
What Is Honey Crystallisation?
Crystallisation is when liquid honey starts to form sugar crystals, becoming thicker and more solid over time. This is a completely natural process that occurs when the natural glucose in honey separates from the water and begins to harden.
Crystallised honey is still 100% safe to eat — and just as delicious and nutritious.
Some honeys crystallise faster than others, depending on:
The floral source (e.g. White Gum and Red Gum crystallise at different rates)
The natural glucose-to-fructose ratio
Storage conditions (cooler temps speed it up)
Whether the honey is raw or processed
Why Does Raw Honey Crystallise More Quickly?
Raw honey — like ours at South West Honey — contains all its natural sugars, pollen, enzymes, and fine particles like beeswax or propolis. These tiny elements act as “seeds” that encourage crystals to form.
In contrast, supermarket honey is often heat-treated and ultra-filtered to stay liquid longer — but in doing so, it loses many of the natural benefits that make raw honey so special.
Crystallisation is a mark of authenticity. If your honey crystallises, it's the real deal.
Is Crystallised Honey Still Good?
Yes! Crystallised honey retains:
✅ All the natural health benefits (antioxidants, enzymes, antibacterial properties)
✅ Its original flavour — sometimes more intense than liquid honey
✅ A long shelf life — even in its solid state
In fact, some people prefer it. Crystallised honey is thick and spreadable, perfect for toast, crackers, or baking — without the drips.
Can You Soften Crystallised Honey?
Absolutely. If you prefer your honey smooth and runny, just gently warm it:
How to re-liquefy honey:
Place your jar in a bowl of warm water (not boiling).
Let it sit for 10–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Avoid the microwave — high heat can destroy honey’s natural enzymes.
💡 Bonus tip: Store honey at room temperature (not in the fridge) to slow crystallisation.
Why We Don’t Stop Our Honey From Crystallising
At South West Honey, we never:
Heat-treat our honey
Add preservatives
Use filtering methods that remove natural pollen and nutrients
We believe in keeping our honey raw, real, and full of goodness — even if that means it crystallises over time.
In fact, we encourage customers to embrace it as a sign they’re getting genuine, Western Australian honey, straight from the hive.
Best Ways to Use Crystallised Honey
Crystallised honey is incredibly versatile. Here’s how to use it:
Spread it on toast or warm bread – Like a natural, healthy jam substitute
Bake with it – Melt it slightly to stir into muffins, cakes, or slices
Add it to hot tea or coffee – It will dissolve instantly
Use in marinades or glazes – Crystals add body and texture
Eat by the spoonful – A sweet, natural energy boost
Final Thoughts: Crystals Mean Quality
So the next time you see crystals in your honey jar, celebrate it — you’ve got pure, raw honey from Western Australia, just as the bees made it.
If you'd prefer a creamy, spreadable texture, try our creamed honey. Or, for those who love their honey smooth and golden, you can gently warm your jar to enjoy it just how you like.
Shop Premium Raw WA Honey Online
Looking for crystal-clear, raw Western Australian honey that’s as real as it gets?
Explore our full range of local, small-batch honeys at South West Honey’s online store, proudly harvested and packed right here in WA’s South West.