The various benefits and uses of honey are well-known across the world. It is way more than just a sweet treat. Honey is the by-product of the nectar collected by bees and a reaction in its upper-aero digestive tract. This natural wonder comes in a wide range of textures and forms, with set honey and clear honey being two notable types. Both these Honey types differ in their structure and sugar content, while the health benefits of set honey vs clear honey are mostly overlapping and identical. The difference determines their distinct culinary applications, and by knowing what sets them apart, you can purchase the one that caters to your preferences.
Comparison of Set Honey & Clear Honey
Out of the 80% of honey's sugar content, 70% is a combination of glucose and fructose. The compositional balance of these two sugars is what determines whether the end product will be set or clear. Both set honey and clear honey are pure and free of additives. The basic differences between set honey and clear honey are listed in the table below.
|
Basis of Comparison |
Set Honey |
Clear Honey |
|
Process |
Unfiltered and unprocessed. |
Filtration process to remove wax particles and pollen |
|
Texture |
Whipped and creamy texture. Slightly granular. |
Liquid and smooth. |
|
Taste |
Bold, sweet, floral flavour. |
Mild sweetness, floral |
|
Sugar Content |
More glucose |
More fructose |
Comparison on Nutritional Composition
Both set honey and clear honey have similar nutritional compositions with slight alterations. The nutritional value of each is listed below.
|
Nutritional Value of Clear Honey |
|
|
Values |
Per 100g |
|
Energy |
1390kJ / 327kcal |
|
Fat |
<0.1g |
|
Saturates |
<0.1g |
|
Carbohydrate |
81.0g |
|
Sugars |
81.0g |
|
Fibre |
0.5g |
|
Protein |
0.5g |
|
Salt |
0.03g |
|
Nutritional Value of Set Honey |
|
|
Values |
Per 100g |
|
Energy |
1390kJ / 327kcal |
|
Fat |
3.33 g |
|
Saturates |
0.67 g |
|
Carbohydrate |
81.33g |
|
Sugars |
80.67 g |
|
Fibre |
0.5g |
|
Protein |
0.5g |
|
Salt |
0.03g |
Comparison on Formation
In essence, honey is made from dissolved carbohydrates that have undergone enzymatic processing by bees. Depending on the sources of nectar, set honey contains a lot of glucose, a small amount of fructose, and a small amount of sucrose. Since the solution is very saturated, certain sugar molecules will frequently group together around a nucleating particle and start to form (or "grow") crystals under the correct circumstances. Clear honey, on the other hand, goes through a filtration process that eliminates the crystallisation occurrence due to the higher fructose content.
Set honey also contains a very small amount of pollen, some aromatics from the nectar, a very small amount of protein and amino acids, and some bacteria in the form of spores from the environment and bacteria cells from the bees' mouthparts and guts. It might also have different fungal spores in it, depending on where the honey came from. Clear honey, on the other hand, contains fewer of these particles, and sometimes none of these elements due to the filtration process and is much smoother. Therefore, its taste is also comparatively less sweet.
Comparison on Benefits
Both set honey and clear honey have similar health benefits, as listed below.
- Thorat infections: Honey possesses a range of health benefits. It has been found to treat various throat infections, hiccups, fatigue, and bronchial asthma. Both forms are extensively applied in Ayurvedic medicines. In fact, it is said that having a glass of warm water with a teaspoon of honey in the morning can improve overall health.
- Blood sugar regulation: According to research, honey helps increase adiponectin levels, which in turn helps lower inflammation. This ultimately contributes to regulating blood sugar levels. It has been found that incorporating honey in a balanced diet has enhanced fasting blood sugar levels in individuals who have type 2 diabetes.
- Heart health: Set honey and clear honey also aid in better heart health. It helps in lowering blood pressure and enhancing blood fat which in turn leads to effective heartbeat regulation. Honey stops healthy cells from dying.
- Anti-ageing: Set honey and clear honey are high in antioxidants, and set honey has a slightly higher content. This has proper anti-ageing benefits.
- Weight loss: Honey possesses an astringent element that aids in the removal of cholesterol and substantial visceral fat. However, only consuming honey may not show significant results on the weighing scale, but if used in place of sugar in a balanced diet, it can boost the weight loss process.
- Wound healing: Using set honey or clear honey as a topical medicine is an effective way to treat skin wounds and burns that are infected.
- Skin and haircare: Both forms of honey are used in various skincare and haircare cosmetics and even in homemade masks. It is used in various cosmetics and even in various facial and homemade masks to provide moisture and nourishment to dry skin. It also moisturises hair and provides soft and smooth hair. Honey also helps cure eczema.
Comparison on Cooking
Both set honey and clear honey are widely used for cooking. Set honey, also known as creamed or whipped honey, is particularly used as spreads on toast or pancakes. It is also used as a topping on oatmeal or yoghurt. Clear honey has a more widespread use. It can used as a sweetener with teas, as a glaze, for dressings and much more. It is, however, important to note that there is hardly any difference in taste between the two. Set honey is slightly more pronounced in sweetness, but both have the same floral end notes. The uses in cooking are mostly based on their textural difference and nothing else. Sometimes, set honey can be warmed up to form a liquid texture, but it is best to use it in its natural form and avail properly filtered clear honey for respective needs.
Conclusion
Both clear honey and set honey offer unique textures and benefits that cater to different tastes and culinary needs. Set honey has a creamy texture, while set honey has a smooth liquid consistency.
Whether you prefer the former or the latter, both offer similar health benefits and have versatile uses in cooking, medicines, skincare, haircare and much more.
While choosing between set honey and clear honey, assess your personal choice and desired uses to make the right purchase. However, always buy from ethical and genuine sources to own the best quality honey.
FAQs
1. Is set honey, genuine honey?
Setting or crystallisation is a natural process for raw honey. It is proof that the honey has not gone through overfiltration. This is because crystallisation can only occur when some pollen or wax is present in the honey.
2. Is clear honey natural?
Clear honey is pasteurised. It is much more smooth and increases the shelf life of honey without having much impact on the taste. In fact, the process that produces clear honey ensures that its appearance and taste remain good.
3. Is clear honey better than set?
When it comes to raw honey, it does not matter if it is clear or set. The only difference is in the sugar content, and the rest of the properties are almost identical.
4. What can set honey be used for?
Set honey has the same uses as clear or liquid honey. The texture of set honey is great for use as spreads or a topping for yoghurts.
5. When does set honey go bad?
Set honey, or any honey, usually does not expire. It can turn dark with time or crystallise further.
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