How to Tell Real Honey from Fake: The Matchstick Test Might Surprise You
The matchstick test is a simple and effective way to determine whether your honey is real or fake. Here’s how it works:
– Grab a Matchstick: Take a dry matchstick and dip the tip into the honey.
– Light It: Strike the matchstick and try to light it.
1. Observe: If the honey is real, the matchstick will light easily. Real honey has low moisture content, which allows the matchstick to ignite without issue. Fake or adulterated honey, which might contain added water or sugar, will prevent the matchstick from lighting due to the excess moisture.
Why does this work? Real honey has a low moisture content (around 18%), which means it’s less likely to absorb water and dilute the honey.
This keeps the honey viscous and dry enough to ignite a matchstick. Fake honey, often mixed with sugars, syrups, or water, has higher moisture content and won’t allow the matchstick to catch fire.
While the matchstick test is a fun way to check honey, it’s not foolproof.
For more accurate results, consider getting a lab test or buying honey from trusted, reliable sources.