Microwave

[monarda]

Just come across some labels made by a big beekeeping firm concerning granulation . One of the suggestions was to place jar in microwave to render it runny again. Am I wrong in thinking this is not good for the honey-I'm sure I've heard or read that somewhere.

 

[bingevader]

You are not wrong in that honey isn't as good (and can be bad) if over-heated.
If you can manage to keep the temp low, then it is fine (below 40°C should be fine).
Not sure if that is possible in a microwave, don't have one!

 

[Ian123]

You can use a microwave to turn jars runny again. Heat stir repeat just 10-30 seconds at a time.

 

[monarda]

You can use a microwave to turn jars runny again. Heat stir repeat just 10-30 seconds at a time.

Hi Ian, is there any truth in what I'd been led to believe , that the process of microwaving destroys beneficial enzymes ?
Dave

 

[bingevader]

I don't know about microwaving, but yes, overheating does have a negative effect.

 

[pargyle]

Just come across some labels made by a big beekeeping firm concerning granulation . One of the suggestions was to place jar in microwave to render it runny again. Am I wrong in thinking this is not good for the honey-I'm sure I've heard or read that somewhere.

you can render honey runny by microwaving it .. if your microwave has either a defrost setting or a very low heat setting. It only takes a very short time to do a jar - even on a low heat setting a jar will take less than a couple of minutes.

Stop it half way and give it a stir. Obviously take care not to let it heat up too much.

I don't think it harms the honey or its taste .. I would never use it for honey that I sell but I have used our microwave on my own honey when I haven't got a runny jar available. No noticeable difference in taste as far as I can tell.

Take the lid off before you put it in the microwave and be careful if the jar is labelled as some labels have metallic elements and some glues are not microwave proof.

 

[Ian123]

Hi Ian, is there any truth in what I'd been led to believe , that the process of microwaving destroys beneficial enzymes ?
Dave

To much heat from any source will damage enzymes or perhaps more correctly prolonged heat so very short bursts and stir.

 

[enrico]

I use one to make my set honey runny for my own use
E

 

[Ian123]

Even with buckets of honey out the warmer I often stand in a cold sink to drop the temp faster so you could do the same with jars if you want to be particular.

 

[Mandeville]

I thought the problem with using a microwave is that you get overheating in hot spots?

 

[Ian123]

Yes you are correct but it’s why I said short burst and stir!

 

[monarda]

Good evening guys, many thanks for info.
Dave

 

[Levitt53]

I printed my own granulation labels because all the bought ones mention a microwave. I just said to warm it but don't over heat it - I'll leave customers to decide what that means. I have an AGA so just leave my granulated honey on that for a few hours and it warms through lovely.

 

[monarda]

I printed my own granulation labels because all the bought ones mention a microwave. I just said to warm it but don't over heat it - I'll leave customers to decide what that means. I have an AGA so just leave my granulated honey on that for a few hours and it warms through lovely.

Good idea about labels and I like the thought of getting an AGA even more !

 

[Ian123]

Good idea about labels and I like the thought of getting an AGA even more !

Cheaper to get a microwave though

 

[Gilberdyke John]

Good idea about labels and I like the thought of getting an AGA even more !

Nice cookers but what about their appetite?