Honey

Raw, creamed, infused and comb honey straight from apiaries and small farms. Lighter honey is for tea and drizzling, darker jars stand up to cheese and baking. Honey keeps nearly forever, so it is a safe gift.

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Madeline's honey collection gathers raw and minimally processed honey from independent apiaries and natural-foods makers such as Country Life Natural Foods, including unpasteurized, unfiltered wildflower honey alongside infused and specialty jars. Styles run from mild, light wildflower honey to darker, stronger varietals, in sizes from small 2 lb jars up to bulk gallons for regular bakers and canners. If you are looking for raw honey to keep on the table, a local-style honey for tea, or a larger format for cooking, this is the place to start.

How to choose

  • Raw vs. filtered. Raw honey is unpasteurized and unfiltered, so it keeps more of its natural pollen and aroma; filtered honey is clearer and pours more smoothly. Both are good, so pick by preference.
  • Match color to flavor. Lighter honey is milder and good for tea and drizzling; darker honey is more robust and stands up in marinades, baking, and bold cheeses.
  • Pick a useful size. Small jars suit tasting and gifts; gallon and bulk sizes are better value if you bake, brew, or sweeten daily.
  • Look at the source. Single-origin and regional honey reflects the flowers the bees worked; blends aim for a consistent year-round flavor.
  • Check for infusions. Some jars are infused with herbs, chili, or other flavors, which changes how you would use them.

Frequently asked questions

Does raw honey ever go bad? Stored sealed and dry, honey keeps almost indefinitely. It is naturally low in moisture and resists spoilage, though flavor is best within a couple of years.

Why did my honey turn solid or grainy? That is crystallization, a natural process, not spoilage. Warm the jar gently in warm water and stir to return it to a pourable state.

Is raw honey better than regular honey? Raw honey retains more natural pollen and aroma because it is not pasteurized or finely filtered. Whether that matters depends on how you plan to use it; for cooking and sweetening, both work well.

Can I substitute honey for sugar in recipes? Often yes. Honey is sweeter and adds moisture, so use less than the sugar called for and reduce other liquids slightly. Note honey is not suitable for infants under one year.

Related guides

Read our guides to The Best Raw Honey for Tea and Baking and the Hot Honey Glazed Chicken recipe.

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