Of course not; the opposite is true. Honey crystallizing, or "sugaring" and hardening in winter or cold temperatures, is definitive proof that it is natural honey that hasn't been exposed to high temperatures—which would strip it of its benefits—just to keep it liquid. You can easily return it to its liquid state with a simple warm water bath, and it will go back to exactly how it was.

Natural honey has a much lower glycemic index than white sugar, meaning it doesn't spike blood sugar levels as quickly, in addition to its great benefits. However, it ultimately contains natural sugars, which is why we always advise diabetic patients to consult their treating physician to determine the daily amount allowed for them so they can benefit from it completely safely.

This is one of the most common misconceptions. Honey is natural flower nectar that bees collect and absorb, adding highly beneficial enzymes to it in their honey stomach—which is separate from their digestive stomach. They then regurgitate it and store it in the hives. In other words, it is a 100% natural and pure product, and it has absolutely nothing to do with waste.

Each type of honey derives its benefits from the flower the bees fed on; for example, citrus honey is different from black seed honey and herbal honey, while Sidr honey is considered a complete pharmacy. At Etruja, we provide you with a variety that suits all your health and daily needs.

The color depends on the flower type and the harvesting season. Light-colored honey, such as clover and citrus, has a lighter, sweeter taste and is excellent for daily sweetening. Darker honey, such as thyme and black seed, is richer in minerals and antioxidants with a stronger flavor, which is why it is always recommended for therapeutic purposes and boosting immunity.

Yes, this happens often and there is absolutely no need to worry, because the exact color of the honey is determined by the harvesting season. In some seasons, it may be slightly lighter or darker than the color you are accustomed to. Also, because bees, when feeding on nectar, may include a small proportion of nectar from different flowers, this also slightly affects the color. Honey is at its lightest when harvested and begins to darken gradually over time.

It may change for various reasons, the most common of which is humidity. Honey is by nature a "hygroscopic" substance (meaning it absorbs moisture from the air very easily). If the honey container is left open for a long time in a humid place, or if we use a wet spoon while scooping it, the honey absorbs that water, which causes two things:

• The consistency thins: You will find that the honey has lost its usual thick, cohesive texture and has become thinner and more liquid than normal.
• Risk of fermentation: This is the bigger problem; natural honey retains its shelf life because its moisture content is very low. If the water content increases due to humidity or a wet spoon, a "fermentation" process begins: its taste turns sour, its smell changes, and bubbles may appear on the surface. At that point, unfortunately, it has spoiled and lost its quality.

Our advice always at Atarja: Close the honey jar very tightly after each use, store it in a dry place at normal room temperature, and most importantly.. always use a completely dry and clean spoon when scooping it out to ensure it maintains its highest quality, consistency, and taste down to the last drop!

Medically and globally, honey is very safe and highly beneficial for children, but only after they complete a full year. Before the age of one, a child's digestive system is not sufficiently developed to handle certain natural, beneficial bacteria that may be present in raw honey.

Natural honey is a very healthy alternative to sugar and is full of vitamins and minerals. The advantage is that a spoonful of honey provides stronger sweetness than a spoonful of sugar, so you will use a smaller amount. However, honey still contains a high number of calories, so if you are using it in a diet as a sugar substitute, your usage must be "in moderation" and within your daily calorie limit.

This is one of the most common myths; adding honey to hot drinks does not significantly diminish its benefits as many people imagine. Natural honey is packed with essential minerals and very powerful antioxidants that retain their value and do not break down easily with moderately high heat. Furthermore, it is very effective in soothing the throat and alleviating coughs when taken with these drinks. The only thing that might be affected if the water is "boiling" is some of the delicate enzymes, but the essential nutritional value, vitamins, and energy it provides to the body remain largely intact. You can enjoy your cup of tea or lemon juice sweetened with Atarga honey, completely confident that you are having a healthy alternative that is far superior to sugar.