Certainly not; the opposite is true. Honey crystallization, or "sugaring" and hardening in winter or cold temperatures, is definitive proof that it is natural honey that has not been subjected to high temperatures—which would strip it of its benefits—just to keep it liquid. You can easily return it to its liquid state using a simple warm water bath, and it will return 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 very beneficial enzymes to it in their honey stomach, which is separate from their digestive stomach. Then, they regurgitate and store it in the honeycomb. In other words, it is a 100% natural and pure product, and it has absolutely no connection to waste.

Every type of honey derives its benefits from the flower the bees fed on; for example, citrus honey is different from black seed and herbal honey, which are both different from Sidr honey, considered a complete pharmacy. At Atrjah, we provide you with a variety to suit all your health and daily needs.

The color depends on the type of flower 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, like thyme and black seed, is richer in minerals and antioxidants with a bolder flavor, which is why it is always recommended for therapeutic purposes and boosting immunity.

Yes, this happens often and there is absolutely no need for concern because the exact color of honey is determined by the harvest season, so 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 incorporate a small percentage of nectar from different flowers, this also slightly affects the color, and honey is at its lightest when harvested and begins to darken gradually over time.

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

• The consistency thins: You will find that the honey has lost its usual thick, firm consistency and has become more runny and thinner than normal.
• Risk of fermentation: This is the bigger problem. Natural honey maintains 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 becomes sour, its smell changes, and bubbles may appear on its surface. At that point, unfortunately, it has spoiled and lost its quality.

Our advice at Atarja is always: 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 clean and dry spoon when serving it 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 significant calories, so if you are using it in your diet as a substitute for sugar, you must use it "in moderation" and within your daily calorie allowance.

This is one of the most common myths; adding honey to hot drinks does not significantly cancel out its benefits as many people imagine. Natural honey is packed with essential minerals and very potent antioxidants that retain their value and do not break down easily with moderately high heat. Furthermore, it has a very effective soothing effect on the throat and helps relieve coughing when combined 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 lemonade sweetened with Atarga honey, fully confident that you are choosing a healthy alternative that is far superior to sugar.