EDUCATION
6 minute read
Essential Takeaways
It has been said in the past that when metal comes into contact with Manuka honey, it can cause damage and be potentially harmful. However, this is not correct, and the origin of this myth is unclear.
Using a metal spoon briefly to scoop Manuka honey doesn't reduce its bioactive properties or remove its health benefits. While Manuka honey is naturally acidic, occasional contact with metal utensils doesn't cause significant chemical reactions.
Stainless steel, commonly used in commercial honey processing and packaging, is safe for honey contact. The real threats to Manuka honey quality are improper storage, exposure to heat, and moisture.
Proper storage and handling are key to preserving your honey's quality and potency, regardless of the utensil material used. Regardless of whether you prefer metal, wooden, or plastic utensils, make sure to focus on maintaining the right storage conditions for your Manuka honey.
Have you ever hesitated before reaching for a metal spoon to scoop out your precious Manuka honey?
If so, you're not alone.
There's a commonly held belief that metal utensils can somehow damage or reduce the potency of this liquid gold. But is there any truth to this claim?
Let's dive into the sticky subject of Manuka honey and metal spoons, separating fact from fiction.
In this guide to metal honey and spoons:
The Origin of the Metal Spoon Myth
The belief that metal spoons harm honey has been circulating for years, but its origins are unclear. While there's no definitive source for this myth, it may have roots in traditional beekeeping practices and concerns about honey's acidity.
Problems can arise if bees forage from nectar sources that are contaminated with heavy metals. However, this is distinctly different from using a metal spoon to scoop out your honey.
Note: we undertake rigorous testing of our Manuka honey range, and screen out any potential contamination before supplying it to customers.
Understanding Honey's Composition
To get a better idea of how metal may interact with honey, we need to look at honey's composition. Honey is naturally acidic, with an average pH of 3.9 (ranging from 3.4 to 6.1).
This acidity is part of what gives honey its impressive shelf life and antimicrobial benefits. Manuka honey, in particular, is known for its unique properties:
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High levels of methylglyoxal (MGO)
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Low moisture content
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Natural enzymes and antioxidants
These components contribute to Manuka honey's renowned antibacterial and healing properties. But do they react badly with metal?
The Science Behind Honey and Metal Interactions
Here's where things get interesting. While it's true that honey's acidity can potentially react with some metals, this process is far from instantaneous.
Let's break it down:
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Stainless steel: This is the most common material for kitchen utensils. It’s highly resistant to corrosion and very much unreactive in a food preparation setting. Brief contact between stainless steel and honey is harmless.
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Aluminium: Although aluminium is more reactive than stainless steel, it doesn't pose an immediate threat to honey quality during normal use.
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Copper and iron: These metals are more reactive and could potentially affect honey's taste or colour if they are left in contact with it for extended periods.
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Silver: Generally non-reactive, silver spoons are safe to use with honey.
The key factor here is time. Using a metal spoon to scoop or stir honey for a few seconds or minutes won't cause any significant chemical reactions. However, we do not recommend storing a metal spoon in your honey container.
That being said, if you want to completely avoid using metal spoons in honey, you might be interested in our wooden honey spoons.
Does Metal Affect Manuka Honey's Special Properties?
The short answer is: no.
Manuka honey's special characteristics, like high MGO content and low pH, don't make it more susceptible to metal interactions during normal use. The enzymes and beneficial compounds in Manuka honey are stable at room temperature and not easily destroyed by brief contact with metal utensils.
In fact, most commercial honey processing equipment, including those used for Manuka honey, is made from food-grade stainless steel. This further reinforces the fact that brief contact with metal doesn't negatively impact honey's quality or beneficial properties.
Best Practices for Handling Manuka Honey
While metal spoons won't damage your Manuka honey, there are still some best practices to follow to ensure that you get the most out of your jar:
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Use clean utensils: Regardless of the material your spoon is made from, always use clean equipment to prevent contamination.
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Don't leave metal spoons in honey: While brief contact is fine, avoid storing honey with metal utensils inside.
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Choose the right storage container: Glass or food-grade plastic containers are ideal for long-term honey storage.
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Store properly: Keep your Manuka honey in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
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Avoid excessive heat: High temperatures can degrade honey's beneficial compounds.
The Real Threats to Your Honey's Quality
If you want to ensure that your Manuka honey is safe, fresh and you get the most out of it, we recommend focusing on these actual risks instead of worrying about metal spoons:
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Heat exposure: High temperatures can degrade honey's beneficial compounds and result in the breakdown of enzymes (this is especially the case when cooking with Manuka honey).
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Moisture: Excessive moisture can lead to fermentation. If your honey looks crystallised, this is actually a good thing, as it indicates you’ve got a pure product and that moisture levels aren’t too high.
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Contamination: Introducing foreign substances can compromise honey's purity. Make sure to only put clean utensils into the jar, and avoid using the same container for food and medicinal use, if possible.
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Light: Prolonged exposure to light can affect the colour and nutrient content of honey. That’s why our jars are a dark colour rather than clear. Make sure to store your honey in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
By storing your Manuka honey properly and handling it with clean utensils, you'll ensure it retains its beneficial properties for as long as possible.
FAQs About Metal Spoons and Honey
Still have questions? We've got answers:
Q: Is it bad to use a metal spoon with honey?
A: No, using a metal spoon for brief periods is perfectly safe and won't damage the honey.
Q: Can metal spoons destroy the beneficial enzymes in honey?
A: No, brief contact with metal doesn't affect honey's enzymes or beneficial properties.
Q: How long can I leave a metal spoon in honey?
A: It's best not to leave any utensils in honey for extended periods. Use the spoon to scoop and remove it afterwards.
Q: Are some metals safer than others for honey?
A: Stainless steel is the safest and most commonly used metal for honey utensils and processing equipment. Copper and iron utensils can cause issues if left for sustained periods of time. Don’t use lead in honey.
Q: Does the metal spoon myth apply to all types of honey?
A: The same principles apply to all honey types, including Manuka. Brief contact with metal spoons is safe for any honey.
Get Your (Metal Spoon Safe) Manuka Honey From New Zealand Honey Co.!
So there you have it. You can confidently use your metal spoon to enjoy Manuka honey without needing to worry about damaging its valuable health properties. The key is to focus on proper storage and handling to preserve your honey's quality and potency.
Remember, when it comes to Manuka honey, it's not about the spoon you use, but the quality of the honey itself.
To ensure that you get a quality Manuka honey from a trustworthy supplier, look for the UMF™ certification. This guarantees that the honey is independently tested to the strictest standards in the world.
Our Manuka honey is UMF™ certified.
Unsure which grade is right for you?
Your wellness journey starts with a spoonful a day.
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