The Myth Behind Metal Killing the Benefits of Honey

For thousands of years, people have used honey, not just for its sweet taste but for its health benefits too. People believe honey can help with things like sore throats, digestive issues, and even wounds. However, people have been spreading a myth for a long time that using metal spoons or storing honey in metal containers can “kill” its beneficial properties. Let’s look at the truth behind this myth and discover how metal is actually honey-friendly.

The Myth: Metal Destroys Honey’s Benefits

The myth about metal and honey comes from the idea that metal can interfere with honey’s natural enzymes and antioxidants. Honey’s enzymes contribute to its health benefits, and people believe that antioxidants in honey fight diseases. Some people believe that metal contact destroys honey’s beneficial properties. There are two reasons people believe this:

1. Metal Reacts with Honey: Some metals, like aluminum, react with acidic foods. However, honey is not very acidic and does not cause a harmful reaction to the metals people commonly use, such as stainless steel.

   
   

2. Metal Heats the Honey: Another part of the myth is that using a metal spoon might cause the honey to heat, which could destroy its enzymes. But this is not true either. Unless you heat honey to a high temperature (over 140°F or 60°C), a metal spoon won’t generate enough heat to damage it. Stirring honey at room temperature with a metal spoon is perfectly fine.

The Truth: Metal is Safe for Honey

In reality, metal is safe to use with honey. Here are some reasons:

1. Stainless Steel Is Safe: People make most kitchen utensils, like spoons, knives, and mixing bowls, from stainless steel. Stainless steel is a non-reactive metal, meaning it will not interact with honey. So, using a metal spoon to stir or serve honey will not change its taste or quality (source: National Honey Board).

   
   

2. Honey Is Very Stable: Honey has natural preservatives that keep it from spoiling. It has a low moisture content, which helps prevent the growth of bacteria. This means honey is not easily affected by the metal you use to handle it (source: Food Safety News). As long as you store honey properly, its health benefits will remain intact.

   
   

3. Enzymes Stay Safe Unless Heated: Honey contains natural enzymes that help break down sugars and give it its medicinal properties. These enzymes are sensitive to heat, but not to metal. The real concern is high heat. Heating honey above 140°F (60°C) will break down its enzymes. This can occur if you heat honey in a microwave or on a stove, but stirring it with a metal spoon won’t cause this.

   
   

4. No Problem with Metal Containers: Some people think that storing honey in metal containers will affect its quality, but this is not true. Stainless steel or food-safe metal containers are just fine for storing honey. The key to keeping honey fresh is to store it in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dry place (source: National Honey Board).

   

Conclusion

The myth that metal destroys the benefits of honey is not true. Honey is a very stable food, and metal utensils like spoons or containers are safe to use with it. The only thing that can harm honey’s health benefits is heat. So, whether you use a metal spoon to stir your honey or store it in a metal jar, you still get all the significant health benefits honey offers.

Sources:

1. National Honey Board - "Honey: The Basics"

2. Scientific American - "What You Should Know About Honey"

3. Food Safety News - "The Shelf Life of Honey"

4. Honey and Health - "Honey and Its Medicinal Properties"

5. Food Science and Technology - "The Chemistry of Honey and How It’s Made"