The 2023 Rancho Incognito honey is much different than honey we harvested in 2022. This year's honey is very light in color falling somewhere between "White" and "Extra Light Amber" on the Pfund Honey Grading Chart. Whereas the taste last year was earthy with a slight tang of molasses, 2023 Rancho Incognito Honey has a distinctive sweetness with a unique fruity taste. I find it especially delicious in tea. Try our Eggplant and Honey recipe for a low-carb French Toast substitute.
Spring 2023. Good Rain.. Mild Temps. Fabulous wildflower. bloom. A honey bee’s (and beekeeper’s) dream come true.
Bees Curing Honey
After taking multiple samples, the moisture content of Rancho Incognito 2023 bottled honey is 17% or slightly less. We believe this is due to the good rains, mild Spring temps, and a stunning wild flower bloom. Last year (drought, extreme heat, poor wildflower bloom) we saw dark, thick, dry honey with moisture content readings of 14%-16%. Why does this matter?
Honey bees make honey by adding nutrients and enzymes to naturally occurring plant nectar. Once the honey is made, the Bees must reduce the normally high water content of nectar (typically 80%-90%). Without this curing process, the high moisture level would cause the honey to ferment and rot. The accepted maximum moisture content of harvest ready honey is usually 18% (though some say harvesting at 21% is OK).
How to Take Care of Your Honey
1. Sooner or later, raw honey will crystalize. Many commercial and foreign honey producers heat their honey to keep their honey from crystalizing. This high heat destroys beneficial enzymes and pollen particles.
So when your honey crystalizes, simply place the jar in a pan of warm (not boiling) water. Stir it periodically. The sugar crystals will re-dissolve. Personally - I like crystalized honey on toast.
2. Real Honey (no additives) is hydroscopic meaning it will absorb moisture from the air. Too much absorbed moisture can cause honey to go bad. So when storing your honey be sure those lids are on tight.
