Honey, as a natural food, is widely loved for its health benefits. However, when consuming honey, it’s important to preserve its nutritional value. The best way to mix honey with water is to use warm water.Why can’t honey be brewed with boiling water?
Let’s explore the optimal temperature for preparing honey water:
1. Why is it not recommended to mix honey with boiling water?
1.1 Nutrient destruction
Boiling water typically reaches a temperature of around 100°C, which is a high-temperature state. If honey is mixed with boiling water, some of its nutrients are easily destroyed, leading to a loss in its value.
1.2 Loss of oxidase
Honey is rich in oxidase, an enzyme with various physiological activities that helps protect the body and aids digestion. However, oxidase is a sensitive enzyme that can easily become inactive and degrade in hot water. Mixing honey with boiling water can result in the loss of oxidase, diminishing its nutritional benefits.
2. Why should warm water be used to mix honey?
2.1 Preserving nutritional value
Honey is highly nutritious, containing glucose, fructose, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and more. Warm water better preserves these nutrients, minimizing loss and enhancing the nutritional value of honey water.
2.2 Faster dissolution
Honey is not easily soluble in water, especially in low temperatures. Using warm water increases the movement of liquid molecules, allowing honey molecules to contact water molecules more effectively and speeding up the dissolution process.
3. What is the optimal water temperature?
The ideal water temperature for mixing honey is between 20°C and 50°C—ordinary warm water will suffice. Higher temperatures can compromise the nutritional value of honey, so boiling water is not recommended. Conversely, if the water is too cold, the honey dissolves slowly, reducing the effectiveness of dilution.
Additionally, when mixing honey with warm water, attention should be paid to temperature control. Avoid using excessively hot water. It is advisable to dilute the honey with a small amount of warm water first and then mix in a suitable amount of hot water if necessary.
In summary, using warm water between 20°C and 50°C is the best choice for mixing honey. This method can be easily practiced at home, ensuring that honey’s nutritional benefits are preserved while promoting good health.
You can also click here to browse other articles and opinions on why honey cannot be brewed with boiling water.
If you’d like to learn more about bees or honey, click here to explore.