SeaBee Honey: A Sweet Substitute for Sugar
In the past few years, there has been a growing trend towards using natural sweeteners in cooking. Honey, a natural sweetener produced by bees from the nectar of flowers, has emerged as a popular alternative to refined sugar. Not only does honey offer a unique flavor and aroma, but it also boasts several health benefits.
Honey vs. Sugar: A Tale of Two Sweeteners
While both honey and sugar provide sweetness, they differ significantly in their composition and properties. Sugar, a refined carbohydrate, is mainly composed of sucrose, a disaccharide of fructose and glucose. Honey, on the other hand, is a complex mixture of sugars, including fructose, glucose, and other minor sugars. Additionally, honey contains trace amounts of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.
Sweetness Comparison
When substituting honey for sugar in cooking, it's important to consider their relative sweetness. Honey is approximately 1.7 times sweeter than granulated sugar. This means that for every cup of granulated sugar called for in a recipe, you can substitute about 2/3 cup of honey.
General Guidelines for Substituting Honey for Sugar
Here are some general guidelines for substituting honey for sugar in cooking:

• Use 2/3 cup of honey for every 1 cup of granulated sugar.
• Reduce other liquids in the recipe by 1/4 cup per cup of honey used, as honey is about 20% water.
• Add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda for every cup of honey used to balance the acidity of honey and promote browning.
• Lower oven temperature by 25°F to prevent browning too quickly.

Additional Tips for Using Honey in Cooking

• Choose a variety of honey to add different flavors and aromas to your dishes.
• Heat honey gently to prevent it from burning.
• Use honey in marinades and dressings for a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Add honey to glazes and sauces for a rich and sticky texture.
• Experiment with honey in baked goods, such as cakes, cookies, and muffins.

With its unique flavor, health benefits, and versatility, honey serves as an excellent substitute for sugar in a variety of cooking applications. By following these guidelines and tips, you can easily incorporate honey into your culinary creations and enjoy its sweet goodness while reaping its health benefits.

Join us on Wednesday, April 26 at 6:30 p.m. for a presentation by Joe Marttila of SeaBee Honey and Apiaries. SeaBee is based in Rye with the mission to preserve both pollinators and farmland in the Seacoast area.  Joe Marttila will give you a fascinating glimpse into the world of honey bees and other New England native pollinators, and explain why pollinators play such a critical role in the ecosystem.  He will also touch on why pollinators are in decline and what you can do to help. ​