What is Soft Set Honey? 

Our Snowdonia Wildflower Soft Set Honey, one of our award-winning products is turning our premium Welsh Wildflower Honey into a buttery, delicious treat. It has a smooth, spreadable texture that food lovers and health fans will adore.

This honey is made with care, using a special method of controlled crystallisation.The secret of our Soft Set Honey is is in the churning. We mix in 10% seed honey of a variety that crystallises readily (we use Snowdonia White Clover honey) and control the temperature as its gently turned for 10 days. This makes the honey creamy and keeps its natural goodness.

If you love cooking or want a better sugar option, soft set honey is the perfect choice and can be spread thickly onto warm toast or used to glaze vegetables.

Understanding What is Soft Set Honey?

Soft set honey is a special journey in natural honey making and crystallisation. It changes through a careful process that shows how honey's sugars work together.

The Natural Crystallisation Journey

Glucose and Fructose: The Crystal Architects

The mix of glucose and fructose is key in crystallisation. Glucose forms fine crystals, while fructose stays liquid. We add a 10% by volume of a seed honey to control this process.

This way, you get a honey that's smooth and set yet has tiny crystals making it perfect for spreading and cooking.

Soft Set vs Regular Honey: A Textural Tale

Soft Set Honey stays smooth and creamy, unlike regular honey which can set hard with a texture not unlike granulated sugar. It's made to be spreadable and work well in cooking. We make ours in winter, using the cold honey crystals churning against each other to get it just right.

The Traditional British Art of Making Soft Set Honey

British beekeeping is a long-standing tradition of making artisanal honey. The art of soft set honey creation is a precise process. It requires the skill of a beekeeper to select a suitable seed honey and then choose a flavoursome Welsh Wildflower honey.

Creating soft set honey involves controlling temperature and managing crystallisation using a creaming machine such as the one we use from Lyson of Poland. There are two main processes going on: stirring and seeding. Seeding honey adds 10% pre-crystallised honey to start the crystallisation process. This makes the honey smooth and creamy.

The honey creamer process needs careful attention. We keep the temperature of the honey at 12-14 degrees Celsius. This cold honey uses mechanical methods to  break up and distribute the crystals over a 10 day period. Once completed, we bring the honey up to 30C which enables us to jar the honey where it will soft set in the next 2-4 weeks in our cold, slate-floored barn.

This ensures each batch is of the highest quality with the result being a luxurious, spreadable honey so loved for its natural sweetness and smooth texture.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Properties

Soft set honey is a treasure trove of natural wellness. It offers amazing health benefits and tastes great. As a natural sweetener, it's a healthier choice than processed sugars, packed with nutrients.

Natural Healing Properties

Honey's nutritional value goes beyond just being sweet. It's full of antioxidants and natural compounds that help our bodies. Studies show it can lower blood sugars, improve heart health, and help with weight loss.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals

Rich in vitamins and minerals, it has amino acids that help our bodies grow and function. It also has calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are good for our metabolism and health.

Antimicrobial Benefits

Honey's antimicrobial properties make it great for healing. Studies show it can help wounds heal, reduces inflammation, and boosts the immune system. It's been used for treating minor cuts, burns, and supporting throat health, showing its incredible healing power. And it tastes great!

Culinary Uses and Storage Tips

Our award-winning Soft Set honey makes cooking and baking special with its spreadable texture. It's perfect for adding flavour to both sweet and savoury dishes. Whether it's on your breakfast toast or with gourmet cheese, honey brings amazing taste.

Baking with honey adds moisture and depth to your treats. Chefs and home bakers love its rich sweetness. Choose artisan soft set honey for its unique flavours and texture.

Storing honey right keeps its flavour strong. Keep it cool, around 12-15°C, away from light and moisture. Use sealed containers to keep it spreadable for 2-3 months at room temperature. For longer storage, a cool, dark kitchen cupboard is recommended.

Pairing honey with foods is an art. Try it on aged cheddar, over strained Greek yoghurt or with fresh fruits. Knowing how to store and use honey brings out its best qualities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Wildflower Soft Set Honey?

A: Wildflower Soft Set Honey is a pure and natural honey that has a creamy, velvety consistency, making it perfect for spreading on toast. It is made from the nectar of various wildflowers and is known for its delightful flavour and smooth texture.

Q: How does Wildflower Soft Set Honey differ from runny honey?

A: Unlike runny honey, which remains liquid, Wildflower Soft Set Honey has a fine grain and a creamy consistency. This creamed honey is produced through a controlled process that encourages granulation, resulting in a smooth, spreadable texture.

Q: What should I do if my Wildflower Soft Set Honey becomes hard?

A: If your honey becomes hard, it’s likely due to high glucose levels. To restore its creamy consistency, simply place the jar in warm water or gently stir it with a spoon. Avoid direct heat to preserve its natural properties.

Q: Can I use Wildflower Soft Set Honey in cooking?

A: Absolutely! While it's perfect for spreading on toast, you can also incorporate Wildflower Soft Set Honey into your porridge or desserts. Just remember that heating may alter its texture, so use it gently in recipes.

Q: How is Wildflower Soft Set Honey produced?

A: Wildflower Soft Set Honey is produced through a careful extraction process from the hives, followed by a controlled crystallisation process that creates its unique creamy texture. This ensures that the honey retains its natural flavours and health benefits.

Q: What are the health benefits of Wildflower Soft Set Honey?

A: Wildflower Soft Set Honey is not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants and nutrients. It's known to have soothing properties, making it a great natural sweetener for enhancing your overall health.

Q: What is the shelf life of Wildflower Soft Set Honey?

A: When stored properly in a cool, dry place, Wildflower Soft Set Honey can last indefinitely. Its natural properties help to preserve it, making it a staple in your pantry for years to come but by law we use (and recommend) that its best before 2-3 years. But we challenge you to make it last that long after you've tasted it.