Have you ever wanted to enjoy the sweet taste of honey without the sticky mess? Making honey powder is an easy way to get all the flavor of honey in a convenient, lightweight powder.
Honey powder is simply dehydrated honey that has been dried into a powdered form. By removing the moisture, you can store honey for even longer and use it in more applications. From sprinkling it on oatmeal to baking with it, honey powder is a handy staple for any kitchen.
Why Make Honey Powder?
There are several great reasons to make your own honey powder:
Longer Shelf Life
Honey powder lasts much longer than liquid honey. As long as you store it properly in an airtight container, it can stay fresh for decades. The low moisture content prevents microbial growth. So you never have to worry about it going bad.
More Versatile
Powdered honey works better than liquid honey in certain recipes. When honey is dried into a powder, you don't have to worry about extra moisture affecting the chemistry of baked goods. It also mixes more smoothly with dry ingredients.
Easy to Measure
Measuring honey powder is simpler than tackling sticky liquid honey. You can easily scoop, spoon, or weigh powdered honey. When baking, you don't have to adjust liquids to compensate for adding liquid sweeteners.
Better for Travel
Honey powder is lightweight and compact. It's the perfect way to add sweetness on camping trips or whenever you need portability. Just mix it with water for an instant honey solution.
Healthier Than Sugar
Honey contains nutrients while processed sugar does not. Replacing sugar with honey powder allows you to sweeten foods while adding vitamins and minerals. It has a lower glycemic index, making it a better choice than table sugar.
How to Dehydrate Honey into Powder
Dehydrating honey is a simple process. With just a few supplies, you can make batches of honey powder right at home. Here are two methods you can try:
| Method | Tools Needed | Temperature | Drying Time | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dehydrator | - Dehydrator - Parchment paper or fruit leather sheets | 120°F-140°F | 24-48 hours | Airtight container with desiccant pack |
| Oven | - Baking sheet - Parchment paper or silicone mat | Lowest setting, 120°F-150°F | 6-12 hours | Airtight container with desiccant pack |
1. Making Honey Powder Using a Dehydrator
Instructions
- Line dehydrator trays with parchment paper or fruit leather sheets. Make sure sheets are clean and dry.
- Spread a thin layer of honey, no more than 1/8 inch thick, onto the prepared trays. About 1-2 cups of honey is a good starting point.
- Set the dehydrator to 120°F-140°F. This low temperature prevents burning.
- Dehydrate the honey for 24-48 hours, checking occasionally. It should be completely hard and crisp when done.
- Remove dried honey from the trays and let cool completely. Work quickly to avoid reabsorption of moisture.
- Break honey into pieces and grind it into a powder using a blender or food processor.
- Transfer honey powder to an airtight container right away. Add a desiccant pack to absorb moisture.
2. Making Honey Powder Using the Oven
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Make sure it's completely clean and dry.
- Spread honey thinly onto the sheet, no more than 1/8 inch thick.
- Set oven as low as possible, between 120°F to 150°F.
- Place honey in the oven and prop the door open slightly with a wooden spoon to allow moisture to escape.
- Dehydrate for 6-12 hours until hard and crisp. Check frequently to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely before handling. Work quickly.
- Break into pieces and grind into powder with blender or food processor.
- Transfer to an airtight container right away, adding a desiccant pack.
No matter which method you use, make sure to work swiftly when grinding the dried honey to prevent the reabsorption of moisture from the air. Store honey powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It will stay fresh for several years.
Tips for Making Honey Powder
Follow these tips to get the best results when making your own honey powder:
- Use raw, unprocessed honey for the best nutrition and flavor. Avoid commercial honey blends.
- Spread honey very thinly on dehydrator sheets. Thicker layers take longer to dry.
- Use fresh, clean parchment paper for each batch. Fruit leather sheets also work well.
- Monitor oven temperature carefully to prevent burning. Dehydrate at the lowest possible setting.
- Work quickly when grinding dried honey to avoid moisture reabsorption.
- Use an airtight glass jar to store honey powder, along with a desiccant pack.
- Make flavored honey powders by adding spices, citrus zest, or extracts before dehydrating.
- Let the oven and containers cool fully before use to prevent introducing moisture to dried honey.
- Start with small 1-2 cup batches until you get the hang of the process.
FAQ
Does honey powder go bad?
Properly stored honey powder lasts indefinitely. Kept dry in an airtight container, it should stay fresh for many years without spoiling. Over time, it may gradually lose some aroma and enzyme activity, but it will still be safe to eat.
Can you use a microwave to make honey powder?
Microwaves are not recommended for dehydrating honey into powder. The honey can easily burn or cook unevenly in a microwave oven. Using very short intervals of 30 seconds or less may work for very thin layers, but a dehydrator or oven are better choices.
Is honey powder better than liquid honey?
Each form of honey has advantages. Honey powder is more portable and convenient for travel or camping. It stores longer and works better in some recipes. Liquid honey is easier to use as a spread and retains more of the original aroma. Both forms are nutritious options.
How do you rehydrate honey powder?
To reconstitute honey powder, simply mix it with a small amount of water. Use about 1/4 cup water to 1 cup powdered honey. Stir or whisk gently. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until thickened and then stir again before use. Add more water if a thinner consistency is needed.
Can you use sugar instead of honey powder in recipes?
Honey powder can replace sugar in most recipes, but they won't behave exactly the same in baking. Sugar caramelizes, while honey does not. So using 100% honey powder may yield different textures. For best results, try replacing half the sugar called for in a recipe with honey powder.
Uses for Honey Powder
Honey powder is a handy staple that can be used in both sweet and savory applications:
- Sprinkle on oatmeal, yogurt or fruit
- Mix into coffee, tea, lemonade and cocktails
- Use in place of sugar in baking recipes
- Make candy or homemade energy bars
- Whip into frosting and icing
- Blend into smoothies
- Rub on meats before grilling or roasting
- Coat nuts and snacks
- Sweeten sauces, marinades and salad dressings
- Flavor-enriched rice or quinoa
- Dust over biscuits or muffins before baking
- Use as a scrub for exfoliating skin
- Add to dry rubs and marinades for sweetness
Once you discover how useful honey powder is, you'll never run out! It takes a little time to make, but the results are well worth it.
Conclusion
With a simple dehydrating process, you can easily make your own honey powder right at home. Removing the moisture makes honey easier to handle and use in a variety of ways. Honey powder has an almost indefinite shelf life, as long as it's kept away from moisture.
Make sure to use raw, unprocessed honey and dehydrate it thoroughly into a crisp consistency. Grind the dried honey quickly before it reabsorbs moisture. Store in an airtight container along with a desiccant pack. Add unique flavors if desired by blending in spices, extracts, or zest before dehydrating.
Honey powder is a versatile alternative to sugar that adds nutrition and sweetness to drinks, baking, snacks, and more. Once you start using this handy homemade staple, you'll never buy the store-bought powders again!