Comb Honey
The least processed form of honey, sold directly unstrained in the hexagonal wax comb the bees built and filled with honey. The comb itself is edible and adds a mildly crunchy texture.
What Is Comb Honey?
Comb honey is honey sold directly after being cut from the hive, without straining, once the hexagonal wax cells built by bees are filled with honey. It is the least processed form of honey.
The comb itself is edible; beeswax is indigestible, but it can be chewed for its flavor and then spit out or swallowed, according to preference.
Comb Honey Nutrition
One hundred grams of comb honey contains approximately 320 kcal and consists mostly of natural sugars (fructose and glucose). Beeswax is indigestible and has almost no caloric value. Values are approximate.
How Should Comb Honey Be Eaten?
As part of a balanced diet, eat comb honey in moderation because of its high sugar content.
This is general information; comb honey is a food and is not a substitute for medical treatment. Honey, including comb honey, should not be given to infants under 1 year old; people with a honey allergy should avoid it.
How to Choose Comb Honey
Good comb honey has cells filled with honey and capped; its color ranges from golden yellow to dark amber depending on the type of honey, and it has a natural floral aroma. Avoid combs with empty or leaking cells.
- The cells should be full of honey and capped (sealed).
- The color should be consistent and suitable for the type of honey.
- It should smell naturally floral, not sour or fermented.
How to Store Comb Honey
Store comb honey in a sealed container at room temperature; refrigeration is not recommended because it can accelerate crystallization.
Using Comb Honey in the Kitchen
Comb honey is most often served with cheese at breakfast, on toast and bread, or sliced over yogurt and fruit.
Can Comb Honey Be Heated?
Heating is not recommended; high heat can damage both honey’s natural enzymes and aromas and the texture of the beeswax. Serving it at room temperature is preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Eat the Wax in Comb Honey?
Yes, it is edible; it is indigestible but harmless. Many people chew it for its flavor and then swallow it, while others spit it out after chewing.
Is Comb Honey the Same Honey as Strained Honey?
They come from the same source (bee honey), but comb honey is unprocessed, while strained honey has been separated from the comb and strained into a liquid.
Why Is Comb Honey More Expensive?
Because it is sold directly without processing, and its production and harvesting are more labor-intensive, it is generally more expensive than strained honey.