Seeding Honey
Lexikon
In beekeeping, seeding means deliberately mixing small amounts of already finely crystallized honey into liquid honey so that crystallization proceeds in a controlled and even way.
In beekeeping, seeding means deliberately mixing small amounts of already finely crystallized honey into liquid honey so that crystallization proceeds in a controlled and even way. The fine sugar crystals of the so-called seed honey act as nuclei, onto which the new crystals can attach evenly throughout the whole container instead of growing uncontrolled and coarse-grained.
Seeding is especially important for honeys that crystallize only hesitantly or are naturally coarse-grained, for example certain summer flows with a high fructose content. A common addition is about 3 to 10 percent seed honey, with the higher proportion tending to be chosen for particularly fructose-rich honeys. The best seed honey is spring-flow honey that has already been stirred to a fine, creamy consistency, which must then be thoroughly stirred in so that the crystal nuclei distribute themselves throughout the whole container.
The result of carefully seeded honey is a finer, more even crystal structure, which has a positive effect on taste and texture, because coarse crystals feel grainy and unpleasant on the tongue. A common mistake is using too little seed honey or not stirring it in evenly enough, so that areas of fine and areas of coarse crystallization form side by side in the jar.