The Truth About Metal Spoons and Honey

If you've ever been told not to use a metal spoon when scooping honey, you're not alone. This piece of advice has been passed down through generations, often without a clear explanation. Let's delve into this old wives' tale and uncover the truth behind using metal spoons with honey.

The Myth

The belief that metal spoons should not be used with honey likely stems from concerns about chemical reactions between the metal and the honey. Some people claim that using a metal spoon will cause honey to oxidize or even become toxic. This myth has led to many people avoiding metal utensils altogether when handling honey. If you are a Just Bee Honey customer, you will especially want to be confident over using spoons, because Just Bee contains additional vitamins and nutrients you want to preserve!

The Reality

In reality, using a metal spoon to scoop honey is perfectly safe. Honey is a highly acidic substance with a low pH, which can react with certain metals over long periods. However, the quick action of scooping honey with a metal spoon is so brief that there is virtually no chance of a harmful reaction occurring. Stainless steel, which is commonly used for utensils, is especially resistant to corrosion and is not reactive with honey in such short-term use.

Best Practices

While scooping honey with a metal spoon is safe, there are some practical tips to keep in mind:

• Quick Scooping is Fine: Feel free to use a metal spoon to scoop honey out of the jar. The brief contact between the spoon and the honey will not cause any adverse effects.
• Avoid Long-Term Contact: It's best not to leave a metal spoon in your honey jar for extended periods. Over time, prolonged exposure could potentially lead to minor reactions, especially with non-stainless metals.
• Storage Considerations: When storing honey, ensure its kept in a suitable container, such as glass or plastic, with a tight seal to maintain its freshness and prevent any unwanted reactions.
• Alternative Options: Instead of using a metal spoon, you could use a wooden honey dipper, which you can find here on our website.

In conclusion, the caution against using metal spoons with honey is largely an old wives' tale. The quick, everyday use of a metal spoon poses no threat to the integrity of your honey. However, to err on the side of caution, avoid leaving metal spoons in your honey jar for extended durations, or use one of our Wooden Honey Dippers!