Don’t throw away honey that is still usable.

Most of us love usinghoney as a healthier-than-sugar sweetener.

But what happens when yourraw honeyis crystallized?

Glass bowl full of honey with a metal spoon next to crystallized honey

Photo: Getty Images

Can you still use it?

The short answer: Yes, don’t throw it away.

Is Crystallized Honey Safe to Eat?

First things first, it’s safe to eat crystallized honey.

Honey naturally crystallizes over time, but that doesn’t mean you oughta toss your jar.

Luckily, crystallization doesn’t adversely affect the taste orquality of honey.

Heating and cooling honey multiple times can cause it to lose its unique flavor.

So, don’t let all of your honey decrystallize, only to crystallize again.

That way, no plastic melts into the honey during recrystallization.

The water should sit above the honey level, but ensure water doesn’t get inside the container.

Water mustn’t be boiling or too hot, so thequality of honeyisn’t affected.

And never microwave your honey, as microwaves provide uneven heat, which could accidentally boil some of it.

Step 4: Avoid Cold Temperatures

Colder temperatures increase the chance of crystallization, explains Freeman.

Substitute for Sugar When Baking

Crystallized honey works as asubstitute for sugarin baked goods.

Honey is sweeter than table sugar, though, so use less.

Start with 34 cup of crystallized honey for every cup of sugar and taste along the way.

Infuse Into Your Beauty Routine

Honey is a humectant, which means it helps lock in moisture.

The icing on the cake?

It adds a satisfying crunch.

Stir Into Tea

Instead of sugar, try adding crystallized honey to your tea.

Once it melts into thehot tea, the crystals disappearlike magic.