Besides the floral source, what two factors significantly alter the color of pure honey over time?
Answer
Heat exposure and age
While the initial coloration of honey—ranging from nearly colorless to deep amber or black—is primarily dictated by the floral source (e.g., clover being light, buckwheat being dark), the color changes significantly during its lifespan. Prolonged storage at warm temperatures or excessive heat treatment applied during processing will invariably cause the honey to darken. Furthermore, the natural aging process contributes to darkening. Interestingly, darker varieties resulting from these processes often coincide with increased levels of minerals and greater overall antioxidant activity compared to lighter honeys.
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