BEE-SPLAINING: Is It True You Should Never Use Metal Spoons with Honey?

I am often asked if it is true that you should never use metal spoons with honey. There’s a widespread belief that honey should never come into contact with metal. Some people are even insisting that only wooden utensils should be used. But where does this idea come from, and is there any truth to it?

Honey is Acidic

The notion that honey should not touch metal likely stems from honey’s acidic nature. Honey has an average pH of 3.9, ranging between 3.4 and 6.1, depending on its floral source. The thought is that this acidity could potentially react with certain metals, leading to contamination or a change in the honey’s quality. Over time, this belief has taken root or got wings (pardon the pun…) and lead to the commonly circulated ‘fact’ that you should never use metal spoons for honey. Wooden utensils—often praised for their natural and non-reactive qualities— are being touted as the ideal choice for handling honey instead.

Honey & Different Metals

But does metal truly pose a threat to your honey? To answer this, it’s important to consider the different types of metals. When it comes to reactive metals such as iron, copper, and non-stainless steel, prolonged contact with honey could potentially cause slight oxidation. This process might lead to a change in the colour or taste of the honey. However this would only occur after an extended period of contact. Copper, in particular, can react with the acids in honey, potentially producing harmful compounds over time. However, it’s worth noting that using a metal spoon to stir or serve honey is far from prolonged exposure. Any interaction is typically so brief that it doesn’t result in any noticeable reaction.

Lead, which was once used in older beekeeping equipment like extractors and storage tanks, posed a significant risk of contamination. Thankfully, lead has been phased out in modern beekeeping practices due to its toxicity. Nonetheless, it is important for beekeepers to be aware of this risk and not use very old equipment.

So it is true that prolonged exposure to metal can alter the colour and taste of honey. It is also true that this is not the case for brief exposure. But how about the benefits of honey: are they altered or destroyed when honey come into contact with metal? There is another common belief that metal destroys some of the beneficial enzymes in honey. Is there any truth in that?

Does Metal Destroy the Beneficial Enzymes in Honey?

Honey contains many enzymes including invertase, diastase, and glucose oxidase, which contribute to its unique properties and health benefits. These enzymes are relatively stable and are not easily destroyed by brief contact with metal. The real threat to enzyme activity comes from extreme conditions, such as high temperatures or prolonged exposure to strong acids or bases. Not from brief contact with metal processing equipment or metal utensils.

Metal Honey Processing Equipment

Most of the metal utensils commonly used today, especially in beekeeping and honey processing, are made of stainless steel—a material known for its non-reactive properties. Stainless steel is widely used in everything from uncapping forks and knives to extractors, settling tanks, and bottling equipment. The reason for this is simple: stainless steel doesn’t react with honey or alter its composition in any way. Honey comes into contact with stainless steel throughout its journey from hive to jar. With this in mind, it’s safe to say that using a stainless steel spoon in your kitchen will not impact negatively on the quality of the honey or its many health benefits.

In conclusion, while the assertion that honey should never touch metal is an interesting theory, it doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. The key takeaway is that as long as your utensils are clean and made of food-safe materials, your honey will remain perfectly delicious, safe and remain its many health properties.

So go ahead and enjoy your honey however you like! Whether you prefer to use a wooden spoon, a stainless steel spoon, or even a silver spoon, rest assured that your honey will be just as sweet and healthy as you hoped it would be!

Hanna Bäckmo

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