Natural crystallization properties of honey and seed crystals-induced crystallization process for honey performance enhancing.

Honey crystallization is a common occurrence, while the underlying mechanisms are not clear. Here we evaluated natural crystallization and induced crystallization of honey. By using the method of microscopy, colorimetry, rheology, texture, and calorimetry to investigate the main physical and structural properties and compare with honey seed crystals-induced crystallization in six unifloral honey. The results showed honey transformed into a pseudoplastic fluid during natural crystallization, with the increase of L-value, firmness and cohesiveness and the fastest crystallization rate occurring at 14 °C and water content of 16%. The effect of the addition of seed crystals in the honey crystallization can be summarized as the acceleration of crystallization rate (3 times) and the improvement of crystallization characteristics including uniform particles and reducing stratification. This study provides insight into honey crystallization theory and a resource for the further exploration and development of the new performance of honey products.