4 Benefits Of Using Tupelo Honey As A Baking Substitute
There are many substitutes today that can be used in baking, such as aquafaba for eggs or coconut milk for dairy products. If you aren't keen on using sugar in your baking, you may be looking at other alternative sweeteners. Tupelo honey can be a good sweetener substitute since it has a nice light flavor. Here are four benefits of using tupelo honey as a baking substitute.
You Can Save on Baking Ingredients
Tupelo honey is distinctive for its high fructose-to-glucose ratio, which means that it rarely crystallizes, so you don't have to worry about grainy textures when baking. Honey is also about 25% sweeter than table sugar, so you can often use less of it in your baking, which means that you will be able to save on costs since you won't have to replace it as often.
You Can Create Baked Goods with Health Benefits
Although tupelo honey is made mostly of sugar, it has a slightly lower glycemic index than table sugar, so while it can raise blood sugar quickly, it doesn't raise it as fast as table sugar. While the lower glycemic index may be considered a negligible benefit, tupelo honey does have some distinct health benefits that you can enjoy in your baking. Honey contains a mix of amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. The Mayo Clinic says that honey has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; studies suggest that honey may reduce the risk of heart disease, relieve gastrointestinal tract conditions, and help people with upper respiratory infections.
You Can Get a Good Balance of Acidity
You want to have a desirable potential of hydrogen, or pH, in your baking to produce the right textures and flavors. Acidic ingredients play a very important role in baking since they not only enhance flavors but contribute to the leavening of dough. You can get the right acidity from a variety of ingredients, such as chocolate, vinegar, brown sugar, fruits, and of course, honey. Tupelo honey has many naturally occurring acids, like acetic acid, citric acid, and formic acid. When you pair honey with herbs or spices like cinnamon, it really helps to bring out the flavorings.
You Can Avoid Dry, Stodgy Bakes
Because of tupelo honey's high fructose content, it can help you have a baked good with more moisture and a more uniform crust. Of course, you do have to keep in mind that honey can caramelize faster than table sugar, so you will have to find recipes with lower temperatures and baking times. Because honey can retain its moisture, it helps to thicken and bind certain products without causing overly dense, or stodgy bakes.
Reach out to a health food supplier today to learn more about the benefits of baking with tupelo honey.