Honey

Honey is a natural sugar syrup consisting largely of glucose and fructose, plus other compounds that give it flavor. Honeys vary considerably in flavor and color, depending on their source. Flavor is the major reason for using honey, especially because it can be expensive.

Honey contains invert sugar, which means it stays smooth and resists crystallizing. Like molasses, it contains acid, which enables it to be used with baking soda as a leavening.