At what moisture level will points be deducted when judging honey?

Points will be deducted when judging honey if the moisture content exceeds a certain level because it can affect the quality, flavor, and shelf life of the honey. The correct moisture level at which deductions typically begin is 15.5%. Honey with moisture content higher than this percentage is more susceptible to fermentation and spoilage, which can compromise its taste and overall quality.

Additionally, honey with lower moisture content (such as 12.5% or 15.0%) is generally considered to be of better quality, as it indicates that the honey has been properly processed and stored. At moisture levels around 17.0% and above, the risk of fermentation increases significantly, prompting judges to assess the honey's quality rigorously.

Thus, a moisture level of 15.5% serves as the threshold in judging where points are deducted, reflecting industry standards for quality honey.