Honey is so interesting and versatile. Not only is it a treat for us, but it also contains medicinal properties and has been used throughout history as an antibacterial and antiseptic. You can use it on your skin, in tea as a healthy tonic, in recipes as a sugar alternative, and even use it to prevent seasonal allergies by eating honey specifically procured from plants you live near.
But, to get the best out of your honey, it is essential to store it properly. This may be news to some, as honey is one of the rare food items that really does not have an expiry date! That’s right, you can keep honey for years, and it isn’t going to go bad. So then, why does storage matter? Let’s find out.
How To Store Honey?
To ensure proper honey storage, keeping the container in an area that maintains an average room temperature is important. The ideal temperature range for honey storage is between 64 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Usually, this means storing it in a cool, dry place such as a shelf or pantry. Why? Well, Exposing honey to extreme temperatures can alter its composition and affect its quality. High temperatures can cause the honey to become excessively runny, while low temperatures may lead to crystallization and thickening. Therefore, it is best to avoid storing honey in locations subject to heat or cold fluctuations, such as near direct sunlight, stoves, or refrigerators.
By storing your honey at room temperature, you can preserve its natural properties, taste, and texture. Keeping it away from moisture and light will further help maintain its quality. Remember to tightly seal the container after each use to prevent moisture absorption and to retain its distinct flavors. It also helps to stop those pesky ants getting into it!
Can You Freeze Honey?
Storing honey in the freezer is possible, although it doesn’t freeze like water due to its low water content. Instead, it thickens and becomes more viscous as the temperature drops, reducing flowability. When placed in the freezer, honey solidifies without turning into a completely solid block like ice cubes.
Even in its solidified state, honey can be easily scooped or spread when taken out of the freezer. This characteristic makes frozen honey convenient for those who prefer a thicker and less runny consistency while still enjoying the preserved sweetness.
Freezing honey, though, is not usually recommended due to changes in texture. Plus, as there is no chance it will expire over time, freezing is not necessary.
How To Defrost Honey
As honey does not freeze like other products, it will be more of a softening than a defrosting process. To quickly soften honey that has crystallized, put the jar of honey into a deep, heatproof container and carefully add hot (but not boiling) water to the container until it reaches the top of the honey in the bottle or jar. After adding the water, remove the lid and allow the jar to rest for approximately 15 minutes until the honey transforms into a smooth, drizzly consistency. This warming process will help restore the honey’s texture and make it easier to pour or use.
You can also simply leave the honey in the pantry for a couple of hours, and it should soften once it comes to room temperature.
How Long Does Honey Last?
Honey has an impressively long shelf life due to its high sugar content, making it one of the most stable natural foods available. When stored properly, honey can last indefinitely. While honey producers typically include a “best by” date on the label, this is mainly for practical purposes, as the quality of honey can vary significantly. In reality, honey can remain stable for decades or even centuries!!!
The actual shelf life of honey depends on various factors, such as the manufacturing process (whether it is pasteurized or raw) and the packaging. And by shelf life, we mean how long it is at its optimal flavor and texture. Natural chemical changes may occur over time, causing the honey to darken or crystallize. While the flavor and aroma may diminish slightly, honey does not “go bad” in the traditional sense of food spoilage.
How To Know When Honey Is Rancid?
Honey can potentially spoil if it becomes contaminated or is improperly stored. If you happen to notice any visible mold growth or detect a fermented or unpleasant odor coming from your honey, it is strongly advised to discard it. I can only say this has happened to me once when I purchased a ‘creamy’ honey that actually had added milk products that went rancid rather than the honey itself. It really shouldn’t happen if you have 100% pure honey.
FAQs
A shorter list would be what isn’t the best about honey. Number 1, it is delicious, and number 2, it is full of vitamins and minerals. Different varieties have different flavors; some even have powerful medicinal properties, such as manuka honey!
Consuming honey can be done any time of the day, but on an empty stomach in the morning for an instant energy boost is what I like to do. It then gives the honey time to work its magic in my digestive system before I begin my day.
To test the purity of honey, try this simple method: Pour a spoonful into a glass of water. Pure honey will settle slowly, while impure or altered honey may dissolve immediately. Unfortunately, even honey straight from a farm source may have added sugar water to it to get more bang for their buck. Of course, sometimes you can’t do the water test. In those cases, look for honey that has a rich smell and buy from a trusted source. And be prepared to pay! Good quality, pure honey can be expensive. If your honey is cheap, it probably is not 100% pure.
The honey color can vary depending on the type of flower nectar that bees collect. It ranges from almost colorless to deep brown. For instance, buckwheat honey is rich and dark, while orange blossom honey is light and sweet in color.
You can eat honey daily, but just be mindful of the sugar levels. According to guidelines from the American Heart Association, it is advised that men limit their daily sugar intake to a maximum of nine teaspoons (36 grams), while women and children should aim for no more than six teaspoons (24 grams). Nearly six grams of sugar can be found in a single teaspoon of honey!
The National Honey Board reports a staggering global production of more than 300 honey varieties. But that may be just in the USA! Globally, I’m sure there are many more.
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