Honey: storage and shelf life

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Honey is a rare product that can be stored for a very long time without losing its healing qualities. The monks in Russia preferred to eat it after two or three years of aging. According to some experts, honey that has been properly stored has a richer flavor and subtler aroma due to the natural ripening process. Comb honey keeps even longer. In the hives of wild bees, it accumulates for years without losing valuable biological properties.

Proper storage of honey

This product is often counterfeited, so choose it very carefully. To protect yourself from fakes, it is best to get a familiar beekeeper and buy real healing honey from him. The storage of this product has its own characteristics. It is necessary to choose a suitable container, ensure the correct light, temperature conditions and optimal humidity.

Air temperature

In order for honey to remain tasty for a long time and retain all its healing qualities, it is important to protect it from overheating. It's best to keep ittemperature from -5 to +5⁰C. The destruction of enzymes valuable to human he alth depends on the ambient temperature. Up to +10⁰С, the decrease in the activity of substances is insignificant, but already at +20⁰С it falls by 1.5-2% per month, which significantly reduces the beneficial properties of honey during long-term storage. When heated above +40⁰C, enzymes are destroyed after a few days. Temperature fluctuations are best avoided. At home, honey is best stored in the refrigerator. Producers are increasingly using deep freezing, as lowering the temperature to -20^{0С does not significantly affect the quality of honey.}

The effect of sunlight on honey

Storage of honey in the light is unacceptable. According to a study by the German scientist Dustman, a product that has stood on the windowsill for only two days loses its healing properties. In addition, it darkens and begins to exfoliate. The best container for storing honey at home is a hermetically sealed glass jar. Its only drawback is light transmission. If possible, honey is placed in a dark, cool room or the container is completely darkened.

And now it's time to remember how beautifully sellers put honey on the shelves, and think about how long it stays there…

Storage containers

Honey can be stored in a container that will not affect its chemical composition and taste. Suitable for this:

• Glasscontainers: jars, bottles and so on. Better if they are made of tinted glass.
• Wooden barrels. Suitable wood species: willow, birch, beech, alder, linden. Made from softwood, aspen or oak barrels are not good, they spoil the taste and cause discoloration.
• Ceramic containers covered with glaze. Untreated clay items absorb atmospheric moisture and are therefore unsuitable.
• Nickel-plated, enamelware.
• Food plastic container. At first there were concerns about its use, but according to studies, food grade plastic does not release plasticizers and does not affect the taste.

It is necessary to use dry, clean dishes. The remains of old honey should not be left, they can cause the fermentation process. Lids should fit very tightly, as honey is hygroscopic and can absorb water from the air.

Effects of other foods on honey

Storing honey near spicy-smelling foods will quickly absorb their flavor. It is advisable to keep it away from s alted fish, smoked meats, sauerkraut and other products with a characteristic odor.

Manufacturers indicate a shelf life of one year, and it is advisable to stick to it. During domestic storage, it is impossible to perfectly meet all conditions and preserve all vitamins and active substances.