How to keep honey fresh: Storage tips to avoid spoilage
Honey is one of the few food products that never spoils. However, proper storage is essential to prevent crystallization and loss of aroma.
Honey is renowned for its longevity, but over time, it can undergo physical and chemical changes. It may lose its aroma and taste, and it can also darken or crystallize. Although packaging often indicates a two-year shelf life, properly stored honey maintains its quality for much longer.
How to store honey to avoid crystallization?
Frank Mortimer, a master beekeeper from Cornell University, emphasizes that “honey is the only food product that never spoils and is always safe to consume.” He adds that “it can have an almost unlimited shelf life, lasting decades or longer if properly stored.”
Dawn Combs, a beekeeper, recommends storing honey in a warm, dark place, such as a cabinet near the oven. These conditions mimic the hive environment, reducing the risk of honey crystallizing. However, if honey does crystallize, it can be liquefied again by placing the jar in warm (not boiling) water.
Why should honey be stored in glass jars?
Honey should always be stored in glass jars. The sugars in honey attract moisture from the air, which can lead to the growth of undesirable yeasts. Although many brands offer honey in plastic containers, it is beneficial to transfer it to glass to preserve its freshness. Dawn Combs warns:
Plastic is known for its permeability to water vapor, gases, and odors. This means that when storing honey in plastic, it can lose moisture or, worse, gain it.
Where to store honey?
- In a dark place — such as a kitchen cabinet, pantry, or cupboard, away from light (as light can weaken its properties).
- At room temperature — ideally about 50-68°F. Avoid the refrigerator, as honey tends to crystallize and harden there.
- Away from heat sources — such as an oven, stove, or heater, because high temperatures destroy the enzymes and valuable properties of honey.
