How Long Does Honey Last

1. How Long Does Honey Last? People use up honey pretty fast. It's just so good and can go with almost anything! Honey is a go- to treat. But you may have stumbled upon a forgotten creamed honey bottle in your pantry. Or whatever, maybe you just found a really old bottle and you don't know if it’s still good or not. Did you know that ancient Egyptians buried honey in royal tombs? They believed it would make the journey to the afterlife sweeter. And when archaeologists found these jars thousands of years later, the honey was still good. So, does honey ever go bad? Does Honey Ever Go Bad? Real honey doesn't expire because it doesn't spoil naturally. However, honey can undergo some changes. It might alter in color, going from light to dark, or it could become cloudy. Additionally, its texture might shift from smooth and runny to thick and grainy, a process known as crystallization. Fortunately, none of these changes mean the honey has gone bad or is unsafe to eat! Honey (for sale or not) lasts so long because of its unique composition. Its high sugar content and low acidity, along with how bees make it, create an environment where bacteria and other spoiling organisms can't survive. But for honey to stay good for a long time, it needs to be natural and sealed properly. But there's an important exception to keep in mind. If creamed honey (or any other for that matter) gets exposed to moisture, it can ferment and spoil. You'll notice this right away because it'll start smelling and tasting sour, and possibly even develop mold, making it completely unappetizing.

2. Understanding Honey's Expiration Date The USDA says that except for baby formula, most well-stored, untainted foods can still be consumed after the "use by" or "sell by" date. However, manufacturers typically put expiration dates or best-used-by dates on products to help stores manage inventory and ensure customers enjoy them when they taste their best. This means foods like honey are often safe to eat even after their expiration dates have passed. Only Real Honey Lasts The natural changes and long lifespan of honey are exclusive to real, natural honey, which can go on for thousands of years. Processed or modified honey loses the natural benefits that authentic honey offers, benefits that extend beyond just longevity. Creamed honey or any other variety serves as a natural substitute for sugar. To guarantee its authenticity, honey must be raw and unfiltered. Raw honey means it hasn't been excessively heated at high temperatures, while unfiltered honey retains all its natural components, including pollen. High pollen content in honey enables tracing it back to its original flower source, which tells you how authentic it is. This isn't just a fun fact; it confirms that your honey is derived from genuine, living flowers. No fake substitutes here! To confirm that the honey you found for sale in the United States is 100% authentic as raw and unfiltered, it must pass various tests. It should contain ample pollen while showing no traces of antibiotics, pesticides, or herbicides. Is Crystallized Honey Okay to Eat? How to Make Crystallized Honey Liquid Again Thankfully, you don’t need to do a lot to bring your honey back from this crystallized state—all you need is a bit of work. If your honey is in a glass jar, place it in a pot of shallow water over low heat. For honey in a plastic jar, transfer it to a glass container before heating.

3. The crystals should dissolve with gentle heating, although you may need to repeat the process to fully liquefy the entire jar of honey. Take care not to overheat the honey, as this can alter its color and flavor. Proper Honey Storage According to the Clemson University Cooperative Extension, honey should be kept in a clean, airtight container, away from any moisture. Honey is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture, which can lead to mold and yeast growth. It's ideal to store honey at room temperature in a cool, dry area. Keep it away from sunlight and heat-producing appliances. Refrigeration should be avoided, as it causes honey to solidify more quickly. Raw Honey For optimal storage, different types of honey have specific requirements. Raw honey fares best in a dark spot with temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, such as in a cupboard near a stove or oven. To prevent crystallization, mimic the hive environment—keep it warm and dark as much as possible. Combs advises that while many recommend cooler storage to prevent slight darkening, be mindful that crystallization might occur more quickly in such conditions. Creamed Honey European-style creamed honey undergoes controlled crystallization, resulting in a creamy consistency and smooth texture. Since it's already crystallized, you can store creamed honey in the refrigerator without altering its texture. No refrigeration is necessary for other types of honey, including honeycomb. Pasteurized Honey Processed or pasteurized honey undergoes heat treatment to eradicate sugar-tolerant yeasts and prolong its shelf life. It's best stored in a warm, dark place or anywhere that prevents crystallization.

4. Should You Refrigerate Honey? The decision boils down to personal preference for texture. Some enjoy the crystallized texture change that comes with refrigerated honey. "If that's your preference, go ahead and chill it. Otherwise, storing honey in a dark, warm cupboard will maintain its liquid, pourable form, which most people prefer. While crystallization may not look appealing, it's not harmful. Can You Freeze Honey? If you want to preserve a specific honey's flavor at its peak, freezing is an option. Freezing halts flavor loss and prevents honey from darkening or changing taste over time. Best Honey For Sale In The United States Smiley Honey provides the best honey For Sale In The United States right at your doorstep. It’s the kind you can store for years (if you know how to) and still enjoy the same taste but you won’t have to when we will be ready to provide it to you over and over again. Head over to our website and browse our collection of delicious varieties.