The secrets of honey

Honey is a pantry item that is commonly found in most households. It's a versatile ingredient that may be used in a variety of recipes, including drinks, baked items, and savory foods. However, a small amount goes a long way, and a single jar might last for months or even years. Is that OK? Can honey go bad? If so, when and how can you tell if your honey is bad? Here are all the information regarding the golden sweetener, including whether it ever expires.

Honey has been prized for thousands of years, not just for its sweet taste but also for its medicinal properties. Ancient Egyptians used honey as an embalming fluid and to dress wounds. In modern times, researchers have found that honey contains antioxidants and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Some studies suggest it may even help with digestive issues and seasonal allergies, though more research is needed to confirm these benefits.

Honey is a viscous, sweet liquid made by bees from plant nectar. There are hundreds of different types of honey produced around the world, each with its own unique flavor profile. Honey's color and flavor are determined by the plant from which the nectar is derived. In general, darker honey has a stronger flavor. Clover honey is the most prevalent kind produced in the United States.

Does Honey go Bad?

Not really. Honey is made up of around 80% sugar and 18% water. Bacteria and mold cannot thrive in such a small amount of water. Honey is also incredibly thick, so oxygen cannot easily penetrate it. Finally, the presence of gluconic acid causes honey to have a slightly acidic pH, which serves as additional barrier to microbial growth.

The remarkable preservation properties of honey were dramatically demonstrated in 2003 when archaeologists discovered pots of honey in an ancient Egyptian tomb. Incredibly, this honey, estimated to be over 3,000 years old, was still perfectly edible. This discovery highlights honey's unique ability to remain stable over extremely long periods, a characteristic that sets it apart from most other foods.

In general, honey does not spoil. However, it can spoil if it is infected or improperly stored. If your honey contains visible mold or smells fermented or "off," it's time to discard it.

What If Honey Has Crystallized?

It is natural for honey to crystallize with time. This does not signify that the honey has gone bad; rather, some of the sugar has separated from the water and crystallized.

Crystallized honey can be eaten, but if you prefer it in liquid form, gently heat it in a water bath over low heat. Make sure the water and honey do not come to a boil, since high temperatures will harm the beneficial yeast and enzymes in honey.

So why does honey have an expiration date?

In general, expiration and sell-by dates serve as standards for inventory management. The dates allow businesses to have the freshest products on their shelves. Honey that is nearing its expiration date just means that it has been sitting in the shop for a while. As long as the seal is not tampered with, the honey should last for many years.

Having said that, the quality of the honey may alter over time. According to the USDA, honey is still safe to eat after 12 months, but the quality may be lower.

While honey's shelf life is impressive, it's important to note that not all honey is created equal. Raw, unprocessed honey retains more of its natural enzymes and beneficial compounds compared to processed varieties. However, it may also crystallize more quickly. Commercial honey is often heated and filtered to remain liquid longer, but this process can diminish some of its natural health benefits. Consumers should be aware of these differences when choosing and storing honey.

Honey is primarily composed of sugar and is not a nutrition dense food. However, honey produces hydrogen peroxide, which is the same antiseptic used to heal minor scrapes, cuts, and burns. In the past, doctors utilized honey as medication to treat the sick and injured. Today, some clinicians employ medical-grade honey to treat drug-resistant illnesses.

Many people believe that honey is useful for coughs based solely on anecdotal evidence, however studies have shown that honey can be an effective cough suppressor for children over the age of one. There's a reason why it's customary to drink tea and honey when feeling ill. (Discover more about the health benefits of honey.)

The global honey market has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing consumer awareness of honey's health benefits and a growing preference for natural sweeteners. However, this demand has also led to concerns about honey fraud and adulteration. Some producers may dilute honey with cheaper syrups or mislabel the origin of their product. To ensure you're getting pure, high-quality honey, it's best to buy from reputable sources and look for certifications from trusted organizations.

How To Store Honey

Here are some tips for keeping honey.

Store honey in an airtight container.

To avoid contamination from environmental bacteria, ensure that your honey container's lid is properly closed. This also keeps your honey from absorbing more moisture. More moisture equals more water, which promotes bacterial growth.

Keep in a dry and cool area.

Honey can be refrigerated, although it will crystallize faster. Although crystallization isn't necessarily a bad thing, most of us prefer to utilize honey in liquid form. To avoid this, store your honey in a cool location, such as a cupboard or pantry.

Avoid cross-contamination and water.

Never use filthy or wet tools to spoon honey from the jar. This can allow undesired germs and mold to thrive.

Honey will not spoil as long as it is stored properly and shielded from external contamination. Crystallized honey indicates aging rather than spoiling. To protect your honey from freezing, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark location