What is the best way to store honey?

What is the best way to store honey?

Posted by The Honey Jar on Sep 9th 2021

If you are investing in a premium sweetener like all natural raw honey investing a little time in protecting your investment seems like a wise idea. Keep reading to find the proper temperatures, containers, and places to store your delicious raw honey...

Container:

It is important to store your honey in air tight containers: This is important because it helps to protect the water content of the honey. If water is allowed to evaporate and the water is thus extacted from the honey it will crystallize quicker. If you allow water to enter the honey you may have instances of fermentation. Honey will not ferment if its water content is under 17.1%. For long term storage of your honey ensure that it is sealed in air tight containers.

For best shelf stability store in glass jars. Some plastic containers still allow the honey to lose water content or can leech chemicals into your honey. For best storage in plastic use HDPE plastic. Stainless steel containers are also approved for long term bulk storage. Avoid all metals that are not stainless steel as corrosion will contaminate your honey.

Temperature:

Honey should never be stored at temperatures over 100 degreet (F). Damage to honey is cummulative so it is important to keep your honey from getting hot especially for prolonged periods of time. The damage is in reference to taste as well as other health benefits.

It is important to keep your honey from fluctuating in heat as drastic changes can have a dramatic impact on the quality of your honey.

According to the national honey board the optimum temperature for honey storage is below 50°F (10°C). Ideal temperature is under 32°F (0°C). Do not store your honey near a source of heat.

Location:

Some will store their honey in freezers, some in cellars. As long as your honey is stored in air tight containers and cool dry places your honey will achieve maximum shelf life.

It is important to note that these guidelines are for the long term storage of honey.

It is perfectly fine to store a container of honey that is being used at room temperature in your cupboard or on your table. As long as you limit the restrict the ability for water to enter the container and the honey is not stored in a humid environment your honey should be good for as long as it takes you to eat it.

For immediate use, use the following guidelines:

Make sure crumbs and foreign debris are not allowed to remain in the honey as you put it away. These foreign objects allow for bacteria and mold to grow that could not do so without their presence.

Ensure the lid is tight and water is not allowed to enter the container.

Store in a clean glass jar if possible to reduce the possibility of contamination by chemicals present in plastic and metal.

Never microwave. Microwaving damages the honey. Soften honey with a waterbath on the stove or in the oven at the lowest temperature for 10 mintues of less at a time.

The information from this article was gathered from The National Honey Board

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