How to Store Honey
Honey has been appreciated for its longevity for centuries. But, you still need to know how to store honey properly to preserve its natural goodness. In this guide will cover the best practices for storing raw honey, so it remains as pure and delicious as the day it was harvested.
Whether you use honey daily or store it for occasional use, you want to enjoy its many benefits for as long as possible. There are many wonderful ways to use honey. Beekeepers, like me, often store larger amounts of honey – but the process is still the same.
Why Proper Storage of Honey Matters
It is often said that honey doesn’t go bad – it never spoils. This is due to the chemical composition of honey – it is resistant to bacteria and mold growth. Also, the low pH of honey makes it acidic and resistant to spoiling.
Ripe honey will keep for months or years. However, the method of honey storage used can affect the flavor and quality over time.
- preserving flavor and texture
- preventing crystallization
- protecting natural health compounds
Flavor Retention – The floral favors of honey can fade a bit over time – it will still taste sweet ! I have often noticed a fading of flavor in my sourwood honey after several years.
Natural honey crystallization commonly occurs in jars kept for several months. The rate and degree of crystallization varies but can sometimes be slowed when honey is stored properly.
Honey is widely regarded as a nutritious food, with raw honey being particularly prized for its potential health benefits.
Unlike regular honey, raw honey retains its natural pollen, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These can be damaged if not treated appropriately.
Expert Tips for Storing Honey
Here are the top rules for storing raw honey and keeping it just as good as the day it was harvested.
- keep it in a tight sealing container
- store your jar in a dark location (if possible)
- keep in a warm location – it will crystallize slower
- preventing crystallization
- freezing for long term storage
Tight Sealing Container – The most important feature is to keep honey in a tightly sealed jar. This protects it from ants and other creepy crawlies. Most importantly it is protected from moisture.
Honey is hygroscopic and can absorb moisture from the air! If the water content of honey rises too high, it will ferment and spoil.
Protect from Light – Bees produce honey in a variety of colors because they use different nectar sources.
However, all of it darkens over time – especially if the jar is stored in bright light (or direct sunlight). This does not damage your raw honey but if you like the light color – keep it in a darker location.
Storage Temperature – Extreme heat can damage honey – but very cool locations can be a problem too. Strive for a warm (65°) dark cabinet – best option.
Warm storage temperatures (above 57° f) tend to slow crystallization. Crystallization is generally not desired unless you want to make your own. We call it creamed honey and the crystals are small and smooth – not gritty.
Freeze for Long Term – Use these tips for freezing honey in small containers for long term storage. When you are ready to use, thaw at room temp in sealed containers.
Use silicone trays to freeze small portions. A great way to seek relief for sore throat pains or coughs, just pop out a frozen “cube” and put the lump of honey in hot tea.
You can also store fresh honeycomb by freezing.
Best Containers for Honey
You will find many different types of storage containers for honey. The best one for you depends greatly on the volume of honey you are storing.
When considering materials, glass, food-grade plastic or stainless steel are popular options. Ceramic honey pots are not the best choice for storage – unless they have a tight seal.
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I found a nice dispenser with a tight sealing stopper and lid. It is one of my favorites and holds up well to repeated use.
You will love this honey dispenser. I keep mine sitting on my stove where it never gets hot but is in a warm environment.
Small containers (even honey pots) are a perfect companion to larger storage jars. It is a great way to serve smaller amounts.
Because honey can absorb moisture and odors – please don’t re-use an old pickle jar. Unless of course, if you want to add a bit of pickle aroma to your raw honey, that’s your call.
Using large-mouth glass jars, is one of my favorite methods of storage for long term. You can spoon out as much as you need – even if it crystallizes.
Signs of Improper Storage
How can you tell when things have gone wrong with your honey? Depend on your eyes and nose to help you out.
Far too often, jars of crystallized honey are thrown out. Don’t do this! You can fix crystallized honey – it is not usually spoiled.
Fermentation is not a good thing. When honey absorbs too must moisture – fermentation and spoilage can be the result.
When this happens, it will smell yeasty. This is part of the process of how mead is made but do not eat it. And do not feed this honey to bees it can make them sick.
FAQs
Please do not put honey in the refrigerator. It will not make it last longer or keep it fresher. But if you have already put your jar in the frig, that’s okay – it is still good. Just maybe a bit gritty!
Handmade pots are beautiful to use and make great gifts. However, do not leave a large amount of honey sitting out in them as most do not seal against moisture.
If you want to enjoy a new taste experience, you can use a dehydrator to make your own honey powder. I warn you this takes some practice and is messy but it can be done.
Final thoughts
Take a good hard look at that jar of honey in your pantry. Is this the best place to store your honey? Perhaps, so. Good storage means you will be able to enjoy every last drop. No other food has such a long shelf life and offers as much versatility as this natural sweetener.