How much honey is actually stored? Experienced beekeepers and simply lovers of such delicacies have been looking for the answer to this question for several years. Only one thing is known - in nature it can be stored for centuries. But the expiration date of the pumped out product is much shorter. However, if honey loses all its beneficial substances and loses its therapeutic effect during storage, then its taste can be enjoyed for more than 1 year.

So, there is a known case when scientists found a fragrant product in the Egyptian tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, as it turned out, it was honey. There used to be a tradition to put it in the tomb of a rich deceased. Such was the tribute to the gods of death. During the examination, scientists have established that the product is fit for consumption and has a pleasant aroma, despite the fact that it has been in the tomb for about 6,000 years.

In the Russian GOST R 54644-2011, in clause 7.2.3 it is indicated that if this natural product is stored in a container that is tightly closed, then the shelf life does not exceed 1 year. In this case, the countdown begins from the moment of the examination, and not from the day when the honey was collected. If the product is stored in an airtight container, then its shelf life is considered from the moment of packaging, and is stored for no more than 2 years.

In fact, it is impossible to say unequivocally what is the shelf life of honey, since everything depends on the conditions of its storage.

Honey

Shelf life of honey at home

In order for the product to have its useful qualities for a long period of time and be pleasant to the taste, all the necessary conditions should be created for it. The shelf life of natural honey is greatly influenced by 2 factors - lighting and darkness:

  • In no case should it be placed in a bright place, for example, on a windowsill. The sun's rays negatively affect this product and destroy all the nutrients in it. Therefore, honey should be kept exclusively in a dark place.
  • It is very important that the air humidity does not exceed 75%. Although there are varieties that tolerate high humidity quite well. For example, honey from acacia.

Important! During storage, attention should be paid to the proximity to other products. If honey is in an open container, under no circumstances should it be placed next to salt, sugar or cereals.

Usually, honey is stored at home for no more than two years.

Shelf life of honey in combs

Density of honey

Honey is stored in combs much longer than pumped out product, since beeswax and propolis contain useful substances that have additional protective qualities, and also slow down the crystallization process.

There is only one drawback - honeycombs are very attractive to moths. Therefore, so that the larvae do not start, the combs are hidden in an airtight container.

Honey comb

If the combs are stored at room temperature, then their shelf life will be no more than 9 months. If you put such a product in the refrigerator, then it can be consumed for 3 years.

Storage at room temperature

Refractometer for honey

Temperature conditions play an important role in storage. The most suitable range is from +1 to +20 ° C. If the room is very hot and the temperature reaches above +20 ° C, then the product may darken, become bitter and completely lose all its taste and useful qualities.

Important! Honey can be stored at temperatures below -10 ° C, but such conditions will accelerate the crystallization process and the product will harden.

Temperatures not lower than +4 ° C are quite acceptable, therefore honey can be put in the refrigerator, in which it is usually + 3 ... + 6 ° C.At the same time, do not forget about the sealed packaging, which will protect it from foreign odors. It is also very important to control humidity. If the refrigerator is dry-frozen, then it is well suited for storing this product. Otherwise, you will need to regularly wipe off excess moisture in it.

The balcony is completely unsuitable for storing bee honey. In summer, it is too hot and light on it, because of which the product will lose all its beneficial trace elements. In autumn and spring it is damp, honey will absorb a lot of moisture, and in winter it is too cold, which will cause it to become hard.

Storage of honey

It would be wise to store honey in a kitchen cabinet or closet. In such places, the conditions are most suitable for him, since the cabinet is dark and not damp. However, you should not forget about hermetic packaging so that the product does not absorb foreign odors. In addition, the cabinet should be away from the radiator, stove or window.

Attention! Do not change the air temperature too often, as honey crystallizes unevenly.

What determines the storage duration

The shelf life of honey, in addition to temperature, is influenced by many factors. The main ones include:

  • Humidity. If the product contains more than 19% water, then it will not be stored for a long time. Fermentation processes can begin.
  • Tara. A glass, wooden, enamel or clay pot is well suited for storing the product. First of all, naturalness and environmental friendliness of materials are welcomed. Therefore, earthenware is ideal for storage. It does not let in foreign odors and sunlight, does not oxidize, does not enter into a chemical reaction, and helps to maintain a suitable temperature inside. The same can be said for wood containers. The main thing is not to use containers made of pine needles.
Useful properties of honey

Storage in a plastic container is also allowed. Only it is mainly used for transporting a product or for short-term storage. At the same time, it is very important that the plastic is certified, otherwise honey can absorb harmful chemicals from it, which will cause great harm to the body.

Important! Storage in a metal container is strictly prohibited, since a reaction and oxidation process may begin. After that, the product will definitely become unfit for consumption.

Also, some beekeepers focus on the tightness of the container in which the honey is stored. However, this indicator does not so much extend the shelf life as it protects the product from dust, high humidity or foreign odors.

Many people love only freshly pumped liquid honey and consider it the most useful. However, this is not at all the case. The product, which has crystallized, also contains useful substances and is suitable for consumption.

Freshly pumped honey

If honey stands for a long time and remains the same liquid, then it means that it is fake. It certainly has no value for the body.

There are also situations when honey is divided into two parts and one of them becomes a little thicker, and the second remains very liquid. This indicates that the product was immature at the time of pumping. But there is nothing wrong with that. Such honey also contains useful substances, and it just needs to be given time to ripen.

In general, if you follow all the storage rules, then honey will be aromatic, tasty and rich in vitamins for a long time.