Honey's eternal shelf life: Secrets for lasting freshness
Honey is one of the few food products that never spoils. However, proper storage is key to avoiding crystallisation and loss of aroma.
Honey is renowned for its longevity, but over time, it can undergo physical and chemical changes. It can lose its aroma and taste, and also darken or crystallise. Although packaging often states a two-year shelf life, properly stored honey maintains its quality for much longer.
How to store honey to avoid crystallisation?
Frank Mortimer, a master beekeeper from Cornell University, emphasises that “honey is the only food product that never spoils and is always safe to consume.” He adds that “it can have an almost unlimited shelf life, lasting decades or longer if properly stored.”
Dawn Combs, a beekeeper, recommends storing honey in a warm and dark place, such as a cupboard near the oven. These conditions resemble the hive environment, which reduces the risk of honey crystallising. However, if honey does crystallise, it can be liquefied again by placing the jar in warm (not boiling) water.
Why should honey be stored in glass jars?
Honey should always be stored in glass jars. The sugars in honey attract moisture from the air, which can lead to the growth of undesirable yeasts. Although many brands offer honey in plastic containers, it is beneficial to transfer it to glass to preserve its freshness. Dawn Combs warns:
Plastic is known for its permeability to water vapour, gases, and odours. This means that when storing honey in plastic, it can lose moisture or, worse, gain it.
Where to store honey?
- In a dark place — such as a kitchen cabinet, pantry, or cupboard, away from light (light can weaken its properties),
- At room temperature — ideally about 10-20°C. Not in the refrigerator, as honey quickly crystallises and hardens there,
- Away from heat sources — an oven, stove, or heater is a poor proximity because high temperatures destroy the enzymes and valuable properties of honey.
