Honey, nature’s golden elixir, is as versatile as it is delicious, but preserving its purity and flavour requires more than just a cupboard.
Here are five expert tips to ensure your honey remains fresh and unspoiled.
Have a look at ways to protect your honey
Store in airtight containers: Exposure to air can cause honey to crystallize prematurely. To maintain its smooth texture, store honey in a tightly sealed container. Glass jars are ideal, as they don’t impart flavors or react with the honey.
Keep It cool and dry: Honey should be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Ideal storage temperatures are between 50-70°F. Excessive heat can degrade honey’s quality, and sunlight can cause it to lose its beneficial properties.
Honey is considered an natural elixir. Image credit: UnsplashAvoid water contamination: Honey is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. This can lead to fermentation and spoilage. Ensure that utensils used to scoop honey are dry and clean to prevent introducing water or contaminants.
Use a clean spoon: Always use a clean, dry spoon when serving honey. Introducing bacteria or other substances can affect the honey’s purity. Consider keeping a dedicated honey dipper for this purpose.
Monitor crystallization: Natural honey will crystallize over time, which is a normal process and doesn’t mean it’s gone bad. If you prefer liquid honey, gently warm the jar in a hot water bath to return it to its original state. Avoid microwaving, as it can destroy beneficial enzymes.
