Answering Common Questions About Honey
People have a lot of questions about honey, which makes sense, given its unique status as an animal product used primarily as a sweetener. So I thought I’d do some research and put together this post with answers to common questions about honey, like does honey go bad, how long does it last, how to store it, and more.
So let’s dive right in!
Does Honey Expire?
The short answer is no, honey doesn’t expire — in fact, I read somewhere that archaeologists found a pot of honey in a Pharaoh’s tomb and it was still edible! Honey is one of several foods that never expire, meaning that as long as you store them correctly, they’ll stay usable more or less indefinitely.
More FAQs About Honey
Is Crystallized Honey Bad?
Honey may change in texture or crystallize, but that doesn’t mean it’s spoiled. Honey crystallizes when the glucose inside it solidifies, a process that doesn’t affect the safety or quality of the honey at all.
One reason why honey is so resistant to spoilage is because of its low water content — only about 17% of its structure is water, which is too low for most bacteria and fungi to survive. Honey actually dehydrates bacteria, so it is essentially its own preservative!
How To Fix Crystallized Honey
To restore crystallized honey to a liquid state, gently warm it up in a warm water bath. (You can also microwave honey in short bursts until it liquifies, but be careful not to get it too hot, or you risk destroying its nutritional qualities.
(Note: Crystallized honey is perfectly fine to eat and use as is, but if you prefer it in a liquid state, now you’ll know how to get it there!)
Why Does Honey Have An Expiration Date?
Expiration dates on honey are mainly for the benefit for the stores that sell it — it helps them rotate their stock and sell older products before the newer ones. So don’t worry about the expiration date on your honey bottle — it will last for ages all the same!
What Can I Do With Old Honey?
Even if your honey has past its expiration date, you can use it just like you would any other honey! Stored in a sealed jar or bottles in a cool, dry, and dark place, it will last darn near forever.
You might also enjoy these posts:
- 9 Ways That Honey Can Help You Look And Feel Amazing
- DIY Homemade Honey Sticks In Three Simple Steps
- The Benefits Of Manuka Honey And How To Use It
- This Easy Honey Butter Tastes Amazing And Makes A Great Gift
- 9 Surprisingly Useful Things You Can Do With Expired Food
How do you use honey in the kitchen?