It is a well known fact that honey, being the superfood that it is, does not go bad for a long, long time. However, as the month of October approaches, we experience a pre-winter rise in the temperature that results in a rather oppressive weather. This humidity may affect the composition of honey which causes the honey to go bad.
When honey is exposed to direct sunlight or heat, the water content will increase, making way for the microbes to grow and multiply and hence result in rapid degradation of honey. The sudden change in temperature during October accelerates the degradation of honey. That is why it is important to make sure that you store honey properly and prevent it from going bad.
TIPS ON STORING HONEY PROPERLY :-
1. Store honey in tightly sealed containers
If honey containers are not sealed properly, the water content may rise due to moisture which will generate bacteria and microbes in the honey. Tightly sealed jars prevent the moisture from entering the containers and help increase the shelf life of honey.
2. Store honey at room temperature
The ideal temperature to store honey is somewhere between 64 to 75 F. At this temperature, honey retains its nutrients for a longer period of time. It is advisable to not store honey in refrigerated areas. Keeping your honey in cooler temperatures will help preserve it but at the same time change its composition to a semi-solid state.
3. Store honey in a glass jar
Glass jars with lids are ideal for storing honey as they are tightly sealed and transparent which allows you to monitor the state of your honey without having to open the containers frequently. Other containers like metal or non-food plastic jars can cause the honey to oxidise, thus making it ineligible for consumption.
Honey is an antiviral and an antibacterial agent that helps build immunity and suppress the risk of chronic diseases. It is also being considered as a crucial agent in aiding Covid 19. When consumed daily, the properties and nutrients of honey help you sustain a healthy lifestyle. However, improper storage of honey may affect its composition and degrade its nutritional value along with its shelf life. To ensure your honey does not fall susceptible to these adversities, follow the 3 simple tips and keep your honey in its natural state for a longer period of time.
