How to Properly Store Honey for Maximum Freshness

Honey is one of the most fascinating natural products in the world. Not only is it delicious and nutritious, but it also has an incredibly long shelf life. In fact, under the right conditions, honey can last indefinitely. However, to ensure you get the most out of your Millheim Honey, it's important to store it properly. In this post, we’ll guide you through the best practices for storing honey so it stays fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy.

Why Honey Can Last Forever

Before diving into storage tips, it’s helpful to understand why honey has such a long shelf life. Honey is a natural preservative due to its low water content and high acidity, creating an environment that’s inhospitable for bacteria and mold. Bees also produce hydrogen peroxide as part of their honey-making process, further helping honey resist spoilage.

While honey won’t spoil on its own, its quality can degrade if it’s stored improperly. Heat, moisture, and air exposure can affect its texture, flavor, and appearance, so taking a few simple steps will keep your honey in perfect condition.

Best Practices for Storing Honey

1. Use an Airtight Container

The most important factor in honey storage is keeping it in an airtight container. Honey naturally absorbs moisture from the air, and too much moisture can cause fermentation, altering its flavor and consistency.

At Millheim Honey Company, we package our honey in tightly sealed containers to preserve its freshness. Once you open your honey, always make sure to close the lid tightly after each use. If you transfer your honey to another container, choose one with an airtight seal.

2. Store at Room Temperature

Honey doesn’t need to be refrigerated. In fact, refrigeration can cause honey to crystallize more quickly, making it thick and grainy. For optimal freshness, store honey at room temperature—between 60°F and 75°F—in a pantry or cupboard.

If your honey does crystallize (which is completely natural), you can easily return it to its liquid form by placing the jar in warm water and stirring until the crystals dissolve. Just be careful not to overheat it, as high temperatures can degrade the honey’s beneficial enzymes and antioxidants.

3. Keep Honey Away from Direct Sunlight

Direct sunlight and heat can cause honey to darken and change flavor over time. To protect your honey, store it in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cabinet away from the stove or windows. Prolonged exposure to heat can also speed up crystallization and diminish honey's quality.

4. Avoid Storing Honey Near Strong Odors

Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it absorbs moisture from its surroundings—but it also absorbs odors. To avoid unwanted flavors in your honey, keep it away from strong-smelling items like onions, garlic, or cleaning products. Storing honey in a sealed container helps prevent this, but it’s still best to avoid storing it near pungent foods.

How to Handle Crystallized Honey

Crystallization is a natural process that occurs when the glucose in honey separates from the water and forms crystals. This doesn’t mean your honey has gone bad—it’s simply a change in texture. In fact, some people prefer crystallized honey for its thicker, spreadable consistency.

If you prefer your honey in liquid form, here’s how to restore it:

1. Place the honey jar in a bowl of warm water.
2. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the crystals dissolve.
3. Be sure not to overheat the honey, as temperatures above 95°F can start to degrade its nutrients and flavor.

You can also place the honey jar in a pot of warm water on the stove over low heat, but avoid boiling the honey. Gentle warming will preserve the honey’s flavor and beneficial properties.

Should Honey Be Refrigerated?

As mentioned earlier, honey should not be refrigerated. Refrigeration can speed up crystallization, making the honey more difficult to use. While crystallized honey is perfectly safe to eat, it’s usually easier to work with honey in its liquid form, especially for baking or drizzling over foods.

The Shelf Life of Honey

When stored properly, honey can last indefinitely. Even honey found in ancient Egyptian tombs was still edible after thousands of years! Over time, honey may darken or change in texture, but these changes are natural and don’t indicate spoilage.

To ensure the best flavor, try to use your honey within two years of opening the jar. While it won’t go bad after this time, it may lose some of its vibrant flavor and aroma.

Conclusion

Honey is a naturally long-lasting product, but proper storage can help preserve its quality and ensure it remains as fresh as possible. By keeping your honey in an airtight container, storing it at room temperature, and avoiding direct sunlight, you’ll enjoy delicious honey for years to come. At Millheim Honey Company, we take pride in delivering raw, high-quality honey that you can enjoy in its purest form. Follow these simple storage tips, and your Millheim Honey will always be ready to sweeten your day!