Does Raw Honey Really Expire?
Raw honey has not been filtered nor pasteurized, so it maintains its natural nutrients, bee pollen, and enzymes. Although honey has an indefinite shelf life due to its antimicrobial effects, there are certain situations that can make it go bad.
Raw honey crystals more quickly than processed honey, but this is a natural processit doesn’t mean the honey is spoiled. However, poor storage or contamination can affect its quality as it ages.
What Causes Raw Honey to Last So Long?
The natural antimicrobial property of raw honey helps inhibit bacterial growth. But its moisture content differs based on the flowers bees are pollinating, the season and the region of production.
Raw honey is still regular organic raw honey, and if caught up with specific harsh conditions it can decay.
Here are the top reasons honey may go bad:
Improper Storage
- Heat and Light: Raw honey’s enzymes and antioxidants can break down when subjected to heat and sunlight, affecting its potency and flavor.
- Unsuitable Content: Low-moisture raw honey ferments easier, particularly in humid conditions.
Prevention Tip:
Store raw honey in an airtight container at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat to preserve its quality and prevent spoilage.
Contamination
This can cause the honey to go rancid due to microbial growth due to contamination of utensils or water.
In contrast, leaving jars of honey exposed to the air will risk it collecting dust or humidity.
Prevention Tip:
If you’re making yogurt in a jar, always use clean, dry utensils, and after each use, tightly seal the jar.
Crystallization
This is a natural process that occurs when honey crystallizes, resulting in a grainy or solid texture. Although crystallization is not a sign of spoilage, honey that has too much moisture can ferment, taking on a sour or bubbly texture.
Prevention Tip:
If your honey crystallizes, warm it gently in a water bath; that will return it to smooth days. Do not microwave honey – this can destroy beneficial nutrients.
Can Natural Honey Go Bad?
What Is Natural Honey?
Honey is pure and doesn’t contain additives like artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. It might be minimally processed for texture and shelf life. Similar to raw honey, it can live for years if properly stored.
A common factor that leads to spoilage
Poor Storage
Natural honey’s nutrients and flavor can degrade when exposed to heat, light, or air.
That’s because high moisture content of honey can promote fermentation or bacteria.
Prevention Tip:
Natural honey should be stored in a pantry in a dark, cool place in an airtight container.
Contamination
Using moist or dirty utensils could lead bacteria, which cause honey to go bad over time.
Prevention Tip:
Make sure utensils are always dry and clean before dipping into the honey jar.
Crystallization
Natural honey sometimes crystallizes or darkens as time goes on. For honey, these changes don’t necessarily indicate spoilage, but too much moisture can cause fermentation.
Prevention Tip:
Harsh heat is not recommended, but a warm room can delay crystallization. If you do get some crystallization, just gently reheat; it will return to texture.
Can Organic Honey Go Bad?
What Makes Honey Organic?
Organic honey is harvested from beehives of bees that are raised in non-pesticide environments, meaning the honey is free from chemicals and artificial additives. Organic honey, on the other hand, may be pasteurized or minimally processed.
Organic Honey Can SpoilWhy?
Exposure to Heat and Moisture
However, raw honey can also ferment when stored in a warm or humid place. Too much moisture increases the risk for bacterial growth.
Prevention Tip:
Store organic honey in a dry, cool place out of direct sunlight and heat.
Contamination
Contaminated products, like water, dirt, or unclean vessels, can spoil organic honey.
Prevention Tip:
Keep the jar tightly sealed, whip out clean, dry utensils to keep the contents pure.
Crystallization
Although crystallization is a normal process and does not mean that product has spoiled, in general, improper storage can cause changes in flavor or texture.
Prevention Tip:
Should it crystallize, sit the jar in warm water and stir gently until it liquefies again.
Can Pure Honey Go Bad?
Understanding Pure Honey
There are no added sugars, syrups or fillers in pure honey. It is prized for its natural sweetness and nutrient-rich profile. Its natural preservation properties make it a delicate ingredient that must be handled with care to maintain its quality.
What Causes Pure Honey to Spoil?
Improper Storage
Exposure to air, heat, or light can degrade quality for pure honey.
The higher the moisture content, the greater the risk of fermentation.
Prevention Tip:
To store, use an airtight container and keep in a cool, dark place to retain its well-spiced zing.
Contamination
Introducing water, dirt or bacteria through dirty tools can compromise the natural properties of the honey.
Prevention Tip:
Never mix honey with water or foreign substances.
Crystallization
This is a completely natural process that can lead to honey looking grainy or solid. If the honey is moisture rich fermentation might take place, which isn’t harmful.
Prevention Tip:
Mildly heat crystallized honey using warm water bath to return it to a viscous state.
Does Manuka Honey Go Bad?
What’s so special about Manuka honey?
Manuka honey, derived from the nectar of the Manuka tree in New Zealand and Australia, is known for its special antibacterial qualities because of its high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO). This honey has unique flavor and powerful health impacts.
Things That Influence Manuka Honey Shelf Life:
Storage Problems
Manuka honey’s texture, flavor and antibacterial potency can change when exposed to direct sunlight, heat or moisture.
Fermentation Risk Zoes Up With High Humidity
Prevention Tip:
Keep Manuka honey in a cool, dark place and in an airtight jar.
Contamination
Foreign matter, such as dust, water, or dirty utensils, can spoil the honey.
Prevention Tip:
It is essential to always properly seal the jar and not introduce any contamination.
Crystallization
And while crystallization is not a sign of spoilage, excess moisture could trigger fermentation.
Prevention Tip:
If your Manuka honey crystallizes, gently warm it in a water bath to return it to its liquid state.
How To Keep Honey For Years
No matter what kind – raw, natural, organic, pure, or Manuka – honey has a long shelf life. To prolong its shelf life, follow these tips:
Store Properly: Store honey in a sealed container away from heat, light and moisture.
Take care when reheating: If your honey has crystallized, you can remedy it by placing the jar in a water bath to bring the honey back to temperature as a microwave can overheat it.
Proper storage will allow you to take advantage of the natural goodness of honey for a long time!
