Honey Honey Honey

3 Things to Make Your Honey Last Longer

Honey, nature’s golden elixir, has been sought for its sweetness, versatility, and health benefits for centuries. Honey is a common staple in our household. We love the benefits and nutrition gained from using it as a sweetener. With four children the medical uses have also come in handy. Medical grade honey infused into bandages can be purchased to aid in healing various injuries. We have multiple types of honey, from local farm supply all the way to specialized medical grade honey. Whether you use it to sweeten your tea, enhance your foods, or soothe a sore throat, proper storage is key to maintaining its quality and flavor. I am Dr. Aaron Workman of Chambers Medical Group, one of the highest rated car accident medical care programs in Kentucky, and I would like to share 3 tips to make sure your honey stays fresh and tasty for as long as possible.

1. Control the Temperature: Honey is unique among natural foods because it rarely spoils if stored properly. Temperature plays a big role in storing it correctly. The ideal temperature for storing honey is around 64-75°F. This range helps keep honey in its liquid form and prevents crystallization. Storing honey in the refrigerator can cause it to crystallize faster. Finding a cool dark place without exposing it to direct light and heat can keep its quality, flavor, and nutritional value high.
2. Use Proper Containers: The container you choose for storing honey will also play a part in its shelf life. Store honey in a clean, dry, airtight container. Glass jars or food-grade plastic containers are excellent choices. Avoid using metal containers, as they can affect the taste of honey over time. If possible, keep honey in its original packaging, which should be made to preserve its quality. Ensure the lid is tightly sealed after each use to prevent moisture absorption and contamination. Avoid using dirty utensils to get your honey out or double dipping after spreading it on your food.
3. Prevent Crystallization: Crystallization does not mean your honey is bad. It is a natural process where honey’s glucose separates from water, forming crystals. This can affect the texture and ease of use. If you find your honey crystallized you can place the honey container in a pot of warm water, stirring occasionally until the crystals are all dissolved. Make sure water does not enter your jar. You can microwave the honey in short 10 second bursts, on low, stirring between, but caution not to overheat as you will degrade its nutritional value.

Storing honey properly will ensure it is ready for use in whatever way you find yourself using it. By preserving quality, you are preserving all its health benefits. If you follow some of these simple tips you can assure yourself a higher quality honey when you are taking it off your shelf. This can occur by controlling temperature, using proper containers, and preventing crystallization. If you can focus on these things, you should be assured your honey will be tasty and fresh for years to come. If you are learning about proper storage, you should also start with the best honey you can get. Your stored honey will only be as good as the starting product so shop locally and purchase local honey to ensure some of the freshest starting quality.

— This article is written by Aaron Workman, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.

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