Since ancient times, honey is considered one of the most useful natural products. There are many myths and legends about the healing properties of the beekeeping product . Many qualities are attributed to him, which he does not actually possess. However, the question often arises whether honey spoils during prolonged storage. To understand this, you should learn a little about the composition of a useful product.
Temperature mode
Under natural conditions, honey can be stored for many years, without losing its beneficial qualities. The bee product contains many sugars that absorb moisture. In addition, it contains acids that inhibit the development and reproduction of bacteria. This helps honey to maintain beneficial properties for a long time. External factors such as sunlight, high ambient temperature can affect its quality.
Guided by instincts, the bees build special wax buildings - honeycombs, which, however, are intended not only to preserve the supply of food (honey) for a long time, but also to grow offspring. With the onset of cold weather, they are able to insulate the hive with wax so that the temperature inside the cell does not fall below +10 ° C. Due to the unique composition of beeswax, even with strong heat in the hive, the temperature does not exceed +20 ° C. Based on this, it follows that the optimal environment for storing honey ranges from + 5 ... + 20 ° C.
Storage rules
Under the influence of high temperatures, the bee product darkens, unpleasant bitterness appears in its taste. Also, with strong heating, many vitamins are destroyed, and it loses its healing properties. At too low a temperature, honey begins to crystallize, becomes solid.
To understand whether honey deteriorates at room temperature, it is enough to notice its fluctuations within a certain period of time. If the room is too hot, then for several months a useful bee product can be stored in the refrigerator, where it will not lose valuable properties. However, it is impossible to keep honey in the cold all the time, this will significantly reduce the quality of the product and worsen its taste.
It is best to store honey in a dark place without direct sunlight. The storage shelf may be the bottom shelf of a cabinet or kitchen cabinet. It is important to seal the jar tightly, a useful product absorbs foreign odors even through the nylon cover.
How to store in the refrigerator
Knowing the optimal storage temperature of a bee product, one can answer the question of whether honey spoils in the refrigerator. If it is not possible to store it in a more suitable place, you should adhere to certain rules that will help preserve the healing properties of the product.
- It is best to store honey in a glass container. It does not emit toxins, prevents the penetration of extraneous aromas.
- For long-term storage, you can roll up a jar with a metal lid, after leaving a little honey for use. This method will help to maintain the quality and taste of the healthy product.
- To prevent freezing, every two months the container with honey is removed from the refrigerator and stored for a week in a dark place at room temperature.
- Instead of a metal cover, you can fill the surface of the product with wax or propolis. This will help to block the access of oxygen by preserving the product in a natural way.
- Honey, closed with a capron lid, does not withstand the neighborhood with pickles, cereals, flour and sugar. In addition to absorbing foreign odors, it begins to ferment, as a result of which there is a complete neutralization of all beneficial properties.
In private homes, the bee product is well stored in the basement under the same conditions as in the refrigerator.
Honey at room temperature
An important role in the storage of honey is played by environmental humidity. Too high a level of moisture can be detrimental to the healing qualities of a bee product. Keeping honey at room temperature, you should take care of hermetically corking containers to avoid moisture.
Often during storage of honey after the crystallization process, a liquid appears on the surface. This does not mean that the product is spoiled. Honey contains fructose, which is not subject to hardening. Over time, it rises to the surface, forming a thin liquid layer.
The effect of time
Does honey deteriorate over time? The answer to this question interests many people whose life cannot do without this useful product. Some evaluate the quality of honey by its consistency and color, believing that light and liquid nectar is the freshest and most useful. Indeed, liquid honey happens immediately after pumping. However, during storage, its consistency changes, and this is normal.
The longer the bee product is stored, the darker and thicker it becomes. Fermentation of natural honey lasts for a year, and this is a natural process. According to experts, it is precisely such nectar (subject to proper storage) that has the most useful properties.
Plastic container
Recently, the use of plastic containers has been reminiscent of global insanity. In containers made of popular material, not only liquids are stored, but also dry, bulk products. Honey was no exception. Undoubtedly, plastic dishes have several advantages over glass containers, however, it is undesirable to store honey in it.
Do not forget that plastic packaging is a chemical product. Even vessels intended for foodstuffs interact with aggressive components. Honey is considered an active substance, it easily absorbs water, odors and chemical impurities from plastic. Of course, this does not happen in a few days. For transportation or short-term storage, it is possible to use plastic containers, but then it is best to pour honey into glass jars.
The ideal option is a container made of dark glass with a tight lid. Ceramics, enameled dishes are suitable for storing honey. In no case should you use iron containers enameled with chips and galvanized dishes, otherwise the product will oxidize.