Honey is a rare product that can be stored for a very long time without loss of healing qualities. The monks in Russia preferred to eat it after two or three years of aging. According to some experts, honey, the storage of which was properly organized, has a richer taste and delicate aroma, thanks to the process of natural ripening. Cell honey is stored even longer. In the hives of wild bees, it accumulates over the years, without losing valuable biological properties.
Proper storage of honey
This product is often falsified, so you need to choose it very carefully. To protect yourself from fakes, it is best to make a familiar beekeeper and buy real healing honey from him. Storage of this product has its own characteristics. It is necessary to choose a suitable container, to ensure the correct light, temperature and optimal humidity.
Air temperature
In order for honey to remain tasty for a long time and retain all its healing qualities, it is important to protect it from overheating. It is best to keep it at a temperature of from -5 to +5 0 C. The destruction of enzymes valuable to human health depends on the ambient temperature. Up to +10 0 the decrease in the activity of substances is insignificant, but already at +20 0 it drops by 1.5-2% per month, which significantly reduces the beneficial properties of honey during long-term storage. When heated above +40 0 C, after a few days the enzymes are destroyed. Fluctuations in temperature are best avoided. At home, honey is best stored in the refrigerator. Manufacturers are increasingly using deep freezing, since lowering the temperature to -20 0 C does not significantly affect the quality of honey.
The effect of sunlight on honey
Keeping honey in the light is unacceptable. According to a study by the German scientist Dustman, a product that has stood on the windowsill for only two days, loses its healing properties. In addition, it darkens and begins to exfoliate. The best container for storing honey at home is a hermetically sealed glass jar. Its only drawback is light transmission. If possible, honey is placed in a dark, cool room or the container is completely darkened.
And now it's time to remember how sellers put honey on the shelves beautifully, and think about how long it has been there ...
Storage tanks
Honey can be stored in dishes that will not affect its chemical composition and taste. Suitable for this:
- Glass containers: cans, bottles and so on. It is better if they are made of darkened glass.
- Wooden barrels. Suitable wood species : willow, birch, beech, alder, linden. Made from conifers, aspen or oak barrels are not suitable, they spoil the taste and cause a color change.
- Glazed ceramic containers. Raw clay products absorb atmospheric moisture and are therefore not suitable.
- Nickel-plated, enameled dishes.
- Food plastic containers. At first there were concerns about its use, but, according to studies, food grade plastic does not emit plasticizers and does not affect the taste.
Use clean, dry dishes. The remains of old honey cannot be left, they can cause a fermentation process. The lids must fit very tightly, as honey is hygroscopic and can absorb water from the air.
The effects of other products on honey
Storing honey next to pungent smelling products will instantly absorb their aroma. It is advisable to remove it away from salted fish, smoked meats, sauerkraut and other products with a characteristic smell.
Manufacturers indicate an expiration date of one year, and it is advisable to adhere to it. During household storage, it is impossible to perfectly comply with all conditions and preserve all vitamins and active substances.