Can honey deteriorate? This issue is relevant for all fans of bee products. According to scientists, this honey never spoils. This is one of the few products in the world that have the ability to always remain in an edible form. What is its secret and how to properly store the amber dessert?
Properties that affect the durability of
Honey can be stored for centuries without changing its taste and medicinal qualities. In history, a case was recorded where a bee product was found in an Egyptian tomb. He was quite edible, despite the fact that he spent many centuries in the tomb. What makes it so long-term?
Low humidity
Honey is hygroscopic, that is, it has the ability to absorb moisture from the air. And in conditions with low humidity, microorganisms that negatively affect products simply can not survive. Also due to its hygroscopicity it does not dry out, remaining sticky, tender and sweet.
High acidity
The pH in the product varies from 3 to 4.5, which makes the environment around it acidic. And in a highly acid medium, as is known, bacteria can not live.Production of hydrogen peroxide
Honey does not deteriorate due to bees. They contribute to the low content of water in it. Insects treat nectar, belching it from stomachs, and the chemical composition of the latter prolongs its shelf life. The enzyme glucose oxidase, contained in the stomach of the bee, is mixed with nectar, forming gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide. These substances effectively deal with bacteria that spoil foods.
Warning! If the water level in honey exceeds the permissible norm, yeast fungi can settle in it, which will lead to fermentation of the product. But fermented or "drunken" honey will still be eaten. Moreover, it will acquire a new, special taste, which will appeal to many.
Crystallized honey can easily be brought into a liquid state. To do this, just warm it in a water bath. However, the temperature of its heating should not exceed 50 degrees, otherwise the product will release harmful substances.
Before you make sure that honey is getting damaged, make sure that the product you bought is natural. Only a real amber dessert can be stored for years. A counterfeit with an admixture of sugar, starch or flour will quickly become unusable.
On how to check honey, read in our article "How to identify real honey".
How to store honey: several rules
Honey retains its edible appearance and useful properties only if it is properly stored. Consider what measures can make this product almost eternal.
Temperature conditions
Recommended conditions - from -6 to +20 0C.The room temperature for honey is unacceptable - it will break up and become unusable. If you hold it at a temperature above +20 0C, the product will lose some of the beneficial microelements. A mark above +40 0C will deprive him of all healing regalia. Low temperature conditions( below zero) will not affect the quality of the bee product in any way.
Warning! Do not transfer honey from one temperature regime to another. This action will make its crystallization uneven.
Dishes
Than wondering if the honey can deteriorate, better get the right dishes to store it. Ideally, it should be a container of dark glass with a tight lid. Among the allowed dishes are also enamel and ceramic. The container should be thoroughly rinsed( preferably not with liquid for dishes, but with laundry soap), rinse with large volume of water and dry.
Warning! It is not recommended to store honey in metal and galvanized containers - the product will become oxidized and become unfit for consumption.
Lighting
Do not expose to honey direct sunlight. They heat the container and "take away" a part of the healing powers from the product. In addition, it can lose its antimicrobial properties and, consequently, quickly deteriorate. From this statement follows the third rule: store the amber dessert in a dark, cool place.Humidity
The storage location must contain a small amount of moisture. The problem is that the product, obeying its hygroscopicity, will absorb all the moisture present in the environment. And if it absorbs a lot of water, it will become liquid and become worthless.
Odor
The smell adjacent to honey products also matters. Do not place near it substances with a sharp aroma( paint, gasoline, fish).He will absorb all the surrounding odors and become insipid.
We hope that you will not be doubted whether honey is spoiling or not. Provide appropriate storage conditions for the bee product, and it will delight you for a long time with its delicious taste!