It is very important to understand how to store propolis at home, as its qualities will be lost under improper saving conditions. It is necessary to approach this process carefully and responsibly. We suggest you to consider the detailed information on how to choose the right container and place, and also to learn about the expiration date of this curative product.
Storage rules
It is very important to prepare propolis for storage and prevent dirt, dust and various impurities from entering into it. Therefore, even when pouring bee glue, one should avoid its direct contact with the surface of the table. The necessary sterility is easy to ensure - it is enough to spread parchment or clean paper.
Tip! When choosing a storage place, always check that next to the propolis there are no preparations with a sharp aroma or poisonous substances, for example, chemicals from harmful insects.
Places where this bee product can be exposed to direct sunlight, which will be an intense source of heat and light, should be avoided. Also, storage in places with high humidity is not allowed.
So, let's figure out how to store dry propolis.
Tare selection
For convenience, bee glue is pre-rolled into small lumps or oblong cylinders.
. After that, it should be wrapped in one of the following materials:
- dry clean paper( not newspaper);
- sheets of parchment;
- polyethylene.
In this form, the product is placed in a container of dark glass to once again prevent light from entering, and sealed with lids. Plywood boxes are also allowed.
Selecting the location of
Now you need to figure out where to store the propolis.
- The place must be dry, cool and clean.
- Indoors, the air temperature must not rise above + 25 ° C.
- Do not allow proximity to propolis with substances that exude an intense aroma.
. If you follow all the above points, then not only save all the useful properties, but also increase the shelf life of propolis.
- When choosing, preference should be given to a well-ventilated room. If this condition is met, the antibacterial effect of propolis will remain unchanged, even if stored long enough. The composition of this product may change somewhat, but this will not affect its therapeutic properties.
- Ideal option - this is a pantry. It is always there that is dark and dry, and cleanliness is not so difficult to provide.
- Some prefer to store propolis on the top shelves of wall cabinets. This option is unacceptable, since the warm air streams coming from the gas stove are necessarily at the top. A temperature difference will not benefit the dry propolis and significantly reduce its shelf life.
- Alternatively, you can use the lower pedestals of the kitchen set, but only not those that are located next to the sink or trash can.
Recommendation! Never store propolis in the refrigerator, even if all your friends do so. First, the product will begin to crumble. Secondly, moisture constantly accumulates in the refrigerator, which completely destroys the whole use of bee glue( except for units with the function of dry freezing).Thirdly, next to the propolis will necessarily be fish, meat, pickles or vegetables, the smell of which is quite corrosive.
Storage time
How much propolis can be stored without losing its unique properties? With all the rules, a dry product is able to lie about 10 years. In this case, all of its magical qualities will be fully preserved.
Important! Remember that after this period, bee glue is better not to be used for therapeutic or preventive purposes. The loss of useful properties will be evidenced by its consistency - the product will become very fragile and the lumps will begin to instantaneously crumble in their hands.
If in a place which you have chosen, there will be no fluctuations in temperature and high humidity, then the optimal shelf life of propolis will be from 5 to 7 years. And throughout this period you can safely use it for making infusions, decoctions and various cosmetics, without fear for your health and beauty.