Honey storage

Honey is a very powerful food product, and if stored properly, it can last for years, if not decades. In fact, honey has been found perfectly preserved in the tombs of Pharaohs in Egypt.

The quality of honey can be compromised by the following factors:

• Excessive moisture
  Ideally, the moisture content of honey should be less than 17.8%. If the moisture content is too high, exceeding 20%, the honey may ferment due to the presence of yeast in the honey.
  Since honey is hygroscopic, if it is not stored in a sealed container, it will absorb moisture from the air.

• Excessive heat
  Honey loses many of its health benefits when exposed to a combination of high temperature and prolonged time.

• 40 ^οC for 30 days
• 30 ^οC for 6 months
• 20 ^οC for 4 years
• 10 ^οC for 35 years

• Prolonged exposure to sunlight
  Honey loses many of its health benefits with prolonged exposure to sunlight.

• Harmful environmental factors
  Honey is hygroscopic and absorbs odors from its environment. It is also acidic, which means it can dissolve metals if stored in metal containers.