Many people are unaware of the shelf life of honey, and some even believe that honey has no expiration date. Today, we will discuss the issue of honey's shelf life.
Scientific research and archaeological evidence have proven that honey has strong antibacterial properties and is the only food in the world that does not spoil. In 1913, archaeologists discovered a jar of honey in an Egyptian pyramid tomb, which had been preserved for over 3,300 years and was still edible. This demonstrates that mature and pure honey can be consumed for a long time without any strict expiration date. However, food products are required to have a labeled shelf life according to the Food Law, so honey manufacturers generally set the shelf life of honey at 2 years.
However, it should be noted that if the honey is not mature or if it is adulterated with water or other inferior products, it will ferment, become acidic, and spoil, making it unfit for consumption. Of course, if the fermentation is not severe, the honey can still be consumed after being heated in a water bath at around 60°C for 0.5 hours, although its nutritional value and effectiveness may be slightly reduced.
In conclusion, as long as high-quality and mature honey has not spoiled, it can be consumed without any harm to the body. However, compared to fresh honey, honey that has been stored for a long time may have slightly lower nutritional value.
1. About the shelf life of honey
Currently, the national regulation states that bottled honey has a shelf life of 18 months. However, high-density mature honey can be preserved for many years. It is still recommended to consume fresh honey, as it usually has better color, aroma, taste, and texture. Honey that has been stored for a long time can still be consumed as long as it has not spoiled, without any harm to the body. However, compared to fresh honey, the nutritional value may be slightly lower.
2. About honey spoilage
Honey can spoil if stored for a long time, and there are three signs of spoilage:
① The taste becomes acidic.
② The consistency becomes very thin. (Normal honey is very viscous, and high-quality honey, such as acacia honey, can even be wrapped in clean paper instead of being stored in a jar or bottle, indicating its high viscosity.) Honey spoilage is mainly caused by temperature increase, which can be solved by refrigeration.
③ Many gray bubbles appear on the surface of the honey, indicating the decomposition and fermentation of organic substances in the honey, resulting in the release of gas. Even if the honey has not spoiled, its nutritional value has already decreased.
3. About the edibility of honey
If your honey is not tightly sealed, not stored at a low temperature, has a watery consistency, and has been stored for at least three years, it is likely that it has started to spoil. It is advisable not to consume it anymore. While consuming it may not cause any harm to the body, it will have little nutritional value left.
