Today I found a bag of honeysuckle in my home. It has been stored for a long time, probably purchased 3 or 4 years ago. It seems that there hasn't been much change on the surface. I would like to ask if it's still safe to consume honeysuckle that has been stored for a long time.
Can Honeysuckle be Consumed After Being Stored for a Long Time?
It can be consumed if it hasn't spoiled.
Honeysuckle is a valuable Chinese herbal medicine. It has a sweet taste and a cold nature, and is known for its effects in clearing heat, detoxification, and soothing the throat. It can be used to treat conditions such as abdominal distention, fever caused by warm diseases, and hot toxic abscesses. However, honeysuckle, being the dried flower buds of the plant Lonicera japonica, is prone to moisture and mold. If the stored honeysuckle hasn't molded or been infested by insects, then it is still safe to consume. However, the longer it is stored, the weaker its medicinal effects may become.
How Long Can Dried Honeysuckle be Stored?
Around 2 years.
In general, if stored properly, herbal medicines can be stored for about 2 years, while woody plants can be stored for about 4 years, and mineral medicines can be stored for about 10 years. Honeysuckle belongs to the category of herbal medicines, and if stored properly, it can usually be stored for about 2 years. If stored exceptionally well, its shelf life can be even longer.
Can Honeysuckle Still be Consumed if it has Absorbed Moisture?
It is generally not recommended to continue consuming it.
The storage of honeysuckle should avoid moisture and mold. If honeysuckle has absorbed moisture, it is highly likely to become moldy, so it is generally not recommended to continue consuming it.
If it hasn't molded yet, it can still be consumed after being dried under the hot sun. However, since the honeysuckle has absorbed moisture, some of its medicinal properties have already been lost, resulting in a decrease in therapeutic effects.
How to Identify Spoiled Honeysuckle?
1. Look at the color. Normal honeysuckle is mostly yellowish-white or greenish-white on the surface, with fine hairs attached. It feels soft and elastic when touched. Spoiled honeysuckle may not have significant changes in color, but there may be a gray layer of greenish-blue on it. Light tapping may cause moldy gray to fall off, or there may be white or greenish-blue mold spots or mold balls.
2. Smell it. Normal honeysuckle has a mild and refreshing scent. If honeysuckle has spoiled, it may have a noticeable musty smell or other odors.
Can Spoiled Honeysuckle Still be Consumed?
It is not recommended to consume it.
Spoiled honeysuckle usually refers to honeysuckle that has become moldy or infested with insects. The molds or insect eggs inside can cause damage to the digestive system and liver. Consuming it may cause stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal reactions. Long-term consumption may also increase the risk of cancer.
