Honey can last for thousands of years if properly stored, making it one of the few foods that never truly expires. Proper storage includes keeping it in an airtight container and avoiding exposure to excess moisture.
While honey may crystallize over time, it does not affect its safety or quality. In fact, archaeologists have found honey thousands of years old in ancient Egyptian tombs that was still good to consume. So, whether you have an unopened bottle or a partially used jar of honey, rest assured that it will remain safe to eat even after its “best by” date.
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Honey Lasts For Thousands Of Years, But Proper Storage Is Key
Honey can last for thousands of years if properly stored. Bees process nectar to create honey, which aids in its long shelf life. The process involves swallowing nectar and regurgitating it into combs to make honey. This unique process contributes to its longevity. Honey must be properly contained and sealed to maintain freshness. When stored in an airtight container and protected from excess moisture, honey can last decades, beyond its “best by” date. It is worth noting that honey does not expire and is the only food that doesn’t spoil in the true sense. As archeologists have discovered, honey that is thousands of years old is still good when properly contained. So, whether it’s stored in a plastic container or a different type of container, as long as it is preserved naturally, honey does not go bad.
Honey can last for thousands of years if properly stored. Bees process nectar to create honey, which aids in its long shelf life. The process involves swallowing nectar and regurgitating it into combs to make honey. This unique process contributes to its longevity. Honey must be properly contained and sealed to maintain freshness. When stored in an airtight container and protected from excess moisture, honey can last decades, beyond its “best by” date. It is worth noting that honey does not expire and is the only food that doesn’t spoil in the true sense. As archeologists have discovered, honey that is thousands of years old is still good when properly contained. So, whether it’s stored in a plastic container or a different type of container, as long as it is preserved naturally, honey does not go bad.
Factors That Can Affect Honey’s Shelf Life
| How long can you store honey? | Ask USDA |
| Can Honey Go Bad? And Other Honey Expiration Facts | Asheville Bee Charmer |
| Does Honey Expire? | Nature Nate’s Raw & Unfiltered Honey |
While most of us don’t need to worry about honey that old, their discovery proves that if properly contained, real honey can last for a very, very long time. Honey can last for thousands of years, but it can also go bad if it’s not properly stored or sealed. Bees “process” honey by swallowing nectar and regurgitating it into combs to make honey, which helps it last longer. When properly stored in an air-tight container and not exposed to excess moisture, honey can be safe to consume for decades or more. Honey does not go bad, in fact, it is pretty much the only food on earth that does not go bad. Properly preserved honey will not expire, as proven by ancient Egyptian tombs where honey thousands of years old was found and still good!
How To Store Honey For Longevity
When it comes to storing honey for longevity, it’s important to avoid refrigeration, unless necessary. Honey should be kept in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and heat sources. This helps to preserve its quality and prevent it from expiring. It’s also recommended to store honey in air-tight containers to prevent exposure to moisture. Proper storage techniques can extend honey’s shelf life for decades and even thousands of years. Honey is unique in that it does not go bad if properly stored. Archeologists have found honey thousands of years old in ancient Egyptian tombs that was still good. So, be sure to store your honey correctly to ensure its longevity.
Conclusion
Honey can last for thousands of years if it is properly stored and sealed. Bees process nectar to create honey, which helps preserve it for a long time. As long as honey is kept in an airtight container and protected from excess moisture, it can be safe to consume for decades or even longer.
Honey is a pantry staple that doesn’t spoil, making it a unique food item. So, no need to worry about honey going bad as long as it’s stored correctly.