Honey is a versatile and delicious natural product used in many meals and drinks. It is produced by the buzzing lovelies from plant nectar. Many people never seem to get enough of this sweet product! Better still, just a little goes a long way. One jar can last for months or years!  Its color and flavor usually depend on the nectar source. 

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Does honey expire? Can honey be ok after 12 months?

When honey attains the correct moisture content before harvesting and is stored properly, it does not expire. It can remain stable for decades and even centuries. In fact, archeologists have found good honey thousands of years old in Egyptian tombs. While it may crystallize and darken with time, it is still safe to consume. Crystallization does not change any aspect of honey and is reversed by placing the honey jar on warm water for some time. Storing honey in metal containers may cause oxidization which usually changes its flavor. You should store it in an air-tight container since additional moisture may cause fermentation. Ensure the jars you use to store are clean, and also while scooping, use clean, dry utensils. It is good to note that only natural, real honey that does not expire. 

Why does honey last for a long time?

Higher Sugar Content than Water Content

Honey contains 80% sugar and 18-20 moisture content.  Its low moisture and high sugars keep the bacteria from surviving. And without bacteria inactivity, it will not spoil. The high sugar content causes high osmotic pressure, which forces water within the cells of microorganisms to flow out. 

High Acidity

Honey has a PH of between 3.2-4.5. This acidity nature is due to gluconic acid produced as nectar ripens. The acidity helps ward off bacteria and other organisms that spoil food. E.coli. Streptococcus and salmonella bacteria cannot survive in honey. 

Presence of Antimicrobial  Enzymes

Bees also produce their own enzyme( glucose oxidase) to preserve the honey. They secrete this enzyme into the nectar while making the product. Once the honey becomes ripe, this enzyme converts the sugar within the honey to produce gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Due to its microbial nature, it has been used throughout history to treat many illnesses, including wounds. 

How can you tell honey is spoilt?

When honey is getting spoiled, it becomes cloudy instead of being clear and golden. It eventually gets white. Its texture becomes thicker until it is grainy. 

What makes honey go bad?

There are various causes of honey going bad. 

Contamination

This can be caused by using unclean equipment during processing and storing honey. It can also be contaminated by humans, animals, insects, wind, or water. 

Adulteration

Honey is a premium product. Its cost of production is also high. Unscrupulous business people or even beekeepers may increase the volume of the product through adulteration. This can also be through feeding bees with sugar syrup while honey supers are in the hive.

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Improper Storage

Improper storage interferes with the honey’s antimicrobial properties. When left unsealed, it increases its water content giving the microbes a conducive environment. This leads to the degradation of the product. 

Why does honey have expiry dates?

Expiration dates and sell-by dates on commercially sold honey are mainly for inventory management. Untampered honey stays good for years and decades. This helps stores to keep fresher products on their shelves. Most honey usually sells before the dates indicated, even near. You should not be worried even if you pick a jar with a few months left. You will still enjoy the benefits of honey long, even after expiration.