Some people buy honey in large quantities, several jin or even more than ten jin at a time. This usually happens when they encounter a beekeeper and feel that the honey is good. First, the price is relatively cheap, and second, buying honey directly from the apiary makes it more authentic. When a lot of honey is bought and it can't be finished in a short time, it needs to be stored. Then some people will ask, how should honey be stored? Can honey be put in the refrigerator? The following introduces the methods for storing honey in an ordinary household to solve this problem.
Can honey be put in the refrigerator?
1. Yes, it can be stored, but the temperature should not be too low, keep it above 0°C.
When honey is put in the refrigerator, it will cause it to crystallize and separate glucose. This change does not affect the safety or nutritional value of the honey, but it does affect the uniformity of its texture. Some people think the honey has spoiled and throw away a whole bottle, wasting electricity and then food, which is truly a pity!
2. There is no need to put honey in the refrigerator; it can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dark place, unless the temperature where you live is too high.
Honey should be stored in a cool, dark place. Because honey is a weakly acidic liquid, it can undergo chemical reactions with metals. When it comes into contact with metals such as lead, zinc, and iron during storage, a chemical reaction will occur. Therefore, non-metallic containers such as ceramics, glass bottles, and non-toxic plastic buckets should be used to store honey. During storage, honey should also be protected from absorbing odors, moisture, fermentation, and contamination. To avoid odor absorption and contamination, it must not be stored with items that have strong odors (such as gasoline, alcohol, garlic, etc.), corrosive items (such as fertilizers, pesticides, lime, alkali, saltpeter, etc.), or unhygienic items (such as waste, livestock products, etc.). The current national regulation stipulates that the shelf life of bottled honey is 18 months. However, sealed, mature, and high-concentration honey can be preserved for many years. However, it is best to eat honey fresh, as fresh honey generally has better color, aroma, flavor, and taste.
Methods for storing honey
1. After buying honey, store it in non-metallic containers such as ceramic or non-toxic plastic; do not use iron containers! Honey should be placed in a cool, dry, clean, ventilated environment with a temperature maintained at 5~10°C and an air humidity not exceeding 75%.
2. Honey should be stored in a sealed container. The tools used to take honey should be washed and dried to prevent water from entering. Honey dissolving water can easily ferment and spoil.
3. Honey should be stored in a cool, dark place. Because honey is a weakly acidic liquid, it can undergo chemical reactions with metals. When it comes into contact with metals such as lead, zinc, and iron during storage, a chemical reaction will occur. Therefore, non-metallic containers such as ceramics, glass bottles, and non-toxic plastic buckets should be used to store honey.
4. During storage, honey should also be protected from absorbing odors, moisture, fermentation, and contamination. To avoid odor absorption and contamination, it must not be stored with items that have strong odors (such as gasoline, alcohol, garlic, etc.), corrosive items (such as fertilizers, pesticides, lime, alkali, saltpeter, etc.), or unhygienic items (such as waste, livestock products, etc.).
5. The main reason why honey can be stored at room temperature for a long time without mold or spoilage is that honey has a strong antibacterial effect on various types of bacteria. Honey contains antioxidants and, due to its acidity and high sugar content, maintains a high osmotic pressure, making it impossible for microorganisms to survive in this environment.