Preparing honey for storage is a simple and straightforward process. To keep it fresh for a long time, all you have to do is put it in a suitable container and keep it in a cool and dry place. If you want it to last for many months, you can put it in the freezer and defrost it when needed.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Store Honey for the Short Term
Step 1. Find the suitable container
You can leave it in its original jar, but if it's damaged or leaking, you can transfer the honey to a classic food container. Any of the following options will work:
- Plastic container or jar;
- Glass jar with metal lid;
- Airtight glass jar with rubber seal.
Step 2. Find a place where the temperature is constant
Honey should be stored at around 10-20 ° C. When it undergoes sudden changes in temperature it can become dark and lose flavor. Choose a spot in the house where the climate is cool and constant.
Generally, the kitchen pantry is a great place to store honey. In any case, make sure it is away from the refrigerator and stove to protect it from sudden changes in temperature
Step 3. Keep it out of sunlight
Sunlight can also damage honey, so it's best to store it in a dark place. For example, avoid placing it on a shelf near a window. It is best to close it in the pantry or in a kitchen cabinet.
Step 4. Make sure the container is tightly closed
You need to try to minimize the honey's exposure to air. Before storing the jar in the selected place, check that you have closed it well. The odors present in the air could alter the scent of the honey, which would also risk absorbing the humidity from the environment. Taste and color may also be negatively affected.
Method 2 of 3: Long-Term Storage of Honey
Step 1. Choose a suitable container
Over the months, honey tends to crystallize. If you think you don't need it for some time, you can store it in the freezer to prevent this phenomenon which, while normal and reversible, could be a nuisance. In this case you will need a container that allows some extra space for the honey as it will tend to expand during freezing. If you don't want to move it to a larger jar, you can use some to create some extra space.
Some people choose to freeze honey in the ice cube mold. This system gives you the advantage of being able to defrost only the amount you need. You can freeze it in the mold and then transfer the frozen cubes to a food bag
Step 2. Put it in the freezer
Once transferred to the container of your choice, you can put it in the freezer. By storing it in this way, honey can also last for a few years.
Frozen honey will keep for a long time, but it is still better to indicate the date it was placed in the freezer directly on the container
Step 3. Defrost it when you are ready to use it
It is a simple process; all you have to do is leave it for some time at room temperature inside the closed container. You will need to be patient and let it thaw gradually, without trying to speed up the time.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing and Resolving Contingencies
Step 1. Take action if the honey has crystallized
Theoretically, natural honey can last several years, if not forever. However, over time it may begin to crystallize. Don't worry, you don't have to throw it away; a little boiling water is enough to bring it back to its liquid state.
- Boil some water in a saucepan. Make sure the honey jar is perfectly airtight, then immerse it in boiling water.
- Put out the flame. Wait for the water to cool, leaving the honey to soak. At that point it should have returned to a liquid state.
Step 2. Protect the honey from heat
Most people choose to keep it in the kitchen to always have it at hand when needed. In this case it is important to avoid areas that can overheat during daily use of the appliances, as the intense heat could damage the honey. For example, make sure it is away from the oven, stove or refrigerator motor.
Step 3. Avoid the refrigerator
Honey can be frozen and thawed, but it should never be stored in the refrigerator. The risk is that it will crystallize even more quickly. If you are concerned that the temperature in the kitchen is too high, keep it in another, cooler room in the house instead of putting it in the refrigerator.
