Liquid honey essentially lasts indefinitely because its unique composition inhibits bacterial growth, preventing spoilage.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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Indefinite Shelf Life: Due to its low water content, high sugar content, and the presence of hydrogen peroxide, bacteria cannot thrive in honey. This gives it an extremely long, practically indefinite, shelf life when stored properly.
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Crystallization: While honey doesn't spoil, liquid honey can crystallize over time. This is a natural process where the sugars in honey form crystals, causing it to become thick and grainy. Crystallization doesn't affect the honey's safety or nutritional value.
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Storage: To help maintain its liquid state longer, store honey in a tightly sealed container at room temperature (around 68-72°F or 20-22°C). Avoid refrigerating honey, as cooler temperatures can accelerate crystallization.
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Reversing Crystallization: If your honey crystallizes, you can easily return it to its liquid state by gently warming it. Place the jar of honey in a warm water bath (not boiling) or microwave it in short intervals (stirring in between) until the crystals dissolve.
In short, liquid honey, if stored properly, can last indefinitely, though it may crystallize over time. Crystallization doesn't indicate spoilage, and the honey remains safe to eat.
