Does Honey Go Bad? Here's What You Should Know

Honey, the golden elixir produced by bees, is a secret low-waste all-star in our kitchens. Beyond its exquisite taste and

myriad health benefits, it possesses a remarkable quality that sets it apart—it has the potential to last forever.

In an era plagued by

food waste, where staggering amounts of edibles meet untimely ends in landfills, honey is the pantry staple we never have to worry about tossing out. With that being said, there are things you can do to ensure it stays as delicious and tasty as possible.

Honey stands apart from many other foods due to its remarkable durability, lacking a definitive expiration date. Unveiling its enduring nature, archaeologists have uncovered

pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs, dating back over 3,000 years, yet still deemed perfectly edible.

The query arises: Does honey go bad? While honey doesn't spoil in the conventional sense and boasts an almost eternal lifespan, it's not immune to external influences that can affect its taste and quality. Here's everything you can do to ensure it tastes just as good today as it does months (or years!) from now.

To keep your honey tasting delicious for as long as possible, always ensure the jar is tightly sealed after each use. This prevents air and moisture from infiltrating the honey, maintaining its quality.

Honey is best stored at room temperature (like in your pantry), where it's far away from direct sunlight. Excessive heat can cause the honey to lose some of its natural enzymes and nutrients.

Always use clean and dry utensils when handling honey. Moisture and foreign particles can introduce unwanted elements into the honey, potentially affecting its taste and quality.

Opt for a glass, airtight container when storing honey, like a jar. Aside from keeping it fresh, the material is less likely to transfer odors or flavors to the honey.

If your honey crystallizes, don't panic. Place the jar in warm water and the crystals will dissolve, returning the honey to its liquid state.