It usually sits on the line next to salt and oil ready to be used in tea, baked goods or just for a spoon. Honey is a common part of our kitchen, but few people think about whether we store it properly. We often choose a place for him that is too warm, light or humid, and that is wrong. Why?
Honey is one of the oldest sweeteners that people have used for thousands of years. Already in ancient Egypt or Mesopotamia, it was valued not only as a delicacy, but also as medicine and an offering to the gods. Sweetening with honey is a healthier alternative to sugar because it contains a number of beneficial substances such as enzymes, minerals and antioxidants that support immunity and digestion.
Thanks to its natural sweetness, it is suitable not only for tea, but also for coffee, where it creates a softer flavor tone than regular sugar. In addition, it has a lower glycemic index, so its energy is released more slowly and will keep you full for longer.
Watch the video from the YT creation of the channel all of Pečinka – How to recognize real, unadulterated, good honey?
Source: Youtube
Never store honey in kitchen cupboards near heat sources such as an oven, gas stove or kettle. These sources of heat and steam from cooking can disrupt its chemical composition and negatively affect the taste and consistency. Long-term exposure to higher temperatures causes the formation of a substance called hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), which not only reduces the quality of honey, but can also be harmful to health at higher concentrations.
Surprisingly, even normal room temperature is not always ideal for honey. If it is between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius, enzymes and other valuable substances can be lost. The optimum temperature for honey storage is below 18 degrees Celsius.
The best way to store honey is in a cool, dry, dark place. The ideal choice is a pantry or cellar, where the temperature is stable and below the recommended limit. If you have a larger amount of honey, it is a good idea to divide it into smaller containers. This will reduce the risk of contamination when frequently opening the jar and at the same time keep most of the stock in perfect condition.
Don’t you have a cellar or pantry at home? Honey can also be stored in the refrigerator. It is best to put it on the bottom shelf, where the humidity is lower and the temperature is stable, which will help preserve its properties.
Choosing the right container is important. The best choice is airtight glass or ceramic containers, which do not affect the taste or composition of the honey. Plastic can only be used for a short time if it is intended for food, but metal containers such as copper or galvanized steel are not suitable as they can react with the honey.
Another important principle is not to open the jar of honey unnecessarily often. Any opening allows moisture and air to enter, which can disrupt its consistency and accelerate fermentation. Just a little inattention, such as leaving the lid open or storing it in a humid environment, and honey quickly loses its properties.
Have you ever had honey crystallize? Don’t worry, it’s a natural process that confirms its quality. Glucose forms crystals in it, especially at lower temperatures. Rapeseed honey crystallizes faster, acacia honey stays liquid longer due to its higher fructose content. If you do not want crystals, heat the honey in a water bath to 40 °C to preserve its valuable substances.
Never lick the spoon and then put it back in the honey jar. This habit may seem harmless at first glance, but you are actually introducing bacteria into the honey. Honey has natural antibacterial properties, but direct contact with saliva can cause it to begin to change its taste, consistency and quality. If you want to keep the honey in perfect condition, always use a clean spoon, which you put away immediately after use. Or a honey pot, which makes it easy to dispense honey.
Proper care of honey will bring you a reward in the form of its intact taste and all the beneficial substances.
Source: napadyprodomy.cz
