Tips from beekeepers on where and how to properly store honey in honeycombs
Honey can be stored for future use not only in its usual liquid state, but also directly in the honeycomb.
When organizing storage in this form, it is important to ensure the preservation of all the beneficial substances of the product and reliably protect it from damage.
Only in this case will it retain its beneficial qualities and unique taste. We will tell you further how to properly store honey in honeycombs.
Content
Difference from liquid
When preparing honey for the winter, you can buy it in liquid form or in honeycombs. The second option has significant differences not only in appearance and form, but also in its composition.
Honey comb can be used for food completely. The beneficial therapeutic effect begins from the moment it enters the oral cavity.
How long can you keep at home?
Honey itself has preservative properties, which allows the product to be stored for a long time.
Storage duration depends on several factors, among which:
- original condition of the product;
- container used;
- provided conditions.
On average, honeycombs can be kept from six months to a year, in ideal conditions – longer.In order to always have a fresh honey product containing a large amount of useful substances, it is recommended to update the stock every year during the season.
Selecting a location
It is recommended to store honey in combs in a cool place with low humidity, protected from light and ensuring the maximum possible sealing. Such conditions can be found both in a private house and in a city apartment.
Fridge
The refrigerator is suitable as a storage place for sweet preparations in terms of temperature, which averages about +5°C. Since the door is almost always closed, the honey is protected from light.
If supplies will be stored in such conditions, it is necessary to carefully monitor the tightness of the container. Otherwise, moisture will get inside the vessel and be absorbed by the product. This is very undesirable for honey, since excess water leads to fermentation.
Honeycombs should not be frozen, otherwise they will lose their shape, appearance, and nutrients.
Cellar and basement
If the house has a basement or cellar, they can be used to store various food supplies, including honey in honeycombs, if they meet all the requirements.
Among the main ones:
- low humidity;
- cool;
- lack of proximity to strong-smelling products.
If the cellar is wet and is used for storing pickles in barrels, salting fish, etc., then it should not be used for honey.
Pantry and closet
A closed cabinet with doors and a pantry can be used as storage for honey supplies in the case when the temperature in them is not higher than +20 degrees. You should also make sure that foods with strong odors are not stored nearby.
In what container?
Choosing a container for storing sweet treats is one of the important points.
Since honeycombs have the ability to actively absorb odors and moisture, it is necessary to carefully select the container material and take into account the degree of tightness of the lid.
Glass and ceramic containers are suitable for sweet preparation. Wooden vessels and plastic containers can also be selected.
Glass
The most popular option is glass jars. They are hypoallergenic, the glass does not oxidize or react with the contents, and the lids are very reliable.
This video will tell you about storing honey in honeycombs in glass jars:
Tree
Wood is one of the traditional materials for keeping beekeeping products. But you need to take into account that some types of wood can color honey reserves, while others (for example, pine) can impart a smell to honey.
Plastic
Plastic is also a controversial decision. If you plan to store the honeycombs for a long time, several months, then it is not advisable to use such containers, and it is better to give preference to glass containers.
Conditions
Honey is a product that is purchased for future use. In order for the honeycombs to last for several months, retaining all their beneficial properties, it is very important to provide them with the necessary storage conditions.
At what temperature?
For keeping bee products It is recommended to maintain the temperature within the range from +5°С to +20°С. If the indicators are higher, the honey in the combs may darken, begin to separate, and if the quality is initially low, even ferment.
Humidity
Air humidity is a very important parameter when storing honey in honeycombs. The lower the value, the better for the condition of the product. The limit should be no more than 60-70%.
Lighting
Honeycomb should not be stored in the light, especially their exposure to direct sunlight is unacceptable. If this requirement is ignored, the product will not only change its consistency and color, but will also begin to lose beneficial substances.
Related Products
Honeycombs absorb moisture and odors well. Because of this feature, during storage it is important to avoid proximity to strong-smelling foods (garlic, pickles, fish, etc.).
10 reasons for damage
Providing the necessary conditions for long-term storage is not such a difficult task.
To ensure that the honeycomb stock does not deteriorate, It is important to avoid the following situations:
Mixing several types of honey in one container.- Sending unripened honey for storage. This product definitely won't last long.
- Preparation of honeycombs affected by wax moths.
- Using inappropriate containers.
- Storing the product in light and/or at temperatures above 20-25°C.
- Using a leaky or missing lid. Maintaining a sealed package can be difficult when using ceramic storage containers.
- Storing honeycombs in a damp place.
- Neighborhood with products that have a strong aroma.
- Using a wet and/or iron spoon to collect honey.
- Constant sharp changes in air temperature.
Conclusion
Organizing honey storage in honeycombs at home is relatively easy. The main thing is to adhere to the rules and remember those factors that can reduce the quality of the product and even lead to its damage.
