Honey is one of the natural and healthiest sweeteners that’s existing in the culinary world. This natural sweetener has numerous benefits too. An excellent source of antioxidants with antibacterial and antifungal properties, honey is believed to cure numerous health ailments. However, probably the only problem we face is storing it right so its shelf life remains intact. From getting crystallized to changing colour, honey has its own share of drawbacks. So, to help you store honey perfectly in your pantry, here are four things you need to keep in mind.
1. The Container
We recommend storing honey in the original container it came in. You can also use any glass jar or a food-safe plastic container to store honey. However, don’t store honey in a metal jar as it can oxidize.
2. Storing It In The Fridge For Longer Shelf Life? Rethink It.
We often tend to store honey inside the fridge for longer shelf life. However, this leads to crystallization. So, store your jar of honey in the coolest spot in your pantry for the best use.
3. Keep It Away From Heat And Moisture
One of the most deleterious things you can do to honey is to expose it to direct heat and moisture. Store it in a place with normal room temperature or find the coolest place in your pantry to store honey. To avoid moisture from getting inside the jar, make sure the container has a tight seal and use a dry spoon when taking honey out of the jar.
4. Fix Crystallized Honey
We often get afraid when our honey becomes cloudy sitting on the kitchen shelf. However, there is nothing to be worried about. Crystallization of honey is quite common and it's easy to re-liquidify it. Raw honey with a high pollen content will crystallize faster than the other varieties. If you see your honey becoming cloudy or getting crystallized, simply put it in a vessel of hot water and stir it gently. Make sure the water isn’t too hot as it will result in caramelization of the sugar and change in its colour.