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The kitchen, often considered the heart of our homes, holds an array of essentials—pulses, rice, flour, and spices. Among these staples, honey stands out, weaving its way through various ingredients. Properly storing honey is crucial to preserving its benefits and exquisite taste.
Honey, a natural and sweet substance crafted by honeybees, undergoes a fascinating process. These diligent insects collect nectar from flowering plants, transforming and storing it in their hives. This golden, viscous liquid has been cherished by humans for millennia, not only for its delightful sweetness but also for its myriad health benefits.
Comprising a complex mixture of sugars, predominantly glucose and fructose, honey is a treasure trove of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and enzymes. Its flavour, aroma, and colour exhibit variations based on the types of flowers visited by the bees.
Nutritional Value Of Honey
Honey possesses a nutritional value that extends beyond its natural sweetness. It is primarily composed of sugars, mainly glucose and fructose, which provide a quick source of energy. Additionally, honey contains trace amounts of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium, potassium, and iron. It's also rich in antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which can help combat oxidative stress in the body. Honey has been known to have antimicrobial properties, making it a natural remedy for soothing sore throats and coughs.
Since honey is required in small quantities in our daily lives, it is often kept in our kitchen for a prolonged period of time. Thus, if not stored properly, it turns rancid, leaving no choice but to get rid of it. However, do not worry, as we have tricks to keep the honey fresh for a prolonged period. Take a look:
- Chose The Right Vessel
When it comes to choosing the vessel for your honey, opt for a glass jar instead of the plastic one. A glass jar offers an extended shelf life by preserving both the colour and the taste of the honey. Say no to plastic containers that can lead to premature spoilage.
- Protect It From Sunlight
Just as you protect your spices from the sun’s rays, shield your honey from unnecessary sun exposure. It is advisable to find a cozy spot in your pantry or cabinet to protect it from the sunlight. Besides, a sunny window is a big 'no' to keeping your honey jar.
- Control The Temperature
Maintaining the temperature of your honey is of paramount importance. Honey cannot bear the extreme coldness of the fridge or the extreme heat of the sun. Refrigeration can cause the honey to crystallise and alter its taste. It is best to keep honey at room temperature.
- Seal The Container Properly
Before storing the honey, always check whether the container is tightly sealed or not. Prevent the infiltration of unwanted flavours and moisture that can change the flavour, colour, and overall quality of the honey. A tightly sealed honey jar keeps honey fresh, just like the one brought from the stores.
- Dry Spoon Technique
Always remember not to put dirty or wet spoons into your honey jar. Moisture is considered honey’s worst enemy, leading to quick spoilage. Restore your honey’s freshness by dipping it in a dry spoon every time. Also, aim to consume honey within six months of opening.
