Whether she's whipping up baklava or making sweet and spicy chicken wings, you’ll always find a jar of honey in Ree’s pantry because it’s such a versatile ingredient. Honey adds sweetness and an irresistible sticky texture when drizzled over pizza, wings, or roasted vegetables. It also happens to be an incredibly shelf-stable food. If stored properly, honey will last for years. That’s right—not months, but years. In fact, it's one of just a few natural food products that never expires. Still, it's important to store it properly and treat it with care so that you can enjoy it safely for as long as possible. Here's what you need to know about the shelf life of honey.
Does honey expire?
If stored properly, raw honey has an indefinite shelf life, which means that it is safe to consume for years and years. That’s because it has a very low water content, making it resistant to bacteria and spillage. It's also naturally antibacterial, so that it can fight off any pathogens that try to compromise its quality and safety. Over time, however, the quality may deteriorate slightly. Instead of its smooth, glossy consistency, honey may begin to crystallize, which can be more difficult to cook and bake with. However, even if this happens, it is still usable and safe to consume.
Honey with other additives and syrups won't last as long as natural honey. Always read the ingredients label on the back of your bottle or jar so that you know what's inside.
Can You Fix Crystallized Honey?
Raw, unpasteurized honey may begin to crystallize after several months, which means that it will solidify and have a sparkling appearance. This doesn’t mean that it’s gone bad. It just needs a little TLC to make it easy to work with again.
To fix crystallized honey, fill a large bowl with hot water and submerge your bottle or jar of honey. The warmth from the water will begin to slowly melt the honey into its pourable state within just a few minutes. You can also run the jar under warm water in the sink until the honey returns to its natural consistency. Give it a good stir, then proceed with your recipe.
Should Honey Be Refrigerated?
Unlike some condiments, which need to be stored in the refrigerator after opening, honey is best stored at room temperature. If you store pure honey in the refrigerator, it will crystallize more quickly.
The same guidance goes for other types of honey products like whipped honey, hot honey, and honeycomb.
How Should Honey Be Stored?
In order to ensure that your honey lasts as long as promised, it’s important to store it properly. Honey should be stored at room temperature in a dark place such as your pantry or in a cabinet. Store the contents in an airtight container to prevent the honey from being exposed to too much moisture, which can cause it to spoil. A mason jar or another type of airtight glass container will do the best job of extending the life of your honey.
Sadly, as cute as honey pots are, they're actually not the best way to store your honey in the long term. That's because they don't always have a tight seal to prevent moisture from seeping in, which can compromise the quality and shelf life of your honey. Use a honey pot for serving honey with a beautiful breakfast or brunch spread, but don't store your honey in it for weeks on end.
