How long does honey last?

Honey is a natural product made by bees and was known long before the Egyptians. At first it was used as part of traditional medicine for its miraculous properties directly attributed to its ability to not expire. The evolution of time has corroborated this, studies have revealed that honey has a natural compound called HMF (Hydroxymethylfurfural) made up of water, acidity level and anti-microbial substances that prevent the formation of life due to its high concentrations. But does honey have an expiration date? Obviously yes, especially if it is packaged artisanally or industrially . Honey, being a commercial product, must comply with current food handling regulations; consequently, it must indicate both the production or harvest date and the expiration date on its label. However, honey can last a while longer than its expiration date.

Read also: ''How to differentiate natural honey from processed honey?''

There are scholars who affirm that honey has no expiration date; incorrect manufacturing processes make it expire, in addition to the addition of substances to produce production such as water, sugars and colorants, distorting the natural properties of honey. What properties are altered in honey? When honey is altered, it is recognized because when stored in the refrigerator it tends to form sugar crystals. Its color may become a little darker due to the use of dyes. Their smell may change and the fragrance of flower pollen may be completely eliminated. When honey is pure and regulated procedures are followed, it is never altered. And its duration is long . Because honey is a high-quality product due to its benefits to our body, it is usually imitated with formulas created by man, so we must be very alert to identify them. How can we make honey last longer? It's simple, when honey is legitimate it does not have to have any additives that prolong its duration . That is why it is important that sterilization standards are complied with during the packaging process to avoid any type of alteration of its components. Another factor to take into account is that it should be stored in cool environments and away from sunlight.   How is honey consumed? The consumption of honey is very wide, ranging from gastronomy present in sweet and savory dishes, it is the perfect companion for snacks, as a natural sweetener in teas or infusions. Likewise, honey has therapeutic uses due to its antiseptic action, it is considered an energy source due to its large amount of sugars and recognized as an excellent healing agent thanks to the power of enzymes. It is also a preservative due to its antimicrobial power. At home there should be no shortage of honey to sweeten our meals, and honey is so tasty that we don't think it can last more than a month in homes.