About honey – history, use, and storage

Honey has been considered a valuable source of nutrition for thousands of years. It has not only been used as food and a sweetener, but has also held an important place in medicine, religious rites, and ceremonies.

Honey, beeswax, and the industrious bee have left their mark on cultures and religions across large parts of the world. Historically, regular consumption of honey has been associated with good health and a long life.

The Greek philosopher Pythagoras and his disciples, for example, are said to have followed a diet where a mixture of honey and milk, called ambrosia, was an important component.

The history of honey and beekeeping

The first documented beehive in Finland was brought from Estonia in 1760 by Bishop Mennander. However, the colony did not survive for very long.

Five years later, Professor Pehr Kalm brought new colonies to the University of Turku’s garden. From there, beekeeping eventually began to spread to other parts of Finland.

The world's oldest beehives found in Israel

Archaeologists in northern Israel have found remains of about thirty beehives estimated to be nearly 3,000 years old. The discovery shows that beekeeping and honey production could be conducted in a well-organized manner as early as antiquity.

According to archaeologist Amihai Mazar of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the hives are clear evidence that the honey production previously described in historical texts truly existed.

In ancient times, honey was used both as a foodstuff and in religious and medical contexts. No previous finds of beehives had been as old or as extensive.

Source: Forskning & Framsteg, Henrik Höjer.

Use and storage of honey

Honey has a long shelf life, but its taste, texture, and aroma are affected by how it is stored. For best results, the jar should be tightly closed and kept protected from sunlight, moisture, and strong odors.

How should honey be stored?

Honey that is used regularly is best stored at room temperature, for example, in a dark kitchen cupboard. At room temperature, the honey's taste and aroma come through more clearly, and it is easier to use.

Honey is hygroscopic, which means it easily absorbs moisture and odors from its surroundings. Therefore, it should not be stored open or in a humid environment. Always use a clean spoon and close the lid tightly after use.

Can you store honey in the refrigerator?

Honey can be stored in the refrigerator, but the low temperature often makes the honey firmer and causes it to crystallize faster. For honey that is used every day, a dark kitchen cupboard is usually a better option.

For long-term storage, a consistent and cool temperature is more important than keeping the honey in the refrigerator.

How long does honey last?

Stored correctly, honey lasts for at least two years and often significantly longer. Honey’s low moisture content and natural properties give it a very long shelf life.

Check the honey's scent, taste, and appearance. If it smells and tastes as usual, it is generally still fine to use.

What do you do with crystallized honey?

Honey crystallizing is completely natural and does not mean it has gone bad. How quickly crystallization occurs depends on factors such as the composition of the honey and which flowers the bees have gathered nectar from.

Crystallized honey can be made more liquid by gently warming the jar in a water bath. The temperature should not exceed 40 degrees Celsius.

Can you freeze honey?

Honey can be frozen. Freezing slows down crystallization, which allows the honey to maintain its liquid consistency for longer.

Many people buy freshly harvested honey during late summer or autumn and freeze it. When the honey is later thawed, it is usually still liquid.

Can honey be heated?

Honey contains natural enzymes that can be affected by high temperatures. To preserve as much of the honey's natural content as possible, it should therefore not be heated to more than approximately 40 degrees Celsius.

It is fine to use honey in tea, but let the drink cool down slightly before adding the honey. Honey can also be used in cooking and baking, although the heating process will affect some of the heat-sensitive substances.

Replacing sugar with honey when baking

Honey can be used as a substitute for granulated sugar in many recipes. As a guideline, 1 deciliter of granulated sugar is equivalent to approximately 3/4 deciliter of honey.

Since honey contains about 20 percent water, the amount of other liquids in the recipe may need to be reduced slightly. Honey also adds flavor, color, and moistness to whatever is being baked.