Observation Hive

Honey
Nectar Plants
Composition
How To Store
How Bees Make Honey
The Harvest
Extracting
CooKing
Medicinal
Beauty

Beekeeping
History
Art Of Beekeeping
Equipment
Apiary
Stings
Predators
Spring Care
Wintering Bees
Feeding Bees
Products Of The Hive
Swarms
Managing Colonies
Bee Mite

Honey Bees
Social Insect
Queen
Worker
Drone
Virgin
Stings
Products of the Hive

Legal Stuff

HOW TO STORE Honey


Honey will not ferment, sour or mold if kept in a dry place.

The problem of moisture exceeding 20% is,
yeasts can grow in it. (you'll start wine)
The hygroscopic nature of honey , its tendency to give up moisture slowly retards the staling of baked goods.This is why honey is popular in baking.



Karen @ Karen's Kountry Kitchen uses honey in her wheat bread.
hope she'll send me her recipe !

Temperature of storage


Whatever the rate of crystallization, it occurs faster at lower temperatures,
which is why honey is best stored at room temperature rather than refrigerated.

Honey Crystallization


When honey is cloudy with crystals and hardens it has not gone bad .
In fact all honey will revert to a crystallized state.

The amount with which honeys crystallize is determined by the nectar from which they were created. Nectar with a higher concentration of glucose versus fructose are more likely to crystallize;asters seem to crystallize in a few days, or in the comb before extraction, honey made from fireweed seems to stay liquid for years .


To Liquefy


NOTE!
Over heating can change honey delicate flavor aroma and destroy its trace vitamins and antioxidants.

Hot Water Bath
All pure honey will granulate sooner or later . If candied, liquefy by setting the pail in warm water no hotter than the hand can bear, and allowing it to stand
until the honey becomes perfectly clear.

Micro waving
Use microwave safe container.
One cup (250ml)of honey on high(100%)2 to 3 minutes, or un till crystal dissolve;stir every 30 seconds.
I personally do not use the microwave.