How Long Does Honey Last?

Honey has been enjoyed by human societies around the world for millennia. The standard honey we’re all familiar with is used as an alternative sweetener to sugar and other alternatives. Himalayan mad honey, by contrast, is used less as a food item and more as a natural therapy for anxiety, stress, sleep disorders, and pain relief. Among its many benefits is this: mad honey lasts a very, VERY long time. That means you can keep it on the shelf, available whenever your mind, body, and spirit need realigning. So how long does it last? In this article, we will explore the shelf life of honey, storage tips, and more. By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to keep your Himalayan mad honey fresh and potent for as long as possible.

WHAT IS MAD HONEY, AND WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?

Mad honey is unlike any honey you’ve had in the past. It’s not prized for its sweetness. Instead, people throughout history have sought out this miraculous honey for its healthful, mind-expanding properties. It contains uplifting compounds called “grayanotoxins” that bolster the spirit, ease the mind, and clear your path of aches and pains.

These wondrous compounds are only available in a few places on Earth, the most prolific being the high mountains of Nepal, where vast fields of local rhododendron trees are farmed by the world’s largest honey bees. These restless workers ferry nectar from the flowers, along with the plant’s prized healing compounds, to create the most unique honey in the world.

THE BENEFITS OF USING MAD HONEY

• Mad honey creates a warm, welcoming state of mind. Cares and worries melt away, replaced by a calming glow that radiates from within. Mind, body, and spirit are aligned as you move powerfully through your day.
• Anxiety and depression are significant problems for many people. Mad honey offers relief from these conditions without heavy or artificial medications.
• The day’s aches and pains won’t get in your way. Mad honey offers natural pain relief that isn’t habit-forming.
• Mad honey has demonstrated anti-microbial and anti-viral properties, making it a useful adjunct in the pursuit of good health.
• At the end of the day, mad honey helps promote a restful night’s sleep, allowing you to fall asleep faster, sleep more deeply, and awaken rested.

HOW TO STORE HONEY FOR MAXIMUM SHELF LIFE

• Honey should be kept in a dark, room-temperature location.
• Store honey in an airtight honey container, preferably made of darkened plastic or glass.
• Honey should not be kept in the refrigerator because it will crystallize.
• To prevent honey from crystallizing, store it in a glass or plastic jar with a tight-fitting lid.
• If crystallization does occur, place the honey jar in a pan of warm water and stir until the crystals dissolve.
• Avoid storing honey in direct sunlight.

WAYS TO USE MAD HONEY THAT YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT

1. Add mad honey to your morning cup of tea or coffee.
2. Smear a tablespoon on a chunk of crusty bread. This is how local Nepalese take their honey.
3. Add a dollop of mad honey into sweetened yogurt.
4. Drizzle honey on top of oatmeal or cereal.
5. Butter an English muffin, add your favorite jelly, and then top things off with a tablespoon of Himalayan mad honey.

CAN I USE MAD HONEY IN MY COOKING?

Unlike regular honey, which can be eaten in nearly unlimited quantities, mad honey requires a specific dosage. Because it’s medicinal honey, it’s possible to overeat. For most people, a tablespoon or two throughout the day is more than enough.

As a result, you don’t generally cook with mad honey. You can eat your day’s portion smeared on bread, added to your favorite morning beverage, or dissolved in a sleep-promoting tea. For more elaborate recipes, though, where dosages are likely too high, stick with standard honey.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF HONEY AND THEIR UNIQUE FLAVORS

If you’re interested in cooking with honey, try these varieties of standard honey in your next recipe. However, if you’re more interested in healing yourself in body and mind, try a simple spoonful of Himalayan mad honey.

• Clover honey is light-colored honey that has a mild, floral flavor.
• Buckwheat honey is dark-colored honey that has a robust and molasses-like flavor.
• Alfalfa honey is light-colored honey that has a mild, grassy flavor.
• Orange blossom honey is a light to medium-colored honey with a delicate, citrusy flavor.
• Sage honey is medium-colored honey that has a herbal, slightly minty flavor.
• Avocado honey is dark-colored honey with a rich, creamy flavor.

SO DOES HONEY EXPIRE?

Honey does not have an expiration date. It can last indefinitely. But it does crystallize and harden over time. If your honey crystallizes, it’s still safe to eat. You can still use crystallized honey, but you will need to heat it to return it to its liquid form if you don’t want to bother with the hardened, crunchy crystals.

According to National Honey Board, you can store honey in a cool, dark place for up to two years. However, your honey will be good for far longer than that. Properly stored honey can last decades. And crystallized honey will last virtually forever.

CAN BACTERIA GROW IN HONEY?

Bacteria cannot grow in honey because of the low moisture and high sugar content. However, honey can become contaminated with bacteria if it comes into contact with contaminated honey containers and surfaces.

This lack of bacteria is the reason honey never goes bad. Properly stored honey can be eaten safely far into the future.

FAQ'S

Q: What is pasteurized honey?

A: Pasteurized honey is honey that has been heated to kill any bacteria or other contaminants. This also destroys some of the honey’s subtle healing components.

Q: Is raw honey the same as pure honey?

A: Yes, raw honey and pure honey are the same things. Raw honey is simply honey that has not been processed or pasteurized.

Q: Does honey cure infections?

A: There is evidence to suggest that honey can effectively treat infections, as honey has antibacterial properties.

Q: Does honey help you sleep?

A: Mad honey can help you sleep. It promotes a blissful stillness that relaxes the mind and enables you to drop into a restful sleep, awakening refreshed without any side effects.

IN CONCLUSION

Mad honey is the most unique honey on the planet, promoting a unity of mind, body, and spirit that transcends the everyday and awakens us to the possibilities each day holds. How long can this wondrous relationship last? As long as you still have honey to eat. Mad honey never goes bad, so be sure to keep some around to let the wisdom of the ancients aid you with the ravages of modern life.