How to Store Honey Properly: Jar, Temperature & Shelf Life

Store honey in an airtight glass jar at room temperature. Keep it away from heat, direct sunlight and water. Do not keep it in the fridge. Close the lid tightly after every use.

You bought a good jar of raw honey. Now you want to keep it fresh, tasty and safe.

The good news is that honey is easy to store. You do not need special tools. You only need to avoid a few common mistakes.

In this guide, you will learn the best way to store honey, how long it lasts, and what to do if it changes over time. 

Pure honey does not spoil easily. It is thick, sweet and low in water. Most germs cannot grow in it.

But honey can change in taste, color and texture if you store it badly. Heat, moisture and air are the main reasons.

The "best before" date on the jar tells you how long the honey keeps its best quality. It does not mean the honey becomes unsafe the next day. If you store it well, honey stays good for a very long time.

Follow these simple steps:

1. Keep the honey in a clean, dry glass jar with a tight lid.
2. Put the jar in a cool, dark place like a kitchen cupboard or pantry.
3. Always use a clean and dry spoon.
4. Close the lid tightly after every use.
5. Keep the jar away from the stove, the window and any hot spot.

These five steps protect your honey from almost every problem.

Glass jars are the best choice. Glass does not react with honey, does not hold smells, and keeps the taste pure.

• Glass: Best for long storage. Use one with an airtight lid.
• Food-grade plastic: Fine for a short time. It can let in air slowly.
• Food-grade stainless steel: Safe to use. Avoid other metals, because they can react with honey over time.

Whatever you choose, make sure the container is fully dry. Even a few drops of water can cause trouble.

Room temperature is best. A cool, shaded spot in your kitchen works well.

Too much heat is bad for honey. It can darken the color, weaken the flavor and change the natural taste. So never leave a honey jar in the sun, in a hot car, or next to the gas stove.

No, you do not need to.

Honey will not spoil outside the fridge. Cold temperatures make honey thicker and help it crystallize faster. It also becomes hard to pour.

If your kitchen is very warm, a cool cupboard is a better choice than the fridge.

Pick a place that is:

• Cool
• Dark
• Dry
• Away from the stove and sunlight

A shelf inside a cupboard is perfect. Avoid the shelf above the gas stove or the one near the window.

India has hot summers and humid monsoons. Both need a little extra care.

In summer:

• Keep the jar in the coolest cupboard in your home.
• Never leave it on the kitchen counter in the sun.

In monsoon:

• Humid air carries a lot of moisture. Moisture is the biggest enemy of honey.
• Open the jar for a short time only, and close it tightly right away.
• Keep the jar in a dry place, away from the sink.

Honey can ferment when it takes in too much water. You may see bubbles, a sour smell or a thin, watery layer on top.

This usually happens because of:

• A wet spoon dipped in the jar
• A loose lid
• Humid weather
• A container that was not fully dry

How to avoid it: Always use a dry spoon, close the lid tightly, and keep the jar away from steam and water.

Crystallized honey is not spoiled. It is a natural process. Honey becomes thick and grainy because some of its sugars form crystals.

To make it smooth again:

1. Place the closed jar in a bowl of warm water. Do not use boiling water.
2. Wait, and stir gently from time to time.
3. Do not use a microwave or direct heat.

Want to know more? 

Read our guide: Why Does Honey Crystallize? Is Crystallized Honey Still Pure?

Check these simple signs:

• Smell: It should smell sweet and floral, not sour or like alcohol.
• Look: Small bubbles, foam or a watery layer can mean moisture got in.
• Taste: It should taste sweet, not sharp or sour.

If the honey only looks thick or grainy, it is just crystallized. That is fine.

Not sure your honey is pure in the first place? 

Read our guide: Pure Honey vs Adulterated Honey: The Complete Quality & Purity Guide