How to Store Honey

Co-authored by David Williams

Last Updated: May 6, 2021 Approved

Storing honey is a straightforward process. To keep honey fresh, all you have to do is find an appropriate container in which to store the honey and to keep this container in a cool, dry place. If you want to store honey for long term use, it can be frozen and then thawed out later.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Storing Honey for Short Term Use

1
Choose the right container, if necessary. You can store honey in the container it originally came in. However, if your container is damaged or leaking, you can transfer your honey to another container in your kitchen. You can store honey in any of the following:^{[1]
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Research source}
- Plastic buckets or containers
- Glass jars
- Mason jars
2
Select a room with a consistent temperature. Honey is best stored between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (10 and 20 degrees Celsius). Variations in temperature can cause honey to darken and lose flavor. When storing honey, choose a location within the right temperature range that is not prone to changes in temperature.
- A kitchen pantry is generally a great place to store honey. However, keep honey away from the stove and out of the fridge. These places are prone to sudden changes in temperature.
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3
Keep honey away from sunlight. Sunlight can also damage honey, so it's bet to keep honey in a darker place. Do not, for example, store honey on a window ledge. Honey can be easily stored in a pantry or cabinet.
4
Make sure containers are tightly sealed. You want to minimize the amount of air exposure honey gets. Make sure the jar or container you use is tightly sealed before putting honey away for storage. Honey's flavor can be affected by flavors in the air, and honey can also absorb moisture when overexposed to air. This can also cause it to change color and flavor.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Storing Honey Long Term

1
Select a container for your honey. If you're not going to use honey for a few months, it may crystalize. While this process is normal, and reversible, it can be a hassle. To prevent crystallization, you can store honey in the freezer. You will need a container with a little extra room, as honey will expand some when frozen. If you just bought a jar of honey, you may need to use some of the honey or transfer it to a bigger container to make room in the jar.
- Some people like to use an ice tray to freeze honey. This way, when you need honey, you can thaw out one cube at a time. You can freeze honey in an ice tray and then transfer the cubes to a plastic bag.
2
Put your honey in the freezer. Once you've transferred your honey to your chosen container, place it in the fridge. Honey can last a few years when stored in the freezer.
- While honey lasts a long time in the freezer, it's never a bad idea to write down the date on frozen food items.
3
Thaw out the honey when you want to use it. Thawing out honey is simple. You simply leave it in an airtight container and allow it to gradually thaw out at room temperature. Do not attempt to speed up the process of thawing out honey.

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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Avoiding Mishaps

1
Fix honey that has crystalized. Honey can last for years, and natural honey can theoretically last indefinitely.^{[2]
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Research source} However, honey may start to crystalize after awhile. You do not need to throw away crystalized honey. You can bring the honey back to its liquid state with boiling water.
- First, bring a pot of water to a boil. Then, set your jar of honey into the pot. Keep the container tightly sealed.
- Turn off the heat on your stove. Leave the honey container alone until it's cool. The honey should have returned to its liquid state.
2
Keep honey away from warmer areas in the kitchen. Many people store honey in the kitchen. This is the most convenient place to store honey, as it'll be on hand when you need to use it. However, keep it away from warmer parts of your kitchen. Excessive heat can harm honey. Do not store honey near an oven, for example.

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Community Q&A
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Question

Should you refrigerate raw honey?

David Williams
Beekeeper & Bee Removal Specialist
David Williams is a Professional Beekeeper and Bee Removal Specialist with over 28 years of beekeeping experience. He is the Owner of Bzz Bee Removal, a bee removal company based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Bzz Bee Removal locates, captures, and transports bees to local beekeepers to prevent colony collapse disorder.

David Williams

Beekeeper & Bee Removal Specialist

Expert Answer

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Do not store honey in the refrigerator. While honey can be frozen and thawed later, it should never be stored in the fridge. This can cause honey to crystalize faster.
Question

Can I put the glass with honey in the freezer?

Community Answer

Yes.
Question

Is it safe to process and seal the jars shut?

Community Answer

Yes, you may process and seal the jars.
Question

Does freezing honey cause it to lose its healthy properties? How long will it last on the counter after I remove it from the freezer?

Community Answer

It doesn't lose its healthy properties and it should last about a year before it crystallizes.
Question

Is there an expiration date on locally made honey that is in a sealed jar?

Community Answer

If they processed it correctly, and you store it properly, there is no expiration date, the honey should last indefinitely.
Question

I have pure honey in a metal can, and now it taste like rust. How can I fix it?

Community Answer

Unfortunately, there's not a lot you can do to restore the taste of honey once it's been damaged. You will have to buy new honey. Next time, choose a plastic or glass container.
Question

Can I mix honey and vinegar a head of time to mix with water later?

Community Answer

Why mix honey with vinegar? Honey contains anti-bacterial properties and is full of sugars, so not much will happen with it over time.
Question

What can I do to soften honey that has crystallized?

Community Answer

Heat the honey in the microwave. Use a safe dish and don't heat it for too long. Watch it carefully and remove the honey when it is the consistency you want it to be.
Question

I can't remove honey from the freezer trays. It's all sticky. What do I do?

Community Answer

Next time before putting your glass or jar in, take a wipe or wet washcloth and wipe all sides, so that it doesn't come out very sticky.
Question

Can I keep store-bought honey in a cupboard after it has been opened?

Community Answer

Yes, you can.