Does Honey Expire? Not Really—But We’re Revealing Its “Best By” Date

So does honey expire?

Jay Williams, pollination program manager atSouthall Farm & Innin Franklin, Tennessee

How Is Honey Made?

But its safe to say that humans have been beekeeping since at least7000 BC.

Adult forager honey bees make honey by collecting nectar from plants in bloom.

(He should know: Williams oversees more than 4 million bees that call the Southall grounds home.)

At first, this nectar has a fairly high water content; around 70% to 80%.

But as the colony of bees flap their wings, it dehydrates to less than18% water.

The bees then plug the cell with a wax cap so it can be preserved for later use.

Sadly, its time to move on.

Room temperature, oraround 70 F, is ideal.

An airtight sealed glass jar is the perfect vessel, Williams says.

Does honey expire?

Nope, as long as you store it properly, honey shouldnt spoil for years.

“In our household, we substitute honey for sugar whenever possible.

This could be in coffee or tea or baking.

Speaking of drinks, honey also incredible as a sweetener in cocktails andspirit-free mixed drinks!

Come snacktime,Ricotta, Gorgonzola, and Honey SpreadandPressure Cooker Honey-Chipotle Ribletsalways fly off the spread quickly.