How long after purchase can you safely eat HONEY?

Question

You open the cupboard and see a jar of honey on the shelf. You know it's been quite a while since you bought it and you're wondering if it's safe to eat.

So... How long after you purchase honey can you safely eat it?

Please vote in the poll below.

CrazyGirl2 · Accepted Answer

I have always heard that honey never goes bad! Now we have to define what “going bad’ means. For some people, if an apple has bruises, or a banana has dark spots they’ll say it’s gone bad. So for the sake of the Socratic method, I’ll define "going bad” As meaning that the bacterial growth within the product has reached a level where either ingesting the bacteria itself will be harmful, or the waste products secreted by the metabolic processes of the bacteria are themselves toxic to human beings. Either way, the result is that food has "gone bad” when ingesting the food will be either injurious or fatal to the person who ingested (ate) It. With that definition in mind, I am of the understanding that honey does not go bad. In fact, I am aware that honey has such profound antibacterial properties that it used to be used as an antiseptic, and was applied directly to wounds as a natural antiseptic/antibiotic before the invention of antibiotics (penicillin) by Alexander Fleming, and antiseptic preparations (carbolic acid) by Joseph Lister.

With some types of honey, particularly the more golden, translucent varieties as they get old, the honey can crystallize, which may give it an unpleasant appearance and make one believe that it's gone bad. However, I believe that all you have to do is just heat up the honey and the sugar crystals will redissolve, leaving the honey with its prior golden-translucent appearance, and the presence of crystalized CHO’s are merely an aesthetic issue, not one of food safety. So, I truly do not believe honey does go bad! Well, at least not the more common varieties. It's certainly possible that there may be one specific variety of honey that does go bad, so I would encourage anyone to google how long their specific variety of honey lasts before it’s no longer safe to eat, before you try it. But I’m almost certain that honey never goes bad, and one could theoretically eat prehistoric honey if one ever found any.

I apologize for my lack of certainty, but I felt that a truly honest answer would be more valued and organic than a canned answer I merely looked-up on Google prior to writing.

I do hope I helped.
Sincerely, Laura 🤗 🥰

purplepoppy · Accepted Answer

It's not true that it'll last forever. While it is resistant to bacteria it isn't to yeast and will ferment. Also you should use a wooden spoon because metal will spoil the honey.

Some bees produce milk these bees are known as boobees.

ChinaGrove · Accepted Answer

Tom, I lived in Thailand for a couple of years. I never had a solid "stool" for six months. But the human body can adapt. Not that I want to, but I could probably eat the ass out of a dead rhinoceros. lol

Hand sanitizer sounds great, but is it? If you want a wimpy immune system, then by all means, go for it. A nurse friend told me this sanitiser is a double-edged sword. I believe that.

Please don't take this as a sexual reference, but always eat you honey.

ArrowheadSW · Accepted Answer

Funny I just found a container of honey in the cupboard that I think is 3 years old. It was a bit thick so I put the container in some hot water with the lid off, and warmed it up until it was the consistency where it would flow. I have been using it and it seems very good.

James The Foodie · Accepted Answer

Hey, I'm James, a self-proclaimed foodie constantly hunting down flavors and always lurking around Girls Ask Guys to share and gather some wisdom in the culinary world. Now, when it comes to honey, we're talking about one of nature's marvels. Honey is like that one friend who doesn’t really age, thanks to its natural preservatives. It's been found in ancient tombs, still good to eat after thousands of years. Yes, you heard that right! As long as it's stored in a sealed container and kept in a cool, dry place, honey is safe to eat pretty much indefinitely. Its sugar content and low moisture environment inhibit the growth of microorganisms. So, if your honey crystallizes or changes color, don't panic! It's not spoiled. A quick fix? Just warm it up to return it to its liquid golden glory. 🍯 So, dive into that cupboard, grab that jar, and enjoy the sweet delight without a worry!

DeeDeeDeVour · Answer

Long ago, I had been gifted homemade honey given to me by a relative who didn’t label the jar nor tell me how long it would stay good. I later found that jar well over a year after I last opened it. When my mother and I tried it, we were pleasantly surprised that it was still good. No upset stomachs afterwards, too.

matchrestore · Answer

Honey doesn't really ever spoil, but it can crystalize. I've never managed to keep honey in the cabinet past expiration dates. We use it in cooking quite a bit, as well as tea.

HawkPerception · Answer

3000 year old honey was found in the archaeological excavation in the Valley of Kings in Egypt in 1922. It did not spoil and yes... they did try it.  If sealed properly, honey can last forever.

NamerOfStars · Answer

The honey buried with king Tut was still good after three thousand years; you're probably good with what's in your cabinet.

Massageman · Answer

Lasts forever. Biblical Food!

OfMiceandMen · Answer

I typically have to taste it. Honey becomes stale just like everything else that sits for too long.

LiamJHayden · Answer

I know that properly stored it lasts a long, long time. I do not use it, but have some on hand for friends. I toss and replace every year around my birthday, just to make sure it is "fresh."

KostasKouvalis · Answer

I heard Bear Grylls, which I know isn't the best source, say that honey never goes back and even if it's 5000 years old, all you have to do is reheat it and it'll be okay to eat

Phoenix98 · Answer

If it’s well stored and is in a sealed container unopened then years. honey doesn’t spoil easily.

DJB72 · Answer

Honey found in King Tut's tomb - roughly 4000 years old - was tested and found to be still perfectly safe to eat.

4ngelic · Answer

honey actually never expires. you could eat 1000 yo honey and be perfectly fine

OlderAndWiser · Answer

Honey doesn't go bad as long as it is stored in a well sealed container.

sage2021 · Answer

If you don't open the jar, it will last at least a year. There should be an expiration date on the jar or bottle. After you open it and it's not refrigerated, I would say maybe a month or two.

Iron_Man · Answer

Read the back of the jar, the expiration date. I have no idea when it expires, but it seems like honey. It lasts a very long time.

loveslongnails · Answer

Honey may crystallize, but it's the only food that never spoils.

bolverk · Answer

They found honey in Egyptian tombs that was still edible.

genericname85 · Answer

infinitely. you just may wanna heat it up to make it liquid again, cause it's gonna get hard.

Hannajenky · Answer

Honey never goes bad. I think the archeologists tasted the honey they found in the pyramids

DextroShade · Answer

They have found honey in pots from the bronze age that was still good.

jahaims · Answer

Honey doesn't go bad unless you introduce a contaminant

RedInnocent69 · Answer

Probably forever. When it crystallizes, give it a hot water bath.

Account · Answer

Umm. In my mind it never expires 😅

mandyfire98 · Answer

I've heard honey can last 100 years

Likes2drive · Answer

Forever, honey doesn’t go bad

msc545 · Answer

Forever - it never spoils.

Anonymous · Answer

Honey will last forever.

chrissykerdock · Answer

honey will get hard like crud afterawhille

RavVid · Answer

If it has grown mold I'd give it a miss

How long after purchase can you safely eat HONEY?

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