We've all seen it: that jar of honey lurking in the back of the pantry, seemingly untouched for ages. You might be wondering, "Does honey go bad?" The short answer is… kind of.
Pure, raw honey, thanks to its unique chemical composition (low moisture, high acidity, and the presence of hydrogen peroxide), is incredibly shelf-stable. It can, and often does, last *indefinitely*. Archaeologists have even found edible honey in ancient tombs!
However, over time, honey can crystallize. This doesn't mean it's spoiled! Crystallization is a natural process where glucose separates from the water. Simply place the jar in a warm water bath (avoid boiling!) to dissolve the crystals and restore its smooth, liquid consistency.
While honey itself rarely spoils, contamination can be a problem. If you've repeatedly used a dirty spoon to scoop honey, you might introduce moisture or other substances that *could* lead to fermentation or mold growth. So, always use a clean utensil!
In conclusion, your honey is probably fine! Crystallization is normal, and as long as it looks and smells okay (no funky mold or unusual odors), your honey is ready to drizzle.
