How to store honey in combs: rules at home and how much to keep

Many fans of bee products are interested in how to properly store honey in combs. For this process to be successful, it is important to adhere to many rules and guidelines. First of all, you should choose the right storage container. Maintaining optimal temperature and humidity parameters is also of great importance. In addition, it is necessary to ensure that dangerous pests do not start in the combs.

Shelf life

The shelf life of honey is directly affected by its storage conditions. If the cells are not affected by negative factors or parasites, they can be used even after 10 years. However, experts note that over time, the product still loses its healing properties.

If in the first year after collection, the content of valuable components is 100%, then in the third year their number decreases to 60%. Moreover, the antibacterial properties of the product are the first to disappear. Therefore, experts advise to make such a quantity of stocks that they are enough for exactly one season.

Rules for storing honey in combs

In order for honey in the comb to retain the maximum amount of valuable components, it needs to provide the right conditions.

Temperature

When storing combs at home, it is important to monitor the temperature readings. + 4-11 degrees can be considered optimal values. Experts advise avoiding sudden temperature fluctuations, as this adversely affects the quality of the product and significantly reduces its shelf life.

Moisture

The main reason for the appearance of mold when storing honeycombs in an apartment is considered to be high humidity combined with heat. If this indicator is more than 65%, fungi rapidly spread over the surface of the honeycombs and quickly penetrate into their structure.

It is important to consider that many types of mold can provoke allergy symptoms. In addition, high humidity provokes the onset of fermentation processes, which negatively affects the healing qualities of the product.

Sunshine

Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, many substances in the nectar are destroyed or change their structure. As a result, its useful properties are significantly reduced. To maintain maximum healing properties, it is important to keep the comb in a dark place.

Insects

Bee frames are often damaged by dangerous insects. The greatest threat to this product is the wax moth.The dimensions of her body are 13-30 millimeters. It is gray-brown in color. Nectar is consumed by both adults and caterpillars. At the same time, the wax moth is characterized by rapid reproduction.

In addition to absorbing wax and honey, pests destroy honeycombs and leave their waste products on them. As a result, the product becomes completely unusable. The appearance of parasites depends on the correct storage of the product. The wax moth is afraid of low temperatures.

Storage containers

To use a quality product, it is important to choose the right container for its storage. The best option would be clay or glass containers, which are hermetically sealed. This is very important as the honeycombs can absorb odors.

It is important to consider that metal utensils are not suitable for mass storage. Under the influence of sweet nectar, the mass is oxidized and releases harmful substances. When choosing glass containers, it is better to give preference to dark containers. Enamelware is also a good option.

Since ancient times, people have kept the product in wooden containers. However, it is important to consider that coniferous woods will not work. Food grade plastic containers are also allowed. However, over time, honey can suffocate in such a container. Therefore, it can be considered a temporary option.

Where to store?

In order for the product to retain maximum benefit, it is important to choose the right place for it. In this case, several options are possible.

Refrigerator

To keep honey in the comb, you can put it in the refrigerator. At the same time, it is recommended to maintain the temperature regime at +5 degrees and get rid of excess moisture. The product must be in an airtight container, as it absorbs fumes well. It is important to ensure that there are no fruits or cereals next to the bee nectar. S alty foods are also considered bad neighbors.

Basement, cellar

People who live in private homes often store honeycombs in the cellar. It should be borne in mind that most of these rooms are not suitable for storing the product. That is why it is so important to monitor temperature and humidity.

If the cellar is suitable for storing honeycombs, it is best to keep the composition in wooden containers that are soaked in wax. At the same time, there should not be dishes with sauerkraut, s alt, sugar or cereals nearby.

Closet, pantry

In such places, honeycombs can be kept in winter. To do this, just place the container with them in a dark place. It is important to remember that there should not be other products nearby. You should also make sure that there are no insects in the pantry or closet.

What can ruin honeycomb

Comb honey is considered quite demanding on storage conditions. There are many external factors that can spoil the product. These include the following:

1. Mold - affects bee nectar at high humidity. In such a situation, honey will have to be thrown away.
2. Insects - wax moths can ruin bee frames in just 1 week. To avoid such problems, it is important to regularly ventilate the contents of the containers. It is important to maintain the correct temperature in the room. It should not exceed +10 degrees. Under such conditions, parasites cannot develop and die.
3. Sun's rays - they lead to the destruction of the healing properties of the product. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the honeycomb in a dark place.
4. High humidity - in this case, fermentation and souring of the bee product begins. To normalize the humidity parameters, it is important to provide full ventilation in the place where the mass is stored.

How to extend the shelf life?

To keep honeycombs properly stored, you should follow the basic recommendations of experienced beekeepers:

1. Small portions can be kept at room conditions. However, this is allowed to be done no more than six months. At the same time, it is important to maintain optimal parameters of humidity, temperature and light.
2. In a private house, you can keep honeycombs in boxes made of natural wood. In this case, all the cracks must be coated with putty.
3. When buying honey in a plastic container, you need to immediately transfer it to another dish.
4. When choosing a wooden storage container, it is important to avoid softwoods. They contain a lot of resins and essential oils, which will make the product bitter.
5. Don't put honeycombs in the freezer. Under the influence of low temperatures, the wax will burst, and the nectar will flow out.

Comb honey is a unique product that brings great he alth benefits. This is due to the high content of valuable components. In order for this delicacy to retain its properties for as long as possible, it needs to provide optimal storage conditions. It is important to monitor humidity and temperature. It is also imperative to choose the right storage capacity.

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