Is it possible to freeze honey: the right temperature and how to store it properly

The healing properties of honey have been known to mankind since ancient times. When properly stored, flower nectar has virtually no shelf life, retaining a unique composition of nutrients and nutrients. Next, we will find out in detail what rules must be observed to store a valuable product, and whether it is possible to freeze natural bee honey at home.

Can natural honey be frozen?

The natural environment for flower nectar is honeycombs. After extracting honey from the hive, the product must be provided with the correct storage conditions:

low humidity;
lack of sunlight;
containers made of natural materials or special plastic containers;
air temperature not exceeding -5 to +20 degrees.

In winter, beekeepers insulate the hive, preventing the death of insects and reducing the likelihood of freezing healing nectar.

At home, containers with sweets are usually stored in kitchen cabinets, where it is difficult to maintain the desired temperature and humidity. To increase the shelf life of a he althy and tasty treat, it is packaged in small portions and sent for storage in the freezer.

Important! Properly frozen honey retains all its beneficial properties and qualities.

What happens to the product when frozen

Both at too high and too low temperatures, flower nectar loses its beneficial and healing properties.

When the negative indicator is correctly set, the processes that cause the crystallization of sweetness are suspended. But due to the moisture contained in the healing delicacy, honey acquires a solid consistency. After extracting the nectar from the freezer, the delicacy remains viscous and plastic, and the chemical composition of the unique bee gift is not disturbed.

Correct temperature

The natural bee product contains up to 20% moisture, so even at -2 degrees the nectar freezes. To constantly maintain a frozen state of sweetness, the temperature can be lowered to -15 degrees.At lower rates, irreversible chemical processes begin, and the medicinal nectar loses its beneficial and healing characteristics.

Important! Store the frozen product in portioned containers. Once defrosted, the treat should be used up completely.

Suitable container for freezing

The quality and taste of honey largely depends on the storage capacity.

It is forbidden to store bee nectar in copper or zinc containers. Honey in such containers undergoes oxidation, which negatively affects its value, taste and can harm human he alth.
Another property of honey is its susceptibility to various odors that the product absorbs. Therefore, the container for storing nectar must be sterile and tightly sealed.
The frozen product is stored in glass or ceramic containers.It is best to choose small dark glass jars with tight-fitting lids. To defrost, such a jar is placed in a water bath and the honey contained in it is dissolved at a temperature of no more than 40 degrees.
Small, portioned containers made of special, food-grade plastic are also suitable for storage in the cold.
Wooden containers are not suitable for freezing the product. The tree quickly absorbs moisture and gives it away just as quickly, which, when nectar is defrosted, will negatively affect the taste and healing properties of the delicacy. To store honey in a cellar, the inside of oak, alder or linden barrels is treated with a thick layer of wax, and only then filled with honey.
In porcelain containers, the beekeeping product is stored for a long time and does not lose its useful properties.

Important! Ceramic jars and pots for storing flower nectar inside should be covered with a special glaze.

General recommendations

To extend the shelf life of frozen nectar, you must adhere to the following rules:

the temperature in the freezer should not be below -15 degrees, otherwise the healing gift will lose its taste and useful properties;
delicacy is laid out in small containers before freezing, so that the product can be quickly used after defrosting;
keep bee gift in tightly sealed jars, pots or containers;
in the freezer, treats are not placed next to meat and fish products;
defrost sweetness in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees or in natural conditions.

Not suitable for storing bee nectar dishes from coniferous trees. In such a container, honey acquires a dark color, a specific smell and a bitter taste. Also, do not freeze food that has already been defrosted.