Humidity of honey: what should be normal according to GOST, how to determine

The humidity of honey is an important parameter that characterizes its maturity and reflects the expiration date. According to this indicator, the product is mature and immature. In the first there is no more than 18-20% of water in the composition. If this figure is higher, the honey is considered immature. Such a product cannot be stored for a long time. To determine the humidity indicators, you can use a special device or folk methods.

What is the humidity of honey

This term is understood as an important indicator that indicates the degree of maturity of honey. This parameter directly affects the shelf life of the product. Normally, it should be 18-20%.

Unripe honey is formed due to poor cell supply. Also, this problem occurs when extracting a product from unsealed honeycombs. In addition, you can encounter unripe honey if you purchase it from an unscrupulous seller who mixes the mass with water or syrup to increase its amount.

Measuring the water content is required at the assembly stage, since honey crystals also include a certain amount of water. To avoid the fermentation process, the product should be kept in a not very warm room. With normal humidity, the suitable temperature regime is + 10-20 degrees. At the beginning of fermentation, the temperature should not be more than +10 degrees. In any case, the bee product must be kept in a dry environment.

Humidity according to GOST

In accordance with GOST19792-2017, the humidity rate should not exceed 20%. This document has been rewritten since the times of the USSR, but the indicator has remained constant for many years. Essentially, moisture is the percentage of water in honey.

How to tell?

To determine the moisture content, it is permissible to use different methods. This is done using a special device or folk methods.

With instrument

A special device, a refractometer, will help determine the moisture content of a bee product. It can be used at home. Measurements are recommended during or immediately after the completion of the honey collection.

After a short period of time, crystallization begins. In this case, it will not be possible to accurately determine the moisture content of the substance. In addition, the result may be incorrect. With a moisture meter, the beekeeper can stop harvesting the product in time and leave it to ripen, or evaporate excess moisture and keep the substance at the right temperature.

Moisture meters operate according to different principles. They can be dipped in fresh honey or a little product can be dripped into a special cell. In appearance, the device is a bit like a thermometer.

Depending on the price and manufacturer, moisture meters may have different speed and accuracy. The simplest devices are used by individuals who make honey for themselves. Large apiaries use professional models.

Without appliance

To determine humidity without the use of a special device, it is recommended to do the following:

1. Take a transparent jar and weigh it.
2. Make a mark on the container and pour water into it.
3. Weigh again, pour out the water and wipe the container.
4. Fill the container with honey and weigh it.
5. Deduct the result of the first weighing from the obtained value. This will help to get the amount of honey.
6. Divide the amount of honey by the amount of water. This will help you get the specific gravity.

A humidity limit of 20% corresponds to a specific gravity of 1.146. If the obtained value is less than this figure, this means that the humidity exceeds the optimal parameters. Excess water in the bee product can cause it to ferment.

It is also permissible to evaluate the qualitative characteristics of a substance in folk ways. To do this, do the following:

1. Put a piece of bread into the mass. If the bee product has a high moisture content, the bread will absorb excess water and become softer. In quality honey, it will acquire a solid consistency.
2. Take blotting paper and put some bee product on it. With increased humidity, a stain will appear around it.

Moisture reduction methods

To increase the shelf life of the product, excess moisture must be removed from it. At home, you should use a steam bath for this. Larger apiaries usually use faster and more modern methods.

To evaporate the mass yourself, you need to pour it into a metal basin and put it on a slow fire. The duration of the evaporation of the liquid may vary. However, this process usually takes at least 40 minutes.

It is important to consider that the container must be wide enough. Most of the water accumulates in the upper layers. At the same time, honey remains the same inside. To achieve the desired results, when conducting evaporation, it is necessary to remove the top layer as it heats up.

The moisture content of honey is considered an important parameter that affects its shelf life and quality characteristics. To determine this indicator, it is permissible to use a refractometer or home methods.

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