How to Store Raw Honey to Maintain Its Quality
Raw honey is a natural powerhouse – rich in flavour, packed with nutrients, and prized for its health benefits. But if stored incorrectly, even the purest honey can lose its appeal over time. Whether you’re a casual user or buying in bulk, proper storage is essential to preserving raw honey’s texture, taste, and nutritional value.
At Honey for Life UK, we’re passionate about producing high-quality, unprocessed honey and helping our customers enjoy it at its best. This guide explores how to store raw honey properly, extend its shelf life, and prevent common issues like crystallisation.
Why Storing Raw Honey Matters
Unlike many foods, raw honey doesn’t spoil in the traditional sense. Thanks to its low moisture content, natural acidity, and antibacterial properties, it’s one of the only foods in the world that can last indefinitely when stored properly.
However, raw honey is still sensitive to environmental factors like light, heat, and humidity. Without the right storage methods, you might notice changes in taste, texture, or appearance. And while crystallised honey is still perfectly edible, it’s not always ideal for spreading or cooking.
Learning how to store honey correctly means you can:
● Preserve its natural enzymes and nutrients
● Maintain a smooth, pourable consistency
● Prevent contamination and moisture absorption
● Avoid unnecessary waste or spoilage
The Best Storage Conditions for Raw Honey
Storing raw honey is simple once you understand what it needs: a stable, dry environment and an airtight container. Here's what you should know.
1. Store at Room Temperature
The best temperature range for honey storage is between 18-24°C (64-75°F). Avoid exposing honey to extreme heat or cold, which can alter its structure and flavour.
● Do not refrigerate raw honey. Cold temperatures encourage faster crystallisation and can lead to a gritty or thick texture.
● Likewise, storing honey in warm spots, like near ovens or sunny windows, can cause it to darken and lose aroma or beneficial enzymes.
2. Use Airtight Containers
Honey is hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air. Too much moisture can ferment the honey and affect its quality.
● Keep raw honey in airtight containers, ideally glass jars or food-grade plastic.
● Make sure the lid is tightly sealed after every use to protect against humidity and contaminants.
At Honey for Life UK, we package our raw honey in sealed containers designed for long-term freshness, but if you transfer it to another jar, ensure it’s clean and dry.
3. Keep It in a Dark Place
Light can degrade honey’s antioxidant properties over time. For best results, store honey in a cupboard or pantry, away from direct sunlight or UV exposure. Amber glass jars can also help block light if you plan to store them on open shelves.
How to Prevent Crystallisation
Crystallisation is one of the most common concerns with raw honey. It’s a natural process where the glucose in honey separates from water and forms tiny crystals. The result? A grainy, cloudy, or semi-solid texture.
While it doesn’t mean the honey is spoiled, it can make it harder to use in tea, dressings, or baking.
To minimise crystallisation:
● Store honey at room temperature, not in the fridge
● Avoid introducing moisture by using dry spoons
● Do not keep honey in a cold garage or cellar during winter
If crystallisation does occur, it’s easily reversible:
To restore honey’s smooth texture:
● Place the sealed jar in a bowl of warm water (around 40°C / 104°F)
● Stir occasionally until the crystals dissolve
● Avoid using boiling water or microwaves, which can damage enzymes and flavour
This gentle heating method preserves the honey’s raw properties while returning it to a more familiar consistency.
Should You Refrigerate Raw Honey?
No. Raw honey should never be refrigerated. While refrigeration can extend the life of many foods, it has the opposite effect on honey, encouraging crystallisation and hardening.
Instead, stick to a cool, dry cupboard. If you live in a particularly cold climate, try storing your honey in the warmest part of your kitchen, away from any cold drafts or appliances.
How Long Does Honey Last?
Raw honey, when stored properly, has an almost unlimited shelf life. Archaeologists have even discovered pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are still safe to eat.
That said, for best taste and quality, most raw honey producers recommend consuming it within two years of purchase.
Signs your honey might be compromised:
● Fermentation: A sour smell or foamy top can indicate excess moisture and fermentation
● Mould or bubbling: Rare, but a clear sign of contamination or spoilage
● Unpleasant taste: Overexposure to heat or light can break down compounds and cause off-flavours
These issues are uncommon if your honey is raw and stored in a sealed, clean container at the right temperature.
Tips for Bulk Buyers: Long-Term Storage Strategies
Buying honey in bulk is a great way to save money and reduce packaging, especially if you use it regularly in cooking, baking, or natural remedies.
To safely store large quantities:
● Divide bulk honey into smaller jars for everyday use, keeping the rest sealed and untouched until needed
● Use glass or food-grade plastic containers with tight-fitting lids
● Label containers with the purchase date to keep track of age
If you’re storing honey for commercial use, keep it in a temperature-controlled pantry or storage area, away from other strong-smelling foods, which honey can absorb.
Bonus Tips: Preserving Raw Honey’s Quality
● Use clean, dry utensils every time you scoop honey from the jar
● Avoid double-dipping or leaving lids off for extended periods
● If honey is exposed to contaminants (like water or food crumbs), discard the jar to avoid fermentation or mould
Nature’a Goodness, Delicious for Yeas
Raw honey is one of nature’s most resilient and shelf-stable foods, but that doesn’t mean it’s maintenance-free. By storing it correctly, you can ensure it stays fresh, smooth, and delicious for years.
At Honey for Life UK, we specialise in raw, unprocessed honey sourced from trusted beekeepers. Our honey is delivered in sealed, food-safe containers ready for long-term storage – no additives, no processing, just pure goodness.
Whether you're buying for your family or stocking up for the seasons, proper storage means you’ll enjoy every last spoonful, exactly as nature intended. Explore our full collection at honeyforlife.co.uk, or contact our team for bulk orders and storage advice.