Old honey: safety concerns

[Nathan]

My wife bought a jar of raw, unfiltered honey, probably umpteen years ago. It hasn't crystalized, but has become darker, which I've read is normal. I don't see any mold growing, but my concern is bacteria, since it was not pasteurized. I'm not the type of person who would sample a suspect food item to see if it would make me sick....nope. Is bacteria a concern with raw honey? Any way to detect, other than sampling it to see if it makes one sick?

 

[Flarbalard]

The odor.

 

[Twostep]

If it smells funny throw it out. Otherwise eat it.

 

[Aunt Bea]

I would make myself sick just thinking about it.

Toss it and buy a small jar of fresh honey, IMO it’s worth the peace of mind.

 

[debodun]

They had a jar of honey at the senior center that was solid. I thought I could re-liquify it in the microwave. Nope.

 

[Twostep]

They had a jar of honey at the senior center that was solid. I thought I could re-liquify it in the microwave. Nope.

You gently warm it in a pot with water.

 

[Jules]

I don’t use much honey and will use it even if several years old.

Here are the definition of terms used for honey.

Raw vs. Pure vs. Organic vs. Unfiltered - How to Read Honey Labels



Does honey go bad? Answer from Google.

• Natural Preservation:
  Honey's unique composition, with a very low water content (typically less than 18%) and high acidity, creates an environment that is inhospitable to bacteria and other microorganisms that cause food spoilage.
  
  
• • Indefinite Shelf Life:
    Because of these natural properties, honey can be stored for extended periods, even centuries, without spoiling.
    
  • Changes in Quality, Not Spoilage:
    While honey doesn't spoil, it can undergo natural changes over time, such as darkening, thickening, or crystallizing, but these changes are not indicators of spoilage and don't affect its safety.
    
  • Crystallization:
    Crystallization, where honey turns solid, is a natural process that occurs as the sugar molecules separate from the liquid.
    
  • "Best Before" Dates:
    Honey jars may have "best before" dates, but these dates are for quality, not safety, and indicate when the honey is at its peak flavor and texture.
    
  • How to Store:
    Store honey in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to help prevent crystallization and maintain its quality.

 

[DebraMae]

I don't know of any way of testing it but it is my understanding that bacteria cannot grow in pure honey. Some people use it on wounds and honey is supposed to be shelf stable.

 

[jujube]

3000-year-old honey was found in Egyptian tombs. Still edible. That doesn't mean that you should eat it, but you could.

I have a jar of scarab honey that I swear King Tut gave me for Christmas one year..... I still haven't sent a thank-you note. I'm embarrassed by that.

My son-in-law, who owns an apiary, says you'll never have to worry about the age of your honey in your lifetime.

 

[Nathan]

Thanks for the information and encouragement, I just had some of the honey on a piece of toast, it would have been a shame if it had been thrown away.

 

[jujube]

I have a big hunk of honeycomb that he gave me. Now and then, I chop off a hunk and chew it until the honey's gone. It reminds me of doing that as a kid. It was such a treat. Crystallized honey is good too....it's like crunchy candy.

 

[smiley]

putting some on a leg ulcer atm - the dog keeps licking it off~!~!

 

[Lewkat]

My wife bought a jar of raw, unfiltered honey, probably umpteen years ago. It hasn't crystalized, but has become darker, which I've read is normal. I don't see any mold growing, but my concern is bacteria, since it was not pasteurized. I'm not the type of person who would sample a suspect food item to see if it would make me sick....nope. Is bacteria a concern with raw honey? Any way to detect, other than sampling it to see if it makes one sick?

Honey is the one food that never goes bad. Recently, there was an article in a newspaper that honey was found, I presume by an archeologist, it was thought to be 4,000 years old. Yet, it was in perfect condition and yes it is edible. I always keep raw honey since I do love it.

 

[Jules]

Nathan, you got me thinking about honey, so this morning I warmed up the final dregs and added cinnamon. That went on my toast. It was a nice change but will be a rare event.

It’s recommended to buy local honey, especially for those with allergies.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

Unpasteurized honey does not go rancid as long as it’s stored properly in a cool dark place. Honey has antibacterial properties . Honey turns darker the older it gets but doesn’t have anything to do with it going bad.

Does Honey Go Bad?

 

[Tommy]

Mayo Clinic's website states:

"Foodborne pathogens actually do not survive in honey, so there is no additional risk in consuming it raw. Yeast can survive and grow in honey, but this fermentation will turn honey into mead, and a consumer would know this easily with visual inspection. Remember that infants under one year of age should never consume honey."