5,500 Year Old Honey Found & Still Edible
Honey is a natural sweetener that has been used by humans for thousands of years, and it’s true that honey never spoils in the sense that it won’t spoil or go bad over time. This is because honey has unique properties that make it resistant to spoilage.
One of the main reasons honey never spoils is because it has a very low moisture content, usually around 18%, which means that bacteria and other microorganisms cannot grow and thrive in it. Additionally, honey contains hydrogen peroxide, which has antibacterial properties that help to further prevent spoilage.
There have been reports of thousands-year-old honey found in various parts of the world. In 2015, archaeologists in Georgia discovered honey samples that were estimated to be around 5,500 years old. The honey was found in clay pots in the ruins of an ancient city and was still edible, although it had crystallized and had a slightly sour taste.
In 2016, scientists discovered honey samples in Egypt that were estimated to be around 3,000 years old. The honey was found in the tomb of a pharaoh and was still in a liquid state, although it had darkened over time and had a crystalline texture.
However, while honey may never spoil, it can crystallize over time, which is a natural process that happens when the glucose in honey separates from the water in it. This can cause the honey to become thicker and harder to use, but it can easily be fixed by placing the honey jar in warm water to liquefy it again.
It’s also important to note that while honey never spoils, it can still go bad if it becomes contaminated with moisture or other substances that could allow bacteria or other microorganisms to grow. So, it’s best to store honey in a cool, dry place and to always use a clean spoon or utensil when scooping it out.