On my way to work today, I stopped by my parents’ living assistance apartment. When I arrived, they were having breakfast, so I sat at the table and visited with them while eating. I noticed that the honey box in the center of the table has turned black, and I am considering the honey that I drove to work today.
When people find that honey has turned black or crystallized, we usually receive a call. Improper storage of honey can cause this problem. Honey should be stored in a cool and dry place in an airtight container. Over time, honey will darken and taste will change, but it can be consumed indefinitely. As it darkens, it may lose some flavor or become muddy. As the honey becomes cloudy, you may even find crystals in it. As long as honey is stored correctly, it will not make honey unsafe. Honey stored in the refrigerator will crystallize faster.
If your honey has crystallized, you can place the container in warm water and stir the honey until the crystals dissolve. Resist the urge to melt the crystals with boiling hot water, as this will damage the color and taste of the honey. If your honey foams or smells like alcohol, please spoil it and discard it.
Those small packets of honey that darken in assisted living will be safe to eat for some time to come, but dining room staff may want to find another way to store their honey supply. This reminds me of going home to check my honey jar.
