Thanks to its special biological composition, natural honey can be stored for a very long time. There may be several reasons why honey separates or turns black. Experienced beekeepers claim that over time the product can naturally crystallize and change color or aroma. But the main thing is that if the correct storage conditions are provided, the delicacy will retain its beneficial qualities.
Causes of honey darkening
Typically, natural nectar is not processed or filtered. Thanks to this, the product retains useful substances, and the delicacy can be used for medicinal purposes.Changes in the appearance of a product can be caused by a number of reasons:
- darkened when stored at temperatures above + 20 ° C;
- storing sweets in aluminum containers (the product may react with aluminum, which leads to the release of metal into food);
- Over time, pine honey acquires a rich dark color. Bees on trees collect honeydew - sweet secretions of insects, or honeydew - sugary plant secretions on trunks;
- unseasoned nectar may become moldy if stored improperly;
- a large amount of glucose in sweets also contributes to the appearance of dark liquid on the surface of the product.
Natural chemical reactions can also cause the product to darken if it is stored for a very long time, even under normal conditions. The amino acids contained in sweets react with furfural, sugar, and hydroxymethylfurfural. As a result of this process, special elements are formed - melanoidins, which give the delicacy a dark shade.
Is it possible to eat this honey?
Natural dark-colored honey is formed by collecting honeydew or honeydew from coniferous trees (spruce, pine, fir, larch). This product is considered much healthier than traditional honey, as it contains an increased amount of minerals and vitamins. The delicacy exhibits antipyretic, analgesic, restorative and wound-healing effects. Useful as an additional therapy in the treatment of diseases:
- arthritis;
- sore throat, cold;
- tuberculosis;
- insomnia, weakened immunity;
- dermatitis, some skin diseases.
It is noteworthy that this product practically does not cause allergic reactions, since it does not contain plant pollen.However, it must be taken into account that the sweetness is capricious in storage, as it is characterized by increased hygroscopicity. You need to store the treat in the refrigerator, otherwise it will quickly turn sour.
If the product darkens due to improper storage or the presence of any foreign impurities, then it is not recommended to eat it.
What to do in case of darkening
Beekeepers note that depending on the storage temperature, honey may change taste, smell, and color. A common phenomenon is crystallization, in which the shade of the delicacy sometimes takes on a dark, rich hue. To destroy sugar crystals, place the container with nectar in a bowl of warm water for 1-1.5 hours. The shade of honey is unlikely to change as a result of the procedure, but the taste and beneficial qualities will not deteriorate.
If the sweet has turned black as a result of improper storage and mold, then heating or cooling cannot correct the problem. And such a product is not recommended for consumption.
Some changes in smell and shade are allowed. To make sure there are no unnecessary impurities, you can do simple tests.
