The moisture content of honey is an important parameter that characterizes its maturity and reflects its shelf life. According to this indicator, the product can be mature or unripe. The first contains no more than 18-20% water in the composition. If this indicator is higher, the honey is considered immature. This product cannot be stored for a long time. To determine humidity levels, you can use a special device or traditional methods.
What is the moisture content of honey
This term is understood as an important indicator that indicates the degree of maturity of honey. This parameter directly affects the shelf life of the product. Normally it should be 18-20%.
Unripe honey is formed due to poor honey supply. This problem also occurs when extracting the product from unsealed honeycombs. In addition, you can encounter unripe honey if you purchase it from an unscrupulous seller who mixes the mass with water or syrup to increase its quantity.
Measuring the water content is required at the assembly stage, since honey crystals also contain a certain amount of water. To avoid the fermentation process, the product should be kept in a not very warm room. At normal humidity, the suitable temperature range is +10-20 degrees. When fermentation begins, the temperature should not exceed +10 degrees. In any case, the beekeeping product must be kept in a dry room.
Humidity according to GOST
In accordance with GOST 19792-2017, the humidity level should not exceed 20%. This document has been rewritten since the times of the USSR, but the indicator has remained constant for many years. Essentially, moisture is the percentage of water in honey.
How to determine?
To determine the moisture content, it is permissible to use different methods. This is done using a special device or traditional methods.
Using the device
A special device, a refractometer, will help determine the moisture content of a beekeeping product. It can be used at home. It is recommended to take measurements during or immediately after completion of honey collection.
After a short period of time, crystallization begins. In this case, it will not be possible to accurately determine the moisture content of the substance. In addition, the result may be incorrect.If you have a moisture meter, the beekeeper can promptly stop the assembly of the product and leave it to ripen or evaporate excess moisture and keep the substance at the correct temperature.
Moisture meters operate on different principles. They can be dipped in fresh honey or a little product can be dripped into a special cell. In appearance, the device looks a little like a thermometer.
Depending on the price and manufacturer, moisture meters may have different operating speeds and accuracy. The simplest devices are used by individuals who make honey for themselves. Large apiaries use professional models.
Without device
To determine humidity levels without using a special device, it is recommended to do the following:
- Take a transparent jar and weigh it.
- Place a mark on the container and pour water into it.
- Weigh again, pour out the water and wipe the container.
- Fill the container with honey and weigh.
- Subtract the result of the first weighing from the obtained value. This will help you get the amount of honey.
- Divide the amount of honey by the amount of water. This will help you get the specific gravity.
It is also permissible to evaluate the qualitative characteristics of a substance using traditional methods. To do this you should do the following:
- Place a piece of bread into the mixture. If the bee product has high humidity, the bread will absorb excess water and become softer. In high-quality honey, it will acquire a solid consistency.
- Take blotting paper and put some bee product on it. If there is high humidity, a stain will appear around it.
Humidity Reduction Methods
To increase the shelf life of a product, excess moisture must be removed from it. At home, you should use a steam bath for this. Large apiaries usually use faster and more modern methods.
To evaporate the mass yourself, you need to pour it into a metal basin and put it on low heat. The duration of liquid evaporation may vary. However, this process usually takes a minimum of 40 minutes.
The moisture content of honey is considered an important parameter that affects its shelf life and quality characteristics. To determine this indicator, it is permissible to use a refractometer or home methods.
