Buying and storing honey: how to keep a jar at its best

What to look for when buying honey, how long it keeps, and the simple habits that protect its flavour once the jar is open.

23 May 2026·5 min read·Honey

Good honey needs very little looking after, but a few small habits will keep every jar tasting as good as the day it was opened.

What to look for when buying

  • Single-origin and traceable — you know where it came from and what the bees were foraging.
  • Raw and unpasteurised — jarred without heavy heat or fine filtering.
  • A clear floral source — wildflower, heather, blossom, and so on, rather than a generic blend.

How to store it

  • Keep the jar sealed at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat.
  • Always use a clean, dry spoon — moisture and crumbs are honey's only real enemies.
  • No need to refrigerate. The fridge only speeds up crystallisation.

How long does it keep?

Stored well, honey keeps for a very long time — it's one of the most stable foods there is. It may crystallise or darken slightly over the months, but that's a texture change, not spoilage. A gentle warm-water bath brings a set jar back to runny whenever you like.

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