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When you buy any premium product like manuka honey, it's important that you know how to make the most of that investment. There are some dos and don’ts and we’re going to talk you through how to appropriately store your manuka.
Thanks to its unique active compound, methylglyoxal (MGO), manuka honey has been shown to provide a whole range of benefits — for winter wellness and even skin care.
So if you’ve bought your first jar, opened it and tasted the magic of manuka, the next thing you’ll naturally be wondering is ‘how do I store my manuka honey’
How to store manuka honey once it’s been opened
How do I best preserve its taste and efficacy? Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions.
Does manuka honey need to be refrigerated?
No, you should avoid refrigerating your manuka honey. It is best stored in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or pantry. Refrigeration of any honey — not just the special manuka variety — can cause crystallisation.
While the honey is still fine to eat, it is best to keep your honey stable. Coldness will give your honey a very sticky and solid consistency, rendering it hard to spoon or spread from the jar.
What temperature should I store my manuka honey at?
It is best to keep your manuka honey at a temperature of 10–15°C (50–60°F) — this will stop it from becoming too solid and ensure it stays beautifully runny, as nature intended!
Putting your honey in the fridge, while not a complete no, is discouraged. Most fridges are around 1.5–2°C, or 35–38°F. As we mentioned, such cool temperatures can impact the viscosity and encourage crystallisation — as well as making it harder to use, this changes how it looks.
So, whilst you can store your honey in the fridge, expect a dulling in colour and the formation of white crystals. To enjoy your manuka honey at its best, store somewhere dry like a pantry, but not a refrigerator.
Can manuka honey be frozen?
Yes, manuka and other types of honey can be frozen. It’s different to refrigeration, because the temperature in a freezer is too low for granulation or crystallisation to occur. Freezing can be used when you need to store lots of honey as it will limit the room for bacterial growth and protects the honey’s natural nutrients.
If freezing, you’ll likely need to decant your honey. This can be very hard to do and it’s essential that you do so in a clean, appropriate container that has been thoroughly washed and dried.
How long can manuka honey be stored?
When you buy your manuka honey, you will usually see a best before or expiration date. This is designed to give you an average product lifespan, but if stored correctly, with its lid tightly on, your manuka honey could last years — though we know it won’t because you’ll love it so much!
So, does manuka honey expire?
Whilst manuka honey doesn’t have a natural ‘use by’ date, it can decline in taste, aroma and colour over time. Our advice is to store correctly (in a cupboard or pantry), ensure your lid is on tight and use as planned daily to get the best from your jar. Well stored honey can last a long, long time!
Is it better to store honey in glass or plastic?
Your manuka honey is always best stored in its original container as you can be sure this has been deemed food-safe. Glass or plastic will be fine, though you’re unlikely to see honey in anything metal as this can oxidise.
Mānuka Health: for certified, high-grade, premium New Zealand manuka honey products
So, now you know all there is to know about how to store your manuka honey, it’s time to make sure your cupboards are stocked — be sure to check out Mānuka Health’s amazing range of products.
And whilst you’re here, why not head over to The Hive to learn even more about the magic of manuka?
