Honey Never Spoils and Can Last Forever
Honey has an indefinite shelf life due to its low water content, acidic pH, and natural hydrogen peroxide production - 3,000-year-old honey found in Egyptian tombs was still edible.
About this fact
Honey is nature's perfect preservative and can last indefinitely without spoiling. Its remarkable longevity comes from several factors: extremely low water content (usually below 18%), highly acidic pH (around 3.9), and the natural production of hydrogen peroxide by the enzyme glucose oxidase. These conditions create an environment where bacteria and microorganisms simply cannot survive or reproduce. Archaeologists have discovered pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and still perfectly edible. The low moisture content is crucial - bacteria need water to grow, and honey's hygroscopic nature actually draws moisture out of bacterial cells, effectively dehydrating them. Ancient Egyptians knew about honey's preservative properties and used it to preserve other foods and even mummify bodies. Modern honey may crystallize over time, but this doesn't mean it has spoiled - simply heating it gently will return it to its liquid state.