Keeping Your Honey Safe and Fresh!

In the realm of honey storage, two materials have gained significant traction in recent years: food-grade polypropylene and BPA-free materials. These modern storage solutions offer numerous benefits over traditional containers, including enhanced food safety and improved environmental sustainability.

What is BPA?

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, which have been used since the 1960s. It is present in many items used daily, including food containers, water bottles, and the lining of canned foods and drinks. However, in recent years, BPA has received increased attention due to concerns over its potential impact on human health and the environment.

Chemically, BPA (C15H16O2) is an organic synthetic compound with two phenol functional groups. When used in plastics, BPA can break chemical bonds when exposed to high heat or in contact with acidic environments, resulting in free BPA molecules leaching into food or drinks. BPA can also mimic estrogen in the body. It is an endocrine disruptor, meaning it changes or disrupts hormone production, release, transport, and function. It may lead to adverse effects on metabolism, growth and development, stress responses, and reproduction.

Food-grade BPA-free polypropylene

Food-grade BPA-free polypropylene has become a popular choice for storing honey. This lightweight and durable plastic material provides an excellent barrier against moisture and contaminants, while remaining inert and non-reactive when in contact with honey. Unlike BPA and some other materials that can interact with the natural acids found in honey, polypropylene preserves the integrity of the honey without altering its flavour or nutritional properties. Additionally, its durability ensures that containers made from this material can withstand prolonged storage without cracking or breaking. This material is also resistant to temperature fluctuations, maintaining its structural integrity and safety even when exposed to extreme temperatures. Additionally, BPA-free honey containers are lightweight, shatterproof, and often more cost-effective than glass alternatives. They typically feature tight seals that prevent honey spoilage and maintain the natural antimicrobial properties of the honey.
Polypropylene does not leach harmful chemicals into the honey, even during long-term storage and exposure to extreme temperatures.

Sustainability and the Environment

Food-grade polypropylene provides the ideal combination of sustainability and safety. It is recyclable in municipal recycling programs designated by code #5, therefore, reducing its environmental impact.

The environmental impact of BPA-free materials is lower than that of traditional plastic containers containing BPA. Many modern BPA-free honey containers are made from recycled materials, and they themselves are often recycled after use. These materials are more durable, resulting in less packaging waste overall, as consumers can reuse the containers for other storage uses.

How to Properly Store Pure Honey

The ideal storage temperature for pure honey is at room temperature, around 20-24°C (68-75°F). Honey should be stored in a tightly sealed food-grade BPA-free polypropylene container or a food-grade glass container in a dark, cool place. Room temperature is ideal for storing honey as it retains its natural consistency and flavour. Airtight containers will prevent the honey from absorbing moisture from the air, which can cause fermentation and spoilage.

Pure raw honey contains enzymes, antioxidants, and antimicrobial properties. Temperatures exceeding 35°C (95°F) start to degrade the honey’s quality and its health-giving properties. Refrigeration does not affect the nutritional content of honey, only texture, because it will crystallise faster. However, in saying that, I prefer some floral honey types refrigerated, especially tea tree.