No. Honey is one of the only foods on earth with an indefinite shelf life when stored properly. Archaeologists have found honey in Egyptian tombs thousands of years old that was still edible. As long as moisture does not get into your jar, your honey will outlast everything else in your pantry.

Keep it at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. A warm spot in your kitchen is ideal. Do not put honey in the refrigerator. Cold temperatures speed up crystallization and make it very hard to scoop. A sealed jar on the counter works perfectly.

Not even a little bit. Crystallization is a natural process and a sign that your honey is raw and real. Processed honey resists crystallization because the pollen and natural compounds have been filtered out. If your honey never crystallizes, it has probably been processed.

Place the jar in a warm water bath. Use water that is warm to the touch, not boiling. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it returns to liquid. Never microwave honey directly. High heat destroys the enzymes that make raw honey beneficial.

Yes, and it works better than most people expect. Raw honey is naturally antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and a humectant, meaning it draws moisture into the skin and holds it there. It cleanses without stripping your skin’s natural oils. People with acne, rosacea, eczema, and sensitive skin have all found it gentle enough to use daily. Wet your face, massage a small amount of raw honey for 30 to 60 seconds, and rinse with warm water. That is the whole routine. I have been doing this for years and get asked about my skin all the time.

Yes, and the research backs this up. A Cochrane systematic review found that honey reduces cough frequency and severity. It coats the mucous membranes and soothes irritation. At Beelicious, a warm mug of water with a spoonful of raw honey is always the first thing we reach for when a cold comes on. Skip the cough drops.

No. Honey should never be given to children under 12 months old. It can contain spores that are harmless to adults but can cause infant botulism in babies whose digestive systems are not yet developed enough to handle them. After age one, honey is safe and wonderful.

We are at 218 Elm Street in Ludlow, Kentucky. Hours: Wednesday and Thursday 2 to 6pm, Friday 11am to 6pm, Saturday 11am to 4pm, Sunday 12 to 3pm. You can also shop online anytime at beelicioushoneybee.com.