How and where is it better to store propolis at home, rules and shelf life
Many people wonder how to properly store propolis. This bee product comes in several forms. It is produced in the form of balls, in the form of an ointment, mixed with oil. Depending on this, the method of storing the product is chosen. To keep propolis fresh as long as possible, it is important to choose the right temperature, humidity and lighting parameters.
Signs of a quality product
First of all, it is worth choosing a quality product that will stand for a long time and not deteriorate.
Structure
When choosing a substance, its purity and homogeneity should be considered. Usually the product is sold in the form of a ball. Therefore, it is recommended to cut the substance before purchase in order to assess its structure. The inside of the propolis should be the same as the outside. The consistency should be almost uniform.There may be crumbs and wax inside.
Color
The normal color range is considered to be green-brown to yellow-green.
sniff
The natural substance is characterized by a spicy honey aroma. It is quite persistent and resinous. The smell does not evaporate over time.
To taste
Before buying, the substance should be chewed slowly. After 10 to 20 strokes, the product will heat up and start to stick to the teeth. After 5-10 minutes, a slight burning sensation will appear in the mouth. It is particularly felt during swallowing. Minor numbness may also occur. High quality propolis tastes great. There may be a slight bitterness in it. After half an hour of chewing, the product disintegrates and the burning sensation increases considerably. In general, the quality of the product is judged by the degree of bitterness and the sticky texture.
A sufficient amount of substance is required to assess the organoleptic characteristics. It is advisable to take a piece weighing at least 1 gram.
How to properly assemble and prepare for long term storage
Preparation of propolis for storage begins immediately after its collection from the frame. It is recommended to remove the glue in June-August. First of all, it is worth dismantling the slats and removing the product from them. Then make small briquettes with propolis and put them in bags. It is recommended to separate raw materials from impurities. Large fragments are crushed using a centrifuge. The product ready for storage is obtained by purification. To do this, you must do the following:
- Grind the mass to a powder state.
- Place in a container, pour cold water and stir.
- Leave to infuse for several hours. As the product settles to the bottom, small mixtures of wax and other components can be seen on the surface.
- Carefully drain the water.
- Put the raw materials on paper so that excess moisture evaporates from them.
- Form small balls from the purified substance.
At room temperature, the substance has a soft consistency, and in cold weather it becomes hard. Propolis is practically insoluble in water.
Expiry dates
To keep high-quality propolis for a long time, it is worth determining the form of its release. Today, there are several options that differ in terms of shelf life.
Natural dry solid
Solid propolis has a very long shelf life. Subject to all rules, the shelf life can be 5-10 years.
At the same time, it is recommended to strictly observe all storage conditions. Otherwise, the composition can quickly deteriorate.
In balls
This type of propolis is considered very plastic. It has a sticky texture. To keep the product for a long time, each ball should be wrapped in its own wrapper. This ensures that the content will not be influenced by external factors. This is how beekeepers usually store propolis. The shelf life is 6 years.
On alcohol
Quite often alcohol tincture is made on the basis of propolis. Due to this, it is possible to obtain a light brown composition with a reddish tint. It is recommended to store such a product in glass or ceramic containers. It must be sealed. It is important to use dark glass dishes. Alcohol tincture cannot be stored for more than 4 years. In this case, the temperature should not exceed +15 degrees.
Ointment
To prepare the ointment, it is worth taking petroleum jelly or fish oil as a base.The resulting composition will have a local antibacterial effect. To keep the ointment as long as possible, the humidity parameters should be observed. They should be at 55%.
The temperature in this case is not so important. The main thing is that the composition is not exposed to ultraviolet rays. The shelf life of the product should not exceed 2 years. If mold appears on the surface of the ointment, it is not recommended to use it.
Butter
Propolis oil is taken internally or applied externally. It helps to cope with peptic ulcer disease. The composition is often used as an adjuvant in the treatment of bronchitis. It also helps reduce the inflammatory process of tuberculosis. It is recommended to store the product at low temperature. This should be done in a tightly closed container.
When stored in the refrigerator, the shelf life of propolis oil does not exceed 3 months.
On the water
This product does not contain preservatives, so it cannot be stored for a long time. It is recommended to keep an aqueous infusion of propolis in the refrigerator. Its shelf life does not exceed 10 days.
Optimal storage conditions at home
To store propolis for a long time, a number of rules should be observed. It is forbidden to store it near any source of strong odors. The neighborhood with household chemicals is particularly dangerous.
If you plan to use a little propolis, it is important to limit its contact with the external environment.
To pour the composition on the table, you need to lay out parchment or paper. After receiving the required amount, the remnants of propolis should be immediately removed in place.
Temperature
The temperature regime should not exceed +25 degrees. Some propolis formulations require cooler storage.
Humidity
Propolis should not be in a damp room. Humidity settings should be 40-60%. Otherwise, the product will lose its usefulness.
Lighting
It is recommended to store propolis in a dark place. This should be done out of direct sunlight.
How to choose a container
To store a bee product for a long time, it is worth choosing the right container. It is important to take into account that it is forbidden to wrap the composition in newspapers or magazines, since the printing ink contains lead.
food sheet
This material is excellent for storing substances. To do this, each ball is wrapped in food paper.
waxed parchment paper
When choosing parchment for storage, it is also worth wrapping each piece of propolis in a separate bag.
album sheets
You can make sachets from album leaves, in which it is recommended to keep pieces of propolis. The prepackaged product must be placed in cardboard boxes or wooden crates.
Blackened glass containers
It is best to store the liquid product in a dark glass container. This will help avoid exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the composition.
Plastic bag
The pieces of propolis can be packaged in plastic bags. Prepared packages should be placed in a cardboard box so that they are not exposed to the sun.
Recommendations for choosing a location
In order to store the product for a long time, it is worth choosing the right place for it.
Fridge
The product is often placed in the refrigerator. Sometimes people use a freezer. It should be remembered that storing propolis in the refrigerator reduces its shelf life. Cold and temperature fluctuations negatively affect the composition of the product and its properties. In addition, the substance is able to absorb food aromas.
Bathroom
To store propolis, it is better to use an ordinary kitchen cabinet. However, it should be kept away from the stove, heating sources, sinks and trash can. High humidity and temperature cause rapid deterioration of the substance. In contact with waste, the composition and aroma of the product deteriorate.
It is recommended to open and ventilate the propolis cabinet from time to time. It should also be wiped with a damp, clean cloth. When the walls are dry, the packaging containing the substance is removed.
Pantry
The pantry is considered an ideal place to store bee products. This room is dark, cool and not very humid. Under such conditions, the product is stored for 10 years. It is important that the pantry is free of old and dusty junk. The product must not come into contact with insects or rodents.
Signs of product deterioration
Do not use the product after its expiry date. Propolis may deteriorate earlier than expected in such cases:
- low quality;
- high humidity;
- temperature fluctuations;
- exposure to bright light.
Unsuitability can be assessed by texture and visual characteristics. The bee product becomes dark, loses its aroma and acquires a fragile consistency. It can be easily kneaded to a powder state. This propolis will have to be discarded.
Common Mistakes
When storing propolis, many people make the following mistakes:
- choosing the wrong temperature regime;
- ignore humidity settings;
- store the product in the refrigerator;
- expose it to ultraviolet light.
Additional tips and tricks
To store propolis for a long time, it is worth considering the following rules:
- store at a temperature not exceeding +25 degrees;
- observe humidity parameters;
- do not expose propolis to ultraviolet rays.
Propolis is considered a useful bee product that is used to treat many diseases. To keep it for a long time, it is necessary to respect certain conditions.