3,000-year-old edible honey unearthed
Image credit: artrachen via Unsplash
During excavations in Egypt in 2015, archaeologists uncovered pots of honey that are over 3,000 years old and still edible today. This discovery showcases honey's remarkable durability and natural preservative qualities. Honey's low moisture content coupled with high sugar levels creates an environment where bacteria cannot thrive. Additionally, it contains hydrogen peroxide, which acts as a natural antimicrobial agent. These characteristics explain why honey found in ancient tombs has remained preserved through the ages.
Source
da Silva, P. M., Gauche, C., Gonzaga, L. V., Costa, A. C., & Fett, R. (2016). Honey: Chemical composition, stability and authenticity. Food chemistry, 196, 309–323. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.09.051
Additional Reading
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-science-behind-honeys-eternal-shelf-life-1218690/
https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/honeys-eternal-shelf-life-explained