General Knowledge · 2
What property of honey allows it to remain edible for thousands of years without refrigeration or preservatives?
Answer
Its low moisture content and acidic pH prevent bacterial growth
Honey's extremely low water content (around 17–20%) and naturally acidic pH (3.2–4.5) create an inhospitable environment for bacteria and microorganisms. It also contains small amounts of hydrogen peroxide produced by the enzyme glucose oxidase, further inhibiting spoilage.
💡 Did you know?
Honey never spoils. Archaeologists found 3,000-year-old honey in Egyptian tombs that was still perfectly edible.
Other options people guess
- It contains natural alcohol that acts as a preservative
- Its high sugar content converts to a synthetic resin over time
- Beeswax coating seals it from air and slows decomposition
Topics
- food-science
- honey
- preservation
- ancient-egypt
- chemistry
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