Hygroscopic
Drawing and holding water from the air — the property that lets honey spoil if left open.
Chemistry
Definition
Honey attracts atmospheric moisture. A jar left open in a humid kitchen gains water at the surface, and that layer can ferment while the rest is unaffected. The same property is why honey cakes stay moist for far longer than sugar cakes, and why honey is used as a humectant in cosmetics.
See also
Other chemistry terms
Sources
Sources
- Standard for Honey (CXS 12-1981) — Codex Alimentarius Commission, FAO/WHO (1981) · Standards document Link
- HoneyHQ editorial synthesis — HEKNO Ltd · HoneyHQ synthesis
How sources are selected and weighted is set out in the sources and evidence policy.