In ceramic pots specifically, the oldest honey known to humans was discovered in Georgia and Egypt.
“Ceramic” is a broad term that includes all objects made from clay and fired at high temperatures to achieve hardness. It can be made from various types of clay, such as earthenware, porcelain (kaolin clay), stoneware, and others.
Numerous scientific studies have indicated that ceramics, in general, do not react with food and provide good heat insulation.
Earthenware, when clay is exposed to higher temperatures and for longer periods, it transforms into ceramics. During firing, clay particles vitrify and fuse together, forming a solid and compact structure. However, earthenware clay has a lower tolerance for high temperatures and longer firing times compared to stoneware and porcelain. While it is sufficiently sturdy, it is less durable than the latter two.
Porcelain, mainly consists of kaolin, a type of white clay known for its high plasticity and low impurity. Porcelain is fired at extremely high temperatures, resulting in a dense and glassy structure that gives it its characteristic transparency and high durability. It appears smooth, white, and delicate, and it can become translucent when thin, allowing light to pass through. Due to its high glazing level, it is less porous, making it exceptionally resistant to absorption.
Stoneware, has an earthy and rustic appearance and is formed from stoneware clay, a mix of clay with additional minerals like quartz and feldspar, and a higher percentage of kaolin compared to other clays (except for porcelain). Stoneware’s high kaolin content provides it with unique strength, durability, and the ability to withstand high temperatures, as it is fired at temperatures comparable to porcelain, making it less porous and more robust than earthenware. It is denser and less transparent than porcelain, thus not easily absorbing liquids. Due to its durability and suitability for daily usage, it is commonly used in tile manufacturing, tableware, cooking utensils, and decorative objects, among other utilitarian ceramic products.
Some ceramic vessels are coated with a glass-like substance, a mixture of clay, minerals such as aluminum and silica, and other elements. During high-temperature firing, this coating undergoes chemical reactions to form the glassy glaze. Some types of glazes are deemed safe for food safety standards, but unfortunately, some manufacturers do not adhere to these standards, resulting in ceramic containers coated with glazes containing harmful substances that can leach into food or beverages, especially heavy metals like lead, cadmium, or other heavy metals.
When it comes to preserving honey, ceramic pots are often regarded as one of the best choices. They do not react with honey, provide good heat insulation, can be tightly sealed, and protect from light as well. However, one downside of these containers is that they are entirely opaque, which means that the texture and color of the honey inside cannot be observed, making it difficult for the consumer to visually assess the honey, which is believed to be a right for every customer. This could also have an impact on the commercial side of the product.