Propolis Storage Containers

Propolis storage containers are food-grade, tightly closing containers that protect raw propolis and propolis extracts from light, heat, air and foreign odours. For raw propolis, dark glass jars and freezer-safe food bags are the best choice; for alcoholic extracts, dark (amber) glass bottles. The right container preserves the aroma and volatile compounds of propolis for a long time.

What should you watch out for when storing propolis?

Propolis keeps better than honey or pollen; dry, clean raw propolis does not easily go mouldy. Stored badly, however, its quality drops noticeably:

• Light and heat: Some compounds in propolis break down in light and warmth; the colour darkens and the smell fades.
• Loss of volatile compounds: The sharp, resinous smell of propolis comes from essential oils. In an open or loosely closed container these compounds are gradually lost.
• Stickiness: Above room temperature propolis softens, sticks to the container and lid, and the pieces fuse together.
• Odours and contamination: Propolis can take on surrounding smells; keep it away from strong-smelling substances.
• Pests: Scraped propolis with a high wax content can attract wax moths under unsuitable conditions.

Which containers are used for raw propolis?

Raw propolis can be kept for short periods in a cool, dark cupboard and for longer periods in the freezer. Frozen propolis is brittle, which also makes it easier to break up and extract later.

How are propolis extracts stored?

Alcoholic propolis extracts (tinctures) are sensitive to light, and alcohol can attack some plastics and seals. That is why dark (amber) glass bottles are preferred for extracts.

• Cap and dropper: The cap must close tightly, and the dropper bulb and plastic parts must be alcohol-resistant; otherwise the rubber softens over time or passes an odour into the product.
• Bottle size: Small bottles reduce the alcohol lost and the air contact each time they are opened.
• Storage place: A cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Alcohol is flammable and should not be stored somewhere hot.
• Alcohol-free extracts: Water- or glycerine-based extracts are more prone to microbial spoilage; they are usually stored cool according to the producer's instructions and used up sooner once opened.

What should you look for when choosing a propolis storage container?

• Food safety: The container should carry the mark or documentation showing it is suitable for food contact; containers that have held chemicals should not be used.
• Protection from light: Dark glass, an opaque container or a foil-lined bag.
• Tight seal: A gasketed or screw lid; a leak-proof inner stopper for extract bottles.
• Easy emptying: A wide-mouthed jar makes it easier to get sticky propolis out.
• Room for a label: There should be space for batch, date, apiary and collection method (trap or scraping).

How do you put propolis into containers and store it?

1. Clean the propolis; remove bee parts, wood and lumps of wax.
2. Put the propolis into the container while it is cold; warm propolis sticks to the sides.
3. Keep trap and scraped propolis in separate containers; never stock propolis from a treatment period.
4. Close the container tightly and label it.
5. Use a cool, dark cupboard for short-term storage and the freezer for long-term storage.
6. Check the containers at regular intervals: if there is loss of smell, damp, moth webbing or mould, set the batch aside.

Common mistakes

• Keeping propolis in a clear container on a sunny shelf.
• Pressing soft propolis into a container at room temperature: it becomes hard to get out and the pieces fuse.
• Storing an alcoholic extract in a plastic bottle or dropper that is not alcohol-resistant.
• Combining scraped and trap propolis in the same container.
• Not labelling: propolis of unknown age, origin and collection method loses value.