Packaging determines how long pollen remains usable. The product is sensitive to moisture, light, air and smells.

Why moisture is the decisive point

Dried pollen draws moisture from the air. A well-dried batch not stored airtight takes up moisture again and goes mouldy.

The seal therefore matters more than the temperature.

Suitable packaging

• Glass with a sealing lid: Takes up no smells, seals well
• Food-grade plastic with a good closure
• Stainless steel for larger quantities

Paper bags and non-sealing containers are unsuitable — they let moisture and smells through.

Light

Light degrades the pigments. Store dark or in opaque packaging; colour loss is also the first thing a customer notices.

Smells

Pollen takes up ambient smells. Store away from cleaning products, fuel, paint and strong-smelling foods.

Package size

Small units are better than one large one. Every opening exposes the entire contents to air and moisture.

For sale that means: fill into the unit it will be sold in, not decanted from a large storage drum.

Frozen pollen

If frozen rather than dried, the packaging matters even more: airtight against freezer burn, and the cold chain must not break.

Thawing and refreezing is inadvisable.

Labelling

Note on each unit the harvest date, the apiary and the period. Without those details no origin claim can be substantiated and the source cannot be traced if something is wrong.