When Howard Carter opened Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922, among the treasures were sealed pots of honey 3,000 years old and still edible. To a cook who understands what honey actually is, this is not surprising. Low water content, high acidity, hydrogen peroxide from the bees themselves, and a lid. Jean-Louis explains the chemistry that makes honey effectively permanent.

beestrot.com · Jean Louis When Howard Carter opened Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922, among the treasures were sealed pots of honey 3,000 years old and still edible. To a cook who understands what honey actually is, this is not surprising. Low water content, high acidity, hydrogen peroxide from the bees themselves, and a lid. Jean-Louis explains the chemistry that makes honey effectively permanent.

Scientists hope that smell could be a non-invasive way to judge how well-preserved a mummy is Spicy, woody and sweet: it sounds like a description of a fancy air freshener. But researchers say the mix...