十万个为什么·科学阅读30篇(1)
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Why Does Honey Never Spoil?
为什么蜂蜜永不腐坏?
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Honey stays edible for centuries because its chemistry strongly resists microbial growth.蜂蜜因化学性质能强力抑制微生物生长,可保存数百年而不变质。
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It contains very little water—only about 17%—so bacteria and molds cannot absorb enough moisture to multiply.其含水量极低(仅约17%),细菌和霉菌无法吸收足够水分繁殖。
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Bees add an enzyme called glucose oxidase to nectar, which produces hydrogen peroxide as honey ripens.蜜蜂将一种名为葡萄糖氧化酶的酶加入花蜜,蜂蜜成熟过程中由此产生过氧化氢。
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This natural antiseptic further deters microbes while remaining safe for human consumption.这种天然抗菌剂能进一步抑制微生物,同时对人体食用安全。
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Its acidic pH (around 3.9) also creates an inhospitable environment for most spoilage organisms.其酸性pH值(约3.9)也让大多数腐败微生物难以生存。
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Archaeologists have even tasted 3,000-year-old honey from Egyptian tombs—and found it still edible.考古学家甚至尝过古埃及墓葬中出土的3000年历史蜂蜜,发现仍可食用。
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However, honey can ferment if diluted with water or stored in humid conditions.但若蜂蜜被水稀释或存放在潮湿环境中,则可能发酵。
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Modern food scientists use similar low-water, high-acid principles to preserve jams and dried fruits.现代食品科学家也采用类似的低水分、高酸原理来保存果酱和干果。