What is Raw Honey?
WHAT IS RAW HONEY?
Raw honey is honey as it exists in the beehive or as obtained by extraction, settling, or straining, without adding heat. It's distinct from commercial honey because it’s not pasteurized or filtered. Raw honey contains natural bits of bee pollen, beeswax, and parts of dead bees, and is prized for retaining its natural vitamins, enzymes, antioxidants, and antibacterial properties.
WHERE TO BUY RAW HONEY
You can buy raw honey at local farmers' markets, natural food stores, and from beekeepers. Some specialty online retailers also sell authentic raw honey. Purchasing from local beekeepers not only ensures the quality but also supports local agriculture.
HOW LONG DOES RAW HONEY LAST?
Raw honey has an indefinite shelf life when stored properly. Due to its low moisture content and high acidity, it's very resistant to bacteria and other microbes. However, its quality can degrade over time, so it’s best used within a few years.
HOW TO DECRYSTALLIZE RAW HONEY
To decrystallize, place the honey jar in a warm water bath and slowly heat it, stirring occasionally. Ensure the water is not too hot as excessive heat can degrade the honey's quality. The gentle heat will dissolve the crystals without damaging the honey’s natural properties.
WHAT IS RAW HONEY GOOD FOR?
Apart from being a natural sweetener, raw honey is good for skincare, wound healing, and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It's also rich in antioxidants and is believed to boost the immune system and alleviate allergies.
HOW TO STORE RAW HONEY
Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The container should be airtight to prevent moisture from getting in, as moisture can lead to fermentation.
WHAT DOES RAW HONEY LOOK LIKE?
Raw honey can range from a rich golden to a creamy off-white color and is typically cloudier than processed honey due to the inclusion of natural substances like pollen and wax particles.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RAW HONEY AND REGULAR HONEY?
Raw honey is unprocessed, keeping all its natural vitamins, enzymes, and other nutritional elements intact. Regular honey undergoes pasteurization and filtration which can remove these beneficial elements and also leads to a smoother, clearer appearance.
HOW LONG IS RAW HONEY GOOD FOR?
Technically, raw honey is good indefinitely. Its natural composition prevents it from spoiling, but for best flavor and quality, it's recommended to use it within a few years of purchase.
WHAT DOES RAW HONEY DO FOR YOU?
Raw honey has health benefits like soothing sore throats, contributing to wound healing, and providing a source of antioxidants. It's also used as a natural cough suppressant and for skincare due to its moisturizing properties.
HOW LONG DOES RAW HONEY LAST AFTER OPENING?
Even after opening, raw honey has an indefinite shelf life when stored properly. It’s important to use a clean, dry spoon to avoid introducing moisture into the honey.
HOW MUCH RAW HONEY PER DAY?
It’s recommended to consume raw honey in moderation, typically no more than 1-2 tablespoons per day, especially if you're watching your sugar intake or have health concerns like diabetes.
WHAT IS RAW AND UNFILTERED HONEY?
Raw and unfiltered honey is honey that has been extracted from the honeycomb without any heat treatment and minimal filtration. This leaves in more of the beneficial nutrients, like bee pollen, propolis, and sometimes small bits of honeycomb.
WHAT DOES RAW HONEY MEAN?
Raw honey means it is taken straight from the honeycomb without undergoing pasteurization or heavy filtration. It retains most of its natural nutrients and beneficial properties.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF RAW HONEY?
Raw honey is known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It's also a source of antioxidants and is believed to offer digestive health benefits, soothe sore throats, improve skin health, and can even help with seasonal allergies.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR RAW HONEY TO HELP WITH ALLERGIES?
The effectiveness of raw honey for allergies can vary. Some people may notice improvements in a few weeks, while others may take longer. It’s believed that local raw honey, which contains pollen from local plants, can help desensitize the body to those allergens.
WHAT IS RAW UNFILTERED HONEY?
Raw unfiltered honey is honey in its purest form. It undergoes no heating or filtering, preserving all the natural vitamins, enzymes, phytonutrients, and other nutritional elements.
WHY DOES RAW HONEY CRYSTALLIZE?
Crystallization in honey is a natural process and a sign of high quality. It happens because of the natural sugars (glucose) in honey forming crystals. The crystallization process