Tag: Unprocessed honey

Historically, honey has been used medicinally for thousands of years, but it's the raw form that retains the most powerful health benefits. Understanding why is raw honey the best starts with how it's handled after leaving the hive and the critical elements that modern processing eliminates.

While many people use the terms interchangeably, over 75% of commercially sold honey in the U.S. is heavily processed and lacks the pollen found in unfiltered, unprocessed varieties. Understanding the distinction is crucial for those seeking honey with its full spectrum of natural benefits.

Raw, unprocessed honey can contain as many antioxidants as some fruits and vegetables. Its taste is profoundly complex and varies dramatically based on the flowers the bees pollinate and the local 'terroir' or ecosystem. This creates a tasting experience far richer and more nuanced than the uniform sweetness of its processed counterparts.

Over time, almost all pure, unprocessed honey will naturally crystallize, turning from a clear liquid into a grainy, solid mass, which is a tell-tale sign that it hasn't been heavily heated or filtered. This process is a key difference distinguishing genuine raw honey from the clear, uniform product commonly found on supermarket shelves.

According to ancient traditions and modern studies, raw, unprocessed honey has been used as a remedy for millennia, prized for its natural healing properties. But how healthy is unprocessed honey in comparison to the standard supermarket variety, and what benefits and risks should consumers be aware of?

Over 75% of honey sold in supermarkets may not be 'pure' according to some food integrity reports [1]. So, which honey is not ultra-processed and retains its authentic, natural properties? The answer lies in seeking out raw, unfiltered honey, a product that goes straight from the hive to the jar with minimal human interference [2].

Over 75% of commercially sold honey in unofficial studies was found to contain no bee pollen, a key component of its natural, beneficial properties. This reveals a stark difference between standard supermarket varieties and what is the most natural form of honey, which is extracted with minimal human intervention.

While both unprocessed and unpasteurized honey are often used interchangeably, a significant distinction lies in their processing methods and the degree of filtration. It is a common misconception that all unpasteurized honey is unprocessed, but understanding the specific handling of each type reveals differences in nutritional content and physical properties.

Globally, honey is one of the most faked food products, meaning the label '100% natural honey' is critical for consumers seeking authenticity. This guide explains what that label signifies, the differences between natural and processed honey, and how to spot genuine honey for yourself.

According to a 2013 study, consuming natural honey daily can lead to a significant decrease in "bad" LDL cholesterol levels. When considering what's the healthiest kind of honey to buy, understanding the nuances between raw, Manuka, and processed varieties is crucial for maximizing these potential benefits.