All-natural honey is a staple in many households for its sweeter-than-candy taste and general health benefits. Still, many people wonder if the honey they buy from the store is truly as natural as the label claims. The grocery-store honey selection can leave us bewildered with terms such as “raw,” “pure,” “natural,” and “organic.” What do these terms mean, and how do they affect the honey we spread on our toast? Here, we’ll unpack the differences between raw honey and pure honey— two of the most-confused honey types.
Raw Honey
When we talk about raw honey, we’re referring to honey that hasn’t undergone heating or processing in any way, which may compromise its natural beneficial properties. Raw honey has a reputation for its distinct, robust flavor profile, and health enthusiasts generally prefer it. It’s also more often sold by small farmers markets and private beekeepers.
The Raw Truth
Raw honey comes straight from the honeycomb, with minor filtration—typically to remove debris such as pollen or beeswax—being its only handling process. Unlike regular honey, it’s never pasteurized, which means it retains its live enzymes, vitamins, and other nutritional elements.
Health Benefits of Raw Honey
Millions of people love raw honey for its potential anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, which make it a popular home remedy for sore throats and allergies. It’s also a prebiotic, supporting the growth of good bacteria in the intestines.
Pure Honey
Pure honey, on the other hand, is more commonly found on store shelves, but that “purity” can be a bit misleading. This type of honey is typically filtered more extensively, and it may or may not have undergone pasteurization, depending on the brand selling it.
Sharing the Stage With Imposters
Pure honey should theoretically contain only honey, but it can include other sweeteners or water. There are also concerns about the level of filtration, which can strip away pollen along with the honey’s health benefits.
A Processing Predicament
Most commercial honeys undergo pasteurization to improve shelf life. Pasteurization involves heating the honey, which can kill off some of its beneficial natural enzymes and antioxidants.
The Sweet Differences
When it comes to the specific differences between raw honey and pure honey, taste and texture are the most noticeable distinctions. Raw honey often has a stronger taste and a thicker, more viscous consistency due to its higher nutrient and pollen content. Pure honey may be lighter in color and taste, with a smoother, more liquid texture.
Making Informed Choices
Understanding the differences between these types of honey is just the beginning. Whether you’re selecting honey for its health benefits or simply for its deliciousness, considering factors such as source, processing methods, and any added ingredients is essential.
Honey is a versatile, delicious sweetener, and as consumers, we hold the power to choose the kind of honey we consume. That’s why, when you’re looking for something all-natural as well as healthy and tasty, you need to shop from the right supplier. Bell Honey has premium raw honey for sale that comes straight from the bees themselves. Our beekeepers work hard to keep our bees working hard, ensuring they have everything they need to make the best possible honey for your needs.