Often referred to as ‘the nectar of the Gods,’ nature’s natural sweetener has transcended time. As a result, raw, organic honey has evolved through the ages to become one of the most versatile staples in our kitchen.
However, like its uses, the process of collecting honey has also changed. Due to its increased demand, many businesses manufacture them using different inorganic means today.
But, What’s The Difference Between Raw Organic & Regular Honey?
Raw Organic Honey
Raw organic honey is extracted from the honeycomb without processing, filtering, or heating. The term “raw” refers to the fact that it has not been subjected to high-heat processes that might destroy its natural properties by damaging the enzymes, vitamins, and minerals.
Raw organic honey has a rich and complicated signature flavor and aroma. The rich taste and aroma can vary depending on the type of flower from where the bees have collected the nectar.
Regular Honey
Regular honey is produced without added preservatives and other chemicals, including sugar. They are usually produced by beekeepers who use organic methods and techniques in farming.
Additionally, the manufacturers also ensure that the surrounding is free of pesticides and fertilizers so that the bees have access to flowers and plants that are free from chemicals from pesticides and fertilizers. Finally, most of the honey we find in our daily markets is pasteurized, and the heat kills the yeast, removing any crystallization.
Now that we have an idea of the two most common types of honey in the market let’s look at the different steps involved in the purchase procedure in the following sections.
How To Identify Raw Organic Honey?
People often get scammed when they order honey online when they buy adulterated honey instead of pure organic honey. It is prevalent for sellers to spike honey with other products to make it look organic. For example, “Chinese honey” from India or Malaysia has mixed lead and antibiotics.
Other than that, corn syrup is also mixed with honey to make it more affordable.
You can identify pure honey by looking out for pollen. The pollen gets stuck to the bee’s legs while collecting nectar and makes its way to honey which would help you to know the origin and potency of the honey.
What To Look For When Buying Organic Honey?
Choosing organic honey can be tricky, especially if you are to buy organic honey online. However, here are some ways how you can select organic honey:
- Check the source: Know where the honey is coming from and see if they practice organic and chemical-free farming.
- Check the color and texture: Organic honey is darker, thicker in consistency, and more opaque than non-organic honey. This is because organic honey is less processed and contains more natural impurities.
- Read the ingredients: Check the label to ensure the honey is 100% pure and organic. Avoid honey that contains additives or fillers.
- Buy from a reputable source: Purchase honey from a reputable source that you trust. This could be a local beekeeper, a natural food store, or an online retailer that specializes in organic products.
- Consider the price: Organic honey tends to be more expensive than non-organic honey. While the price may be a bit higher, it is worth ensuring that you get a pure and high-quality product.
Notable Benefits Of Raw Organic Honey
Raw honey has been historically used to heal wounds, help digestion, and soothe a sore throat. It was also popular as a skincare remedy. Besides, it has various medicinal uses.
However, these are just some of the many uses of raw organic honey. So to help you get a detailed insight into your buying experience, we’ve listed a few notable benefits that would give you a better idea of the perks of buying natural honey online. So let’s check it out:
Rich In Antioxidants
Raw honey has various plant chemicals that act as antioxidants. Some kinds of honey have antioxidants, as in fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants prevent or delay cell damage.
In addition, raw honey has polyphenol compounds like phenolic acids, flavonoids, vitamin C, and other antioxidant enzymes that provide great health benefits.
Has Antibacterial Properties & Added Nutrition
Raw honey has antimicrobial properties that help to kill harmful bacteria. In addition, it heals wounds and prevents the infection from spreading any further. Research has shown that not only can honey apparent infection but also heal infected surgical wounds.
What’s more? The nutrition content of raw organic honey varies depending on its origin. One tablespoon of honey usually contains 64 calories and 17 grams of sugar. It also has micronutrient content like calcium, manganese, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, and more. It also contains amino acids and enzymes.
Boosts The Immune System
As mentioned earlier, when you buy raw honey online, it has various nutrients, antioxidants, and antimicrobial properties which help boost the immune system. As a result, it effectively reduces the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms.
Honey often treats digestive issues like diarrhea and promotes faster digestion. It also relieves constipation. Raw organic honey has probiotics that nourish the good bacteria that aid digestion and are present in our gut. Besides digestion, these bacteria are also crucial for overall health.
Helps Alleviate Allergies
Raw honey is known to help treat various skin ailments. For example, it has anti-inflammatory properties that help treat acne, and it helps in reducing pigmentation. In addition, it keeps our skin moist by balancing the oil content.
Additionally, it is also efficient in removing tan and acts as a natural exfoliator leaving a bright and radiant look on our skin. Raw organic honey helps reduce the symptoms of seasonal allergies. It contains small amounts of flower pollen, which can help the body build immunity to allergens.
Supports Heart Health
The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory property of raw honey helps reduce the risk of heart disease. It has also been shown to help lower bad cholesterol (LDL). It also lowers blood pressure, improves blood fat levels, and regulates your heartbeat.
Interestingly, raw organic honey also helps in promoting restful sleep. It contains natural sugars that can help increase insulin levels that trigger the release of tryptophan in the brain. Tryptophan is converted into serotonin, a neurotransmitter that provides relaxation and sleep.
Some Common Myths Surrounding Raw Natural Honey
Much like adequate knowledge of their varieties, buyers often get trapped into believing some common myths about purchasing honey. Therefore, here’s a list of the top myths to help you make an informed purchase:
- Crystallized honey is spoiled: Crystallization is a natural process in raw honey. Raw honey has a large percentage of glucose over water, and with time the honey takes a thicker consistency and might turn darker, but it is still safe to eat.
- Honey should not be heated: A widespread myth is that if honey is heated, it releases toxins that make it toxic for consumption. But it is incorrect. Natural raw honey can not produce toxins as they are not inherently present.
- Honey should not be scooped with a metal spoon: Honey is known to be a bit acidic, and if it stays on metal for a long, it can destroy the metal. Scooping honey is a fast process that cannot damage the metal surface.
- Darker honey is not as pure as lighter honey: It is a common misconception where people assume that if raw honey has gone darker, it has gone bad and should not be consumed. But in reality, this is not the case; honey’s color depends on the soil, climate, and region where the flowers grow. Raw honey online in Canada is darker than those available because of crystallization.
Conclusion
This brings us to the end of our blog on the factors you must know before buying raw organic honey. We hope to have given you adequate information about the different types of honey online.
However, while you’re at it, remember, you’ll come across different types of honey, like cream or manuka honey, online. So ensure that you’re well-researched about such types before making any purchase.