Raw Honey Vs Pure Honey - What is the Difference?
Both “raw” and “pure” sound like they could be interchangeable descriptors, but when it comes down to the specifics, they mean very different things for honey. Raw honey refers to honey that has not been heated for pasteurization. It also means that it has not been cut with corn syrup, sugar or another ingredient to dilute it or change the flavor, and that it has not been closely filtered to remove pollen and air bubbles. Raw honey is lightly filtered to remove pieces of honeycomb and other debris, but that is the only processing that it undergoes. Basically, raw honey is as close to the beehive as you can get.
Pure honey only means that it has not been cut with corn syrup, sugar or another ingredient to dilute it. Usually, pure honey has been heated for pasteurization and filtered at least once if not twice, which is what separates it from raw honey. These heating and filtering processes are thought to improve the aesthetic appearance of the pure honey because they remove air bubbles and make the honey look more uniformly transparent. However, the processes also tend to remove or break down the pollen and nutrients that give honey its unique taste and HEALTH BENEFITS.
Pure honey may or may not be different from just plain “honey,” depending on the manufacturer. A lot of products labeled “honey” actually are diluted with corn syrup sugar and other lower quality ingredients. The addition of these other ingredients makes the “honey” sweeter and also reduces manufacturing costs, thereby increasing profits for the grocery store and supplier. Next time you are at the store, take a close look at the ingredients on a cheap bottle of “honey” and you might be surprised what other additives are in there. Plain honey has also usually been pasteurized and filtered multiple times to give it that clear, transparent look.
Raw Honey vs. Pure Honey: Which to Choose?
In terms of the taste and nutritional benefits, we recommend choosing raw honey out of all your options. Raw honey has the highest amount of pollen and nutritional compounds, which means that it is the most beneficial choice for your health. Because of the high pollen count, raw honey will also taste like whatever flowers were used to make it. This means that each raw honey will have a unique flavor that it imparts to whatever you mix it into.
This is why we include many different flavors of Plain Raw Honey and Speciality Honey, in Our Honey Collection, Each of these raw honeys has a completely delicious yet totally distinct taste, thanks to the different regional flora they come from or the infused Fruits and Veggies that where used. This allows you to choose whichever raw honey will enhance your beverage or food the most.
When shopping at the grocery, keep in mind that “honey” without a qualifier is pretty much just a sweetener and does not offer any of the antioxidants or nutritional benefits of raw honey, due to the dilution of ingredients and all the extra processing.
"90% of All Honey Found in a Grocery Store is Fake"
Raw honey is a natural sweetener that has been used for centuries for its various health benefits. Here are some potential benefits of consuming raw honey:
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Rich in Nutrients: Raw honey contains a variety of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. While the exact composition can vary depending on the floral source, honey typically contains small amounts of vitamin C, calcium, iron, and other minerals.
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Antioxidant Properties: Honey is rich in antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals in the body. Antioxidants play a role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases and may contribute to overall health.
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Wound Healing: Honey has been used for its wound-healing properties for centuries. It has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, and its thick consistency can create a protective barrier that helps prevent infection.
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Cough and Sore Throat Relief: Honey is often used as a home remedy to soothe coughs and sore throats. Its antimicrobial properties may help ease throat irritation, and its thick consistency can provide a coating effect.
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Gastrointestinal Health: Some studies suggest that honey may have a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract. It may help with issues such as acid reflux and indigestion.
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Energy Boost: The natural sugars in honey, primarily fructose and glucose, can provide a quick energy boost. Athletes often use honey as a source of easily digestible carbohydrates for energy during exercise.
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Allergy Relief: Some people believe that consuming local raw honey may help alleviate seasonal allergies. The idea is that by ingesting small amounts of local pollen present in the honey, the body may become desensitized to it over time. However, scientific evidence supporting this claim is limited.
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Skin Care: Honey can be used in skincare routines for its moisturizing and antibacterial properties. It is found in various beauty products like masks and creams.
Learn more About the Health Benefits
It's important to note that while raw honey has potential health benefits, excessive consumption should be avoided due to its high sugar content. Additionally, raw honey should not be given to infants under one year of age due to the risk of botulism. If you have allergies or other health concerns, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating significant amounts of honey into your diet.
