Honey: Raw and unprocessed options that you should try

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between raw and processed honey? Raw honey is unheated, unpasteurized and unprocessed. It contains all the pollen, vitamins, enzymes and minerals that are removed during the processing of commercial honey. So if you're looking for a healthier option, you should definitely give raw honey a try!



Where Does Honey Come From?

Most people know that honey is made by bees, but did you know that there are different types of bees that produce honey? The common European honey bee (Apis mellifera) is the most popular type of bee for honey production, but there are other species, like the bumblebee and the sting less bee, that also produce small amounts of honey.

Honeybees collect nectar from flowers and store it in their 'crop.' This is an extension of the bee's stomach that allows them to carry more nectar than they could otherwise hold in their tiny bodies. Once they return to the hive, they regurgitate the nectar into the mouths of 'receiver' bees who then deposit it into empty comb cells.

As the water evaporates from the nectar, it becomes thicker and sweeter, transforming into honey. Once the water content has dropped below 18%, the bees cap the cell with wax to seal in the goodness until it's time for them to feast on their hard work.

Honey Varieties

Just like wine, there are different types of honey depending on the flowers that the bees collect nectar from. For instance, if bees collect nectar from clover plants, the resulting honey will be light-colored and have a mild flavor. On the other hand, if bees collect nectar from buckwheat flowers, the honey will be dark-colored and have a robust flavor.  

So next time you're at the grocery store perusing the honey section, take a moment to read the labels and learn about the different types of honeys available. You might be surprised at all of the different flavors out there!

Honey Uses

Aside from being a delicious addition to your favorite foods, did you know that honey also has some pretty amazing medicinal properties? Honey has been used as a cough suppressor and wound healer for centuries. In fact, ancient Egyptian tombs have been found with jars of unspoiled honey dating back to over 2,000 years ago.

Nowadays, we still use honey as a cough suppressor (especially for kids!) as well as a natural remedy for minor cuts and scrapes. Raw or Manuka honey is best for these purposes since it hasn't been heated or processed, which means it still contains all of its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.

The benefits of eating raw honey

Raw honey is packed with nutrients.

Raw honey contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can have numerous health benefits. For example, it can help boost your immune system, soothe a sore throat, and even fight off allergies. Raw honey is also a natural energy source that can help you power through your workout or get through your workday.

Raw honey has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Raw honey has been used as a natural remedy for wounds and skin infections for centuries. This is because raw honey contains enzymes that produce hydrogen peroxide, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Raw honey can also help to speed up the healing process by promoting the growth of new tissue.

Raw honey can help you lose weight.

Despite its sweetness, raw honey actually has fewer calories than refined sugar. This means that it can be a great alternative for people who are trying to lose weight or cut back on their sugar intake. Plus, the nutrients in raw honey can help to boost your metabolism and give you more energy so that you can stay active and burn more calories throughout the day.

How to use raw honey in your everyday life

This sticky substance has a multitude of uses that go beyond the kitchen. In fact, raw honey has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for everything from wound healing to digestion issues. Check out these ways you can start using raw honey in your everyday life.

Wound Healing

Raw honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it an effective way to speed up the healing process for minor cuts and scrapes. Simply apply a small amount of honey to the affected area and cover with a sterile bandage. For more serious wounds, try combining equal parts raw honey and aloe vera gel before applying to the skin.

Soothe a Sore Throat

Honey is a natural cough suppressant, so if you’re feeling hoarse, reach for the honey instead of over-the-counter medication. The next time you’re starting to lose your voice, mix 2 tablespoons of raw honey with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of warm water. Gargle the mixture for 30 seconds to 1 minute before swallowing. You can do this several times per day until your throat feels better.

Improve Your Digestion

If you suffer from occasional stomach upset or constipation, raw honey may be able to help. Honey contains prebiotics, which are essential for gut health. Add 1-2 tablespoons of raw honey to a cup of warm herbal tea or mix into oatmeal or yogurt for an easy digestive boost.

Recipes that include raw honey

Let's face it, we all know we're supposed to eat our veggies. They're good for us, they help us stay healthy, blah blah blah. But sometimes, it's just so hard to choke them down, especially when they're, you know, green. That's where raw honey comes in!

With its natural sweetness, raw honey is the perfect way to make eating your veggies a little bit more bearable. Here are three recipes that include raw honey and will hopefully make eating your greens a little easier (and a lot more delicious).

Honey-Glazed Roasted Carrots

This recipe is so simple, but so effective. These roasted carrots are glazed with a mixture of raw honey, olive oil, and thyme, resulting in a dish that is both healthy and full of flavor. Serve these as a side dish or snack on them as is—either way, you're sure to love them!

Ingredients:

For this recipe, you'll need one pound of carrots peeled and cut into thirds for the perfect texture.

2 tablespoons raw honey

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon thyme leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

Tips for choosing the right type of honey

Organic vs. Non-Organic

The big debate in the honey world is organic vs. non-organic. There are pros and cons to both. Organic honey is produced without the use of pesticides, antibiotics, or other synthetic chemicals. This is great news for bees, who are suffering from declining populations due to the heavy use of pesticides in commercial agriculture.

It's also generally thought to be healthier for humans, as we are exposed to fewer harmful chemicals when we eat organic foods. However, organic honey is usually more expensive than its non-organic counterpart, and some people argue that the difference in health benefits is negligible.

If you're concerned about supporting bee populations and eating as healthy as possible, organic honey is the way to go. If you're on a budget or don't think the health benefits are worth the extra cost, non-organic honey will do just fine.

Local vs. Imported Honey

Another factor to consider when choosing honey is whether you want to buy local or imported products. Local honey supports small businesses and farmers in your community, which is always a good thing. It also hasn't been sitting on a shelf for months (or even years), so it's fresher and tastier than imported honey.

On the other hand, local honey can be more expensive than imported honey, and it may be harder to find if you don't live in an area with a lot of beekeepers. If you're looking for the freshest, best-tasting honey possible, go for a local option if you can find one. If not, don't worry—the imported stuff is still pretty delicious.

The answer is clear: absolutely yes! Unpasteurized honey, otherwise known as raw honey, contains all of its necessary vitamins and minerals. It's the purest form of sweetener one can find. Not only does it offer anti-inflammatory benefits but also possesses antibacterial and antiviral properties too - so you're getting a lot more than just something yummy to snack on! Who would have thought that such deliciousness could be this beneficial? If you want to enjoy the health benefits of raw honey, be sure to buy Raw Honey online from a reputable source.