What is the difference between organic, pure, and unfiltered honey?

Organic Honey: Organic honey is where bees forage on crops that have been certified from the correct authorities where pesticides, insecticides and herbicides have not been applied within three years prior to being assessed to become certified. When buying certified organic honey ensures the consumer has no contact with any applied chemicals within a 3km radius.

 Pure Honey:  Is 100% honey that has not had any adulterated (additives like corn syrup) to “fill” the honey to help reduce costs in production. Seeing “pure honey” on the label does not always mean that you know how the honey is manufactured. Always look at the label to ensure you are getting the best benefits from the honey being produced.

Raw Honey: Raw honey is also the same as “pure” honey. Honey that is raw or pure means that no heat has been added to the honey in any part of the production process. The benefit of not heating the honey is that the consumer is getting all the natural benefits that honey has.

Unfiltered Honey or strained honey: This process is where the beekeeper removes the frame of honey from the hive and places it into the centrifuge (extractor). From there places a strainer over a BPA free bucket to remove any debris of bee remains and foreign debris prior to jarring the honey. This classifying it as raw or pure honey.    

What is the nutrition and benefits of raw pure honey?

Doing research about the nutritional benefits of raw pure honey there are 5 common factors that appear no matter how I collaborate my question. Below is a list of the benefits of raw extracted unfilleted pure honey. 

1.       It is packed with antioxidants. These antioxidants are known to fight against cell damage. This is called free radical damage. Free radicals can cause harm if levels in the body become too high. These are linked to illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, aging and inflammatory disorders. Raw unfiltered extracted honey can help prevent the consequences for the above illnesses. I have read some scientific papers that back this up.

2.       Honey is well known for its antibacterial properties and its natural ability to battle many different types of bacteria. This is because bee’s deposit hydrogen peroxide during glucose oxidation.

3.       Consuming honey when you have a sore throat works. Because honey has anti-inflammatory properties and anti-bacterial properties it coats the throat providing a soothing effect whist also supressing coughs and helping with upper respiratory infections.

4.       Honey can help fend off diseases. Honey contains phytonutrients (natural compounds found in plant foods). This contributes to raw extracted honey antibacterial and antioxidant powers. This can give everyone’s immune system a boost.

5.       Honey has a GI score of 58 whilst sugar has a GI score of 60. Honey can sweeting your foods without causing a spike in blood sugar levels. In saying this before consuming honey ensure you consult your healthcare professional prior to adding honey to your diet. One tablespoon of honey contains: 64g calories, 0g protein, 0g fat, 17g carbohydrates, 0g fibre, 17g sugar. Honey also contains some trace elements which include iron, zinc and potassium.

6.      Honey helps with sleep. Honey helps your brain release melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that your body uses to restore itself whilst you sleep. The sugar in honey spikes insulin levels which release tryptophan (essential amino acid), which becomes serotonin, which then becomes melatonin.

How to tell if you have raw “pure” extracted honey?

There are several different ways to tell if you have raw extracted honey. Place a teaspoon of honey in a glass of water. If it dissolves, then you have adulterated (fake) honey. If the honey keeps it composition, then it is raw (true) honey.

Another way is to put a drop on your finger and rub your fingers together. If it slides easily between your fingers, it is fake honey.

When purchasing honey, you should visually be able to tell if the honey is raw or processed. If the honey has several colour differences, cloudy or creamy in appearance you know you have purchased raw “pure” extracted honey. These are mostly found from small operations that will normally sell at a farmers’ market or from home.

One last way is to wait for crystallisation to occur. This is the best sign of high-quality honey. Crystallisation happens when the outside temperature drops and the glucose and fructose in the honey chemically reacts and forms into crystals.

What to do if my honey crystalises?

Place the jarred honey in lukewarm water nothing over 37 degrees and wait. The honey will then become liquified. Why I say nothing over 37 degrees is due to you not ruining the integrity of your honey.

How much honey should I consume in one day?

It is recommended no more than two tablespoons a day. This is if you have no other sugars in your diet and you are not overweight or have any underlying medical issues. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

Does honey spoil (have a used by or best before date)?

Honey is the only natural product in the world that does not expire if it has not been contaminated. Honey may change colour and become grainier but will not spoil. When honey is contaminated from things like water or any other foreign product it increases the risk of it not being fit for consumption.

Where is best to store honey?

In a cool dry place out of direct sunlight and making sure the lid has been secured properly.