A question we are often asked is about the difference between raw honey and regular honey, what is the difference? You might say that honey is honey? In terms of processing and nutritional value, NO. They are not the same. Be aware that raw honey and regular honey primarily differ in how they are processed after being extracted from the hive.
Raw Honey vs Regular Honey
Commercial honey or regular honey has been treated at high temperatures. These are mostly pasteurized, meaning heated to 70 degrees Celsius or more, followed by rapid cooling. This is done to make honey easier to handle during packaging. And the taste is manipulated to always be the same.
When heated, honey becomes more fluid, making it easier to filter and bottle. Additionally, filtering gives it a cleaner appearance and smoother texture by removing pollen and other impurities. In stores, it never changes texture.
In contrast, raw is not filtered. It is likely to contain particles from the hive, including bits of pollen, honeycomb, beeswax, and even broken parts of a bee (wings, legs, etc.). Raw honey is only strained, so it appears cloudy compared to the clear appearance of commercially filtered. Additionally, depending on the harvest, it can have different aspects and colors.
Effects of Pasteurization and Filtering of Honey
Pasteurization not only alters the texture and taste of honey but also affects its nutritional value. Heated honey becomes less nutritious than pure unpasteurized honey. Heating removes natural aromas, yeasts, and enzymes present in raw honey. Consequently, it contains fewer nutrients and antioxidants, which are responsible for the incredible health benefits of honey.
Similarly, filtering results in less nutritious honey because it removes vital particles like pollen. Be careful, there can be pasteurized organic honey, so don’t be fooled by the organic label.
Raw honey is more nutritious
It has been shown that raw honey contains “several physiologically important amino acids, including the nine essential amino acids and all non-essential amino acids except glutamine and asparagine.” Furthermore, 31 different minerals have been detected, “including all major minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, and magnesium.” Numerous studies associate these antioxidants with health benefits, including reduced inflammation and a lower risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
Commercially produced honey, that is, heavily processed and filtered honey, removes beneficial nutrients like pollen, enzymes, and antioxidants. Now that you know the difference between raw honey and regular honey, we encourage you to try the best raw honey from Meski Dates Factory.