ABOUT RAW HONEY
The Benefits
Raw honey has been used as a remedy throughout history and has a variety of health benefits and medical uses. It’s even used in some hospitals as a treatment for wounds. Many of these health benefits are specific to raw, or unpasteurised, honey.
Most of the honey you find in grocery stores is pasteurised. The high heat kills unwanted yeast, can improve the colour and texture, removes any crystallisation, and extends the shelf life. However, many of the beneficial nutrients are also destroyed in the process.
The benefits of raw, unpasteurised, unadulterated honey include:
· A good source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes
· Antibacterial and antifungal properties
· Can help digestive issues
· Soothe a sore throat and cough
· Better for blood sugar levels than regular sugar
· Can help seasonal allergy symptoms
· Boosts immunity
Why does my honey crystallise?
The answer is simple; chemistry.
The two principal sugars in honey are glucose and fructose and around 15-20% water. That’s more sugar that can naturally remain dissolved, so naturally, crystals begin to form over time. The higher the glucose content, the quicker it crystallises.
Note: Jarrah honey has very high fructose levels and low glucose, which is why it doesn’t crystallise.
Colder temperatures are another reason honey crystallises quickly. As the honey begins to cool, the sugars become more solid. Bees work hard to keep their hives at the perfect honey making temperatures, which is around 35°C. This is why we always recommend storing your honey at room temperature or somewhere warm.
Many people believe that crystalised honey is ‘contaminated’ or ‘gone bad’ however, the crystallisation process is entirely natural and is a good sign the honey is not pasteurised. It has little to no effect on the honey other than new textures, densities, and colouring.
Did you know: Creamed honey is crystallised honey that has been whipped (with no additives) and then set in the fridge?
Fun Fact
Raw, unpasteurised honey will not dissolve instantly in water whereas pasteurised honey will.