Understanding Honey Labels
Know Your Label, Know Your Honey
Raw Honey
Raw honey refers to honey in its natural state as found in the beehive, undergoing minimal processing. It is extracted and coarsely strained to eliminate large debris such as wax and bee parts, but is neither heated (pasteurized) nor finely filtered. As a result, raw honey retains its natural enzymes, pollen, antioxidants, and complex flavor profile. In contrast, regular honey is heat-treated for clarity and an extended shelf life, a process that removes some of these beneficial nutrients.
In addition to purity, “raw” honey has not undergone pasteurization (no exposure to temperatures above approx. 115°F). Retaining its natural state preserves enzymes, vitamins, and minerals, thereby maximizing nutritional advantages. Beekeepers specializing in raw honey typically prioritize ethical bee care and responsible handling practices, which positively impact both product quality and environmental sustainability. If health, taste, and ecological factors are a priority for you when sourcing your foods, raw honey is preferable in every way over other labelled alternatives.
How do you know if the honey in a bottle is raw even if the label says it is?? Know your beekeeper- know your honey!
How do you know if the honey in a bottle is raw even if the label says it is?? Know your beekeeper- know your honey!
Label says "RAW"
Unfiltered Honey
Unfiltered honey is honey that hasn't gone through heavy processing, so it still contains natural substances like pollen, propolis (bee glue), and tiny bits of wax. This gives it a cloudier and thicker appearance compared to filtered honey, making it look more "raw." Unfiltered honey is usually just strained to remove large debris, such as bee parts, and keeps more complex flavors and possible nutrients. It's much closer to its original form in the hive, keeping natural antioxidants, enzymes, and minerals that may be lost during extensive filtering.
Filtration refers to processing honey to eliminate fine particles, including pollen. This differs from straining, which removes larger debris such as bee parts and but retains pollen and other beneficial constituents. Filtration frequently involves heating, which by definition means the honey is no longer raw. While unfiltered honey may more closely resemble its natural state than filtered options, it is only considered raw if explicitly stated. Most small-scale beekeepers strain their honey as the filtration equipment and its space requirements just don’t make sense. Opting for both raw and unfiltered honey ensures you get the best of both worlds.
Filtration does not make honey cleaner or healthier. Straining is what removes foreign materials from the honey. Since honey is naturally antibiotic, antiviral and antimicrobial- foreign particles do not affect the honey. When stored correctly it will not spoil. Even once it has crystalized, or thickened, it is molecularly the same as when it came out of the hive.
Filtration does not make honey cleaner or healthier. Straining is what removes foreign materials from the honey. Since honey is naturally antibiotic, antiviral and antimicrobial- foreign particles do not affect the honey. When stored correctly it will not spoil. Even once it has crystalized, or thickened, it is molecularly the same as when it came out of the hive.