Most people think honey is honey, but not all honey is created equal. Store bought honey (store brand and name brand) most of the time is not all USA honey. A computer will print the place of origin of honey on the container. This can range from Korea to South America.
Also honey from big distributors has been heated up over 120 degrees F. This means that all the health benefits of the enzymes and pollen has been removed and denatured. Pure raw honey DOES NOT need to be pasteurized. Also big distributors will add or feed the bees high fructose corn syrup in order to get them to produce honey faster, creating lazy bees that don't pollinate as well.
Due to the lack of labeling regulations, producers don't have to put on the label that they feed the bees another sugar source, or that they mixed the honey in the facility. A trick to this is that honey in its true pure form, with no human help of added sugars, will last forever. If the honey has a best used by date, it is not 100% honey like the label says. It means that somewhere down the line, a sugar source was added.
If it's 100% honey in its natural raw state you want, please find a local beekeeper in your area. You might find true raw honey in a store, but I doubt it.
Don't be afraid to ask your local keeper if they feed the bees and where the bees are at in relation to your home. Honey within 40 miles of your home is the best for allergies!
Source:These are the most asked questions we receive about the differences in raw honey verses others with our bee farm.
By audi from Natchitoches, LA
