Many consumers question the authenticity of supermarket honey. Let's explore the truth behind this common concern and learn how to choose the best honey for your needs.
Dispelling the Myth of "Fake" Honey
Supermarket honey isn't necessarily "fake." It undergoes a filtration process to remove impurities such as wax, bee parts, and air bubbles. However, this process can also eliminate pollen, making it challenging to trace the honey's origin and potentially reducing its health benefits. Despite filtration, honey remains genuine.
"Fake" honey isn't a term used in legitimate markets, as regulations prevent mislabeling. Instead, consider factors like processing, origin, and health benefits when evaluating honey quality.
The Processing Journey of Supermarket Honey
After extraction from beehives, honey contains natural bee parts, wax fragments, and air bubbles. The process includes:
Straining: Honey passes through a fine mesh to remove large debris, similar to using a colander.
Settling: The honey rests in tanks, allowing air bubbles to rise and be skimmed off.
Filtering: A final step involves passing honey through fine filters to remove remaining impurities like wax and pollen.
What are the Concerns with Supermarket Honey?
Some worry that filtering removes beneficial components:
Nutrients: Pollen, removed during filtration, contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Enzymes: Diastase and other enzymes, naturally present, may aid digestion and possess antibacterial properties.
There's also concern about honey adulteration, though regulated, with cheaper sweeteners like corn syrup
How to Choose the Right Honey
Consider the following when selecting honey:
Labels: Look for "raw," "unpasteurised," "local," and/or "organic" labels.Raw Honey/unpasteurised: Minimally processed, retains pollen and enzymes.
Local Honey: Potential health benefits.
Organic Honey: Produced without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
In Conclusion
Supermarket honey isn't fake, but it may lack the complexity and nutrients of unpasteurised, local, or organic varieties. These options offer potential health benefits due to retained pollen, enzymes, and antioxidants. Understanding processing methods helps in making informed choices.
At Honeyngreens, we're passionate about connecting you with the best honey options. Explore our range of pure natural and unpasteurised varieties, for a taste of natural goodness and potential health benefits.