Raw honey is a natural sweetener extracted directly from the beehive, prized for its unique health benefits and rich nutrients. Unlike regular honey, raw honey is unpasteurised, unfiltered, and minimally processed, retaining essential enzymes, antioxidants, bee pollen, and other beneficial compounds. This pure honey offers a taste and texture that reflect the nectar from which it was produced, making it a favourite among local beekeepers and health enthusiasts alike.
What is Raw Honey?
Raw honey is honey in its most natural form, extracted from the honeycomb and strained to remove impurities like beeswax and dead bees, but without undergoing pasteurisation or extensive filtration. This means raw honey retains nutrients such as amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can be lost during commercial processing.
Raw Honey vs Regular Honey
The primary difference between raw and regular honey lies in processing. Regular honey is pasteurised—heated to high temperatures—and filtered to create a smooth, clear product with a longer shelf life. However, this process can destroy valuable enzymes, reduce antioxidants, and remove bee pollen and propolis. Additionally, some regular honey products may contain added sweeteners or sugars to cut costs, which are absent in pure raw honey.
Health Benefits of Raw Honey
Many studies highlight the health benefits of raw honey, including its antioxidant properties that help fight inflammation and oxidative stress. Raw honey contains bee pollen and propolis, which contribute to wound healing and support immune function. The natural enzymes in raw honey also provide antimicrobial effects, making it a popular choice for natural medicine.
Organic Raw Honey and Certification
Not all raw honey is organic. Organic raw honey comes from bee farms where bees forage on flowers free from pesticides and chemicals, adhering to strict organic agriculture standards. Certifications like those from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or Australian Certified Organic (ACO) ensure that the honey is produced according to these guidelines. Organic raw honey is often preferred for its purity and commitment to sustainable, chemical-free practices.
How to Choose and Store Raw Honey
When purchasing raw honey, look for labels indicating "raw," "unfiltered," or "organic raw honey" to ensure you get the most nutritious product. Raw honey may appear cloudy or crystallised due to natural components like pollen and wax. To liquefy crystallised honey, gently warm the jar in warm water, avoiding overheating to preserve nutrients.
Safety Considerations
Raw honey can contain clostridium botulinum spores, which are dangerous for infants under 12 months but generally safe for older children and adults. People with severe pollen allergies should consult a doctor before consuming raw honey due to the presence of bee pollen.
Supporting Local Beekeepers and Sustainable Practices
Buying raw honey from local beekeepers supports sustainable bee farming and ensures freshness. Local honey reflects the unique flora of the region, such as Western Australia’s native plants, providing distinct flavors and health benefits.
Shipping and Packaging
When purchasing raw or organic raw honey online, consider shipping costs and packaging quality to ensure the honey arrives safely and maintains its natural properties. Reputable sellers often provide detailed information about their hive locations, production processes, and contact details for customer support.
Our Range of Raw Honey Products
We proudly offer a diverse range of 100% Australian raw honey products, supporting local beekeepers and sustainable practices. Our selection includes unique varieties such as our own raw Manuka honey, renowned for its potent health benefits, as well as other exquisite options like Rooftop Bees Yuzu Honey and Bee Collective Leatherwood Honey. Each jar is a testament to the rich biodiversity of Australia’s native flora and the dedication of our local bee farms.
By choosing our honey, you are not only enjoying pure, unfiltered goodness but also contributing to environmental sustainability. For every jar sold on our website, we plant native trees to help restore natural habitats and support bee populations. This initiative is part of our commitment to a carbon-positive Australia, detailed in our Carbon Positive Australia Partnership.
Explore our full collection of Australian honey here and discover our premium Australian Manuka honey range here. Learn more about how we support local beekeepers and their vital role in preserving Australia’s ecosystems on our Supporting Australian Beekeepers page.
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Experience the authentic taste of Australian raw honey while supporting local communities and the environment.
Raw honey is nature intended—a wholesome, nutritious food packed with vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants. Choosing raw and organic raw honey over processed regular honey means opting for a product that supports health, sustainability, and authentic taste.
