The bitter taste of supermarket honey: Why you should choose raw honey

Honey is more than just a sweetener; it’s a natural remedy brimming with antioxidants, enzymes, and nutrients. Yet, when it comes to choosing honey, not all jars are created equal. The honey you find on supermarket shelves often falls short of the pure, healthful product that bees produce. Here’s why you should be discerning about your honey choices and how supporting ethical beekeeping benefits both you and the environment.



Hello, I’m Titanilla, a holistic beekeeper, historian, and death doula based in Scotland. In this blog, we will delve into the differences between supermarket honey and raw honey, highlighting why it's crucial to choose the right type of honey for both your health and the environment. We will also discuss the broader implications of honey production and offer insights into supporting ethical beekeeping practices. If you find this information valuable, connect with me on social media for more buzz-worthy content.



Supermarket Honey: What’s Really in the Jar?

Many of the honey products you see in supermarkets undergo extensive processing. 
This processing typically involves:

Heating: Honey is often heated to prevent crystallisation and extend shelf life. However, this heating process destroys many of honey’s natural enzymes and antioxidants.
Filtering: To ensure a clear, aesthetically pleasing product, honey is filtered to remove pollen and other natural particles. Unfortunately, this also strips honey of some of its beneficial components.
Dilution: Some supermarket honey is mixed with high-fructose corn syrup or other sweeteners, diluting the natural honey and its health benefits.
As a result, what you’re left with is a product that is more sugar than honey, lacking the natural goodness that raw honey provides.

The Benefits of Raw Honey

In contrast, raw honey is unprocessed and unpasteurised, meaning it retains its full spectrum of health benefits. Here’s why raw honey stands out:
Nutrient-Rich: Raw honey contains natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals that are lost in processed honey. These components help support your immune system and overall health.
Pollen Power: Raw honey includes pollen, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with seasonal allergies. Pollen is also a natural source of various nutrients and supports gut health.
Bee Propolis: This substance, which bees use to seal and protect their hives, is known for its antimicrobial properties. It helps fight infections and supports immune function.
Soothing Effects: Raw honey is a natural remedy for sore throats and coughs. Its soothing properties make it an excellent alternative to over-the-counter remedies.

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Support Ethical Beekeeping

Choosing raw honey from local or ethical beekeepers not only benefits your health but also supports practices that are kinder to bees and the environment:
Sustainable Practices: Ethical beekeepers prioritise the health and well-being of their bees. They implement sustainable practices that ensure the bees have a healthy environment and are not exploited for honey production.
Environmental Balance: Small-scale, ethical beekeeping operations are less likely to harm ecosystems compared to large-scale commercial operations, which can deplete resources and negatively impact biodiversity.
By opting for honey from ethical sources, you contribute to a more balanced and healthy ecosystem, helping to ensure that bees can continue their vital role in our environment.

Learn what to ask and what to listen for

Next time you reach for honey, skip the supermarket shelf and choose raw honey from ethical beekeepers. To help you make informed choices about honey and support sustainable beekeeping, I’ve created a free ebook titled "Don’t Bee Fooled: Your Guide to Finding Ethical Beekeepers and Questions to Ask Before Purchasing Honey."
In this guide, you will find:
Tips on how to identify truly raw and unprocessed honey.
Questions to ask before buying honey to ensure it’s ethically sourced.
Insights into the practices of responsible beekeepers.

Download your free copy today and become a more informed consumer, supporting both your health and the well-being of our precious bees. Download the Ebook Here
Your choice makes a difference—both for your health and for the future of bees and their ecosystems.





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