What Is The Difference Between Processed and Raw Honey?

Honey is one of nature's most wonderful gifts to mankind. It is a thick syrup and strong nectar derived from honeycomb that is well-known for its medicinal and health-improving properties. It has long been used in a variety of DIY remedies and alternative medical procedures due to its multiple health benefits.

The unique sweetness and depth of flavour of honey make it a favourite ingredient for a variety of dishes and feasts throughout the world. In fact, in some cultures, especially in India, it is the first natural sweetener given to newborns because of its purity.

This thick, sweet nectar has long been a staple of our diet and is one of the healthiest and purest sugar substitutes. Have you ever wondered what makes honey so healthy? Well, here in this blog, you'll learn about raw and processed honey and what makes them different from one another, and which is the healthiest and best honey.

What is Raw Honey?

As the name suggests, "raw honey" is a completely unadulterated, unfiltered, unpasteurized, and unprocessed form of honey. It is a sweet syrup that is produced from the honeycomb, which is essentially floral nectar that honeybees collect and then store in the honeycomb.

Raw honey is the nectar that is released as a result of the breaking of the honeycomb that is removed from the beehive. The beekeeper simply filters it to remove any debris or impurities. As a result, it appears opaque or foggy but is safe for consumption. One of the best things about raw honey is that it is more nutrient-dense than any other type of honey.

What is Processed Honey?

Processed honey, commonly referred to as commercial honey, is a form of honey that undergoes various stages of filtering, pasteurization, and processing. It is heated at a high temperature and rapidly cooled ( making it lose its nutritional properties) . It is pasteurised to eliminate all germs, improve flavour, and extend its shelf life. However, as a result of this procedure, processed honey loses some of its initial qualities and is left with fewer minerals and antioxidants. Unlike the thick, muddy texture of raw honey, it has a clear and smooth texture.

Difference between Raw & Processed Honey?

Raw and processed honey are initially extracted in the same way but are processed quite differently. This results in a number of distinctions between the two, particularly in terms of quality. Here are the primary distinctions between raw and processed honey:

Nutrient Content

Amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and enzymes are abundant in raw honey. It also contains polyphenols, which are bioactive plant compounds that serve as antioxidants.

However, due to extensive processing in commercial or processed honey, it contains only minute quantities of minerals and antioxidants.

Bee Pollen

Raw honey contains bee pollen, which is very nutrient-dense and rich in minerals and important fatty acids. It offers outstanding health advantages and reduces inflammation while enhancing liver function.

The processed honey does not have bee pollen and is removed using techniques like ultrafiltration and heat treatments.

Additives or any added artificial sugar

Raw honey is often confused with filtered and heated organic honey, but the difference between the two is that raw honey undergoes the least amount of processing possible, meaning that no additives are added to improve the flavour, colour, or texture. Raw honey is completely pure, contains more pollen, is more nutritious, and is free from any added sugar or preservatives.

On the other hand, other commercial or processed honey undergoes layers of processing and has added flavours and sugars.

Which is the best honey: Raw or Processed?

Raw honey is linked to a number of remarkable health benefits. Honey has many health advantages, but its distinctive flavour and sweetness also make it an ideal addition to a range of foods. Therefore, choosing raw honey is advised if you want to be sure of getting all the health benefits.

Helps in treating cold, cough and throat issues

Honey has long been used as a powerful natural remedy for treating sore throats, colds, and coughs. Raw honey has long been used in traditional treatments and home cures. In fact, the cold-suppressing and anti-inflammatory characteristics aid in the treatment of cough and sore throat. Adding raw honey, turmeric, ginger, and lemon to your green or black tea may also help keep seasonal ailments at bay.

Helps in weight management

Honey, particularly raw honey, is an excellent sugar substitute because it has a lower glycemic index (GI) than sugar, with a moderate range of 54-59; it helps manage blood sugar levels and improves metabolism. To boost the health benefits of your tea or detox water, add raw honey to your green or black tea. Take the juice of half a lemon and mix it with one tablespoon of raw honey in a glass of warm water. The fat-burning qualities of honey aid with weight management.

Helps in treating digestive issues

Raw honey aids in the treatment of digestive issues such as diarrhoea and can heal stomach ulcers. Raw honey can also help with other digestive difficulties because of its prebiotic components, which nurture healthy bacteria and improve gut health.

Helps in reducing the risk of chronic disease

Raw honey contains around 30 bioactive compounds, antioxidants such as phenolic chemicals and organic acids. These help in reducing the risk of chronic illnesses like improving heart health, digestion, reducing edema and various others.

Helps in building immunity

The high nutritional value and antibacterial properties of raw honey help in the prevention of diseases caused by fungus, viruses, and germs.

Encourages sound sleep

Raw, Mango single-origin Honey from Divinity Organics is best for individuals who have difficulty sleeping because it stimulates the release of melatonin, a sleep hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle.

Conclusion

Honey is a flavour or taste sensation. It's not only delicious but also has plenty of health benefits, making it almost too good to be true. The colour and consistency of the nectar vary depending on where it is sourced and how it is processed. Both raw and processed honey is processed differently. The main difference between the two is that raw honey is merely filtered before being bottled, which means it preserves the majority of the beneficial minerals and antioxidants that naturally possess. Processed honey, on the other hand, may be subjected to a number of processes that may eliminate helpful elements such as pollen and lower its antioxidant content. To know more or to buy the best honey online, visit Divinity Organics. Divinity Organics India offers 6 varieties of therapeutic honeys that are raw and single-origin honeys. Every single-origin honey offered at divinityorganics.in is of distinct colour due to its field of origin. Extraction of raw-honey from the native origin of the farm with naturally occurring floral and tree pockets gives the variety its distinct colour and properties.

FAQs

What quality of honey is the best?

Raw honey is the purest form of honey. You may get a slight tingling or moderate burning feeling in your throat while consuming. Consider Divinity Organics honey, which is one of the best honey brands in India that meets this criterion. It has a delicate texture, does not separate into layers, and has a sweet aroma. Divinity Organics only buys honey from Indian beekeepers that are certified, which ensures quality and freshness while also meeting the purpose of promoting our Indian local food and products.

Does honey expire?

Honey never expires, but it can crystallise over time. If this occurs, place the honey jar in a pot of warm water until the honey liquefies again.

Is pure honey the same as raw honey?

A "pure honey" label indicates that you are purchasing 100% honey with no extra components (such as corn syrup, which is sometimes added to industrial honey to reduce costs). However, the term "pure" honey does not tell you much about the variety or how the honey is produced, so it's important to look for more information to ensure you're getting all of the benefits of honey when it's produced in the most bee- and environment-friendly way possible. The distinction between raw honey and pure honey is that "raw" honey has not been heated to the point of pasteurization (no higher than 118°F).

What is the colour of pure honey?

Despite their colours ranging from "water white" to "motor oil black," raw and unfiltered varietal "pure" honey is almost always hazy and opaque, with its natural pollen and flavour fully intact. Therefore, it is recommended to shop for honey by cloudiness rather than colour. You will not be disappointed.