When people talk about raw honey, they often mean honey in its most natural state. Beekeepers harvest it straight from the hive without applying industrial processing. It remains untouched by high heat, and it keeps its natural aroma, enzymes, antioxidants, and bee pollen.
What is called raw honey?
To be called as raw honey, it must not be heated beyond 45°C. It also must not go through ultrafiltration, a process that removes beneficial bee pollen. At most, beekeepers may gently warm the honey and strain it to remove obvious impurities such as Beeswax, plant particles and parts of bees. Even after this minimal processing, then the honey is called as raw and organic.
How is commercial Honey Different?
In contrast, most commercial brands sell processed honey. These companies heat the honey above 70°C and filter it through microscopic filters, sometimes as fine as 5 microns. This process strips away the natural elements that give honey its health value and unique flavor.
Why honey processing is done?
- Early Extraction and Moisture Reduction: large-scale producers often collect unripe honey from beehives. Since this type of honey contains excess moisture, it can ferment during storage. To solve this problem, they heat the honey to reduce the moisture content.
- Homogenization of Honey: many commercial producers blend different types of honey to achieve a uniform color and texture. In fact, some even mix in rice syrup or other sweeteners. Heating the honey helps blend it all together more smoothly.
- Delaying Crystallization by Removing Natural Particulates : High heating is applied to honey to enable it to pass through the ultrafiltration process. This process removes fine particles, pollen, and other natural elements that serve as nuclei for crystallization, making the honey appear exceptionally clear and glossy. The main objective is to delay crystallization and maintain long-term visual clarity on the shelf.
Why Raw Honey Matters
Raw honey offers more than just sweetness. It delivers functional nutrition and a wide range of natural benefits.
For example, raw honey:
- Retains active enzymes like diastase, which support digestion.
- Contains bee pollen, micronutrients, and antioxidants that may boost immunity.
- Preserves its natural aroma and distinct floral taste, which vary based on the flower source.
Unlike regular honey, raw honey stays alive. That makes all the difference.
Who Sells Real Raw Honey?
Despite the challenges, a few expert producers still manage to offer raw honey. Bharat Honey is one such trusted name. With over three decades of experience, they understand how to harvest, handle, and pack honey without damaging its natural integrity.
Instead of blending various types, Bharat Honey sells each variety individually—like Jamun honey, Kashmir honey, Sidr (wild jujube) honey, and more. They rely on responsible beekeepers and never heat their honey or pass it through ultrafine filters. As a result, they deliver real, unprocessed honey to your doorstep.
Conclusion
Raw honey represents what honey is meant to be. It’s pure, aromatic, rich in nutrients, and full of natural energy. Unlike processed honey, which often loses its essence in the name of uniformity, raw honey offers an experience—one that connects you directly with nature.
So, the next time you buy honey, read the label. Ask questions. Does the brand heat their honey? Do they filter out the pollen? If they do, you might be buying a sweet syrup—not real honey.
For authentic raw honey, trust experienced names like Bharat Honey—who’ve made it their mission to keep honey real.