A recent study published by Food Safety News revealed that most packaged honey isn’ t real honey at all has many consumers worried.
Most of us choose honey over other sweeteners because it is healthier, natural and lower in calories. However, sadly most packaged variety of honey is nothing more than corn syrup with a honey flavor, which is why it might be best to be very careful when you buy natural honey.
So the next question is how to buy natural honey which gives you value for your money?
Natural honey hasn’t gone through any filtration processes, and that means it retains the natural pollen content. Not only does that keep the honey pure, it also lets one trace the origination of the honey. By being able to find the real source, it’s possible to know whether or not the honey is uncontaminated and safe for consumption. But packaged honey often goes through a series of filtration processes, removing the pollen and also damaging honey’s natural properties that fight against diseases.
Natural honey is a simple carbohydrate but also contains amino acids, vitamins and minerals and antioxidants. Together, these fight against diseases and also provide relief from allergies. The best way to gauge whether the honey you are buying is 100% natural or not is to do a taste-test, when possible.
Natural honey has a unique, distinctive taste as it’s nothing more than pure nectar and pollen collected in a hive. However, the heating and filtration processes used for packaged honey destroy the natural taste and make it nothing more than just a generic sweetener.
The best way to buy natural honey is to shop at local farms. These sell raw honey which is filled with the goodness of pollen from a variety of plants. Hence, it will not only be better in taste but will also offer a variety of health benefits; for example, building up immunity and fighting seasonal allergies.
It’s best to avoid packaged varieties of honey but buy directly from a renowned beekeeper, known to follow high quality standards. Raw honey looks thicker and coarser and will not be a clear liquid like the ones you find filled in pretty glass bottles lining the local grocery store.
Therefore, if you cannot make time to find out a local beekeeper to buy your pure honey directly, it might be best to buy from a local organic food store that stocks raw honey with honest, detailed labeling to help you make the right choice.
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