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Store Bought or Local Honey

Store Bought or Local Honey

Big Differences Between Store Bought and Local Honey

Supporting the ecosystems of all pollinators around the world is important.  But, when it comes to purchasing honey, there are often some noticeable differences between local and store-bought honey.  I love honey!  The taste of any kind of local honey is just amazing.  Not to mention buying honey produced locally means you are supporting local beekeepers and the ecosystems of bees in your area.  Remember, many of the fruits, berries, vegetables, and apples grown here in Maine are dependent on bees foraging and pollinating in their area.

Now, getting down to the nitty-gritty but important differences between store=bought and locally produced honey.

STORE-BOUGHT:

Store-bought honey can be from anywhere in the world.  Big companies that bottle honey for supermarkets rarely raise bees.  They purchase honey and buy it from around the world and mix it all together.  Remember, some countries aren’t very strict on what chemicals are used when spraying orchards and fields or treating hives against pests.  Any of that can wind up in the honey.  China is the number one honey producer in the world; need I say more?

Also, because so many people shop for what is “pretty”, the bottlers of supermarket honey not only mix honey from around the world but also pasteurize it and run it through multiple levels of filtering.  Many also add water to their honey.  All of this does make a somewhat consistent taste and makes it a uniform color, so it looks pretty, it also takes out almost everything good for your health that is found in raw, local honey.

LOCALLY PRODUCED:

The naturally sweet stuff! Local raw honey has numerous benefits that make it a popular choice among health enthusiasts. Here are some of the benefits of local raw honey:

  1. Allergy Relief: Local raw honey is believed to have antihistamine properties that can help alleviate allergies and reduce symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes.
  2. Immune System Booster: Raw honey contains bee pollen, which is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help boost the immune system and fight off infections.
  3. Wound Healing: Raw honey has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can aid in wound healing and infection prevention.
  4. Anti-Inflammatory: Raw honey’s anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe digestive issues, such as IBS, and reduce inflammation in the body.
  5. Skin and Hair Benefits: Raw honey’s antibacterial and antifungal properties can help treat acne, eczema, and other skin conditions. It’s also a popular ingredient in hair care products due to its ability to moisturize and nourish the hair.
  6. Digestive Health: Raw honey’s prebiotic properties can help support digestive health by feeding good bacteria in the gut.
  7. Natural Energy Source: Raw honey is a natural source of carbohydrates, making it a healthy alternative to refined sugars.
  8. Antioxidant Power: Raw honey contains antioxidants that can help protect the body from free radicals, which can contribute to chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
  9. Supports Gut Health: Raw honey’s prebiotic and probiotic properties can help support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a healthy gut microbiome.
  10. Lowers Blood Pressure: Some studies suggest that consuming raw honey regularly can help lower blood pressure due to its ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
  11. Antiviral Properties: Raw honey has antiviral properties that can help combat viral infections, such as the common cold and flu.
  12. May Help Manage Chronic Diseases: Raw honey’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help manage chronic diseases like diabetes, arthritis, and cardiovascular disease.

When choosing local raw honey, make sure to select a product that:

  1. Is raw and unfiltered
  2. Contains no added sugars or preservatives
  3. Is produced by local beekeepers who use sustainable practices
  4. Has a strong, distinct flavor
  5. Has a low viscosity (thins out when mixed with water)

Remember to always check with your healthcare provider before using raw honey for medical purposes, especially if you have allergies or are pregnant/breastfeeding.