Raw honey is made by extracting honey directly from the honeycombs of a beehive and then straining it to remove impurities. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
The Raw Honey Making Process
Raw honey, often described as honey “as it exists in the beehive” (1), undergoes a minimal process to preserve its natural state. Unlike processed honey, which may undergo pasteurization and filtration, raw honey retains many of its beneficial components. Here's how it's made:
1. Extraction from Honeycombs
- First, beekeepers carefully remove honey-filled honeycombs from the hive.
- These combs contain the honey produced by the bees.
2. Straining
- The extracted honey is then poured over a mesh or nylon cloth.
- This straining process separates the honey from impurities like:
- Beeswax
- Dead bees
- Other hive debris (2)
3. Bottling
- Once strained, the raw honey is bottled and ready for consumption.
- This minimal processing ensures that the honey retains its natural enzymes, pollens, and other beneficial properties.
Key Differences from Processed Honey
| Feature | Raw Honey | Processed Honey |
|---|---|---|
| Processing | Minimal, only straining | Pasteurized and/or filtered |
| Impurities | Small traces of pollen and wax | None |
| Natural Enzymes | Retained | Destroyed |
| Pollens | Present | Typically Removed |
In short, raw honey is simply honey that has been extracted and strained, keeping it as close to its natural state as possible.
