Are you looking for real honey? Unfortunately, it's not always easy to determine whether the honey you buy is truly pure and unprocessed. This blog post explains everything about what real honey is, how to recognize it, and where you can buy guaranteed pure honey. From now on, you can buy your honey with confidence!
What is real honey?
Real honey is a natural product made entirely by bees. They collect nectar from flowers, add enzymes, and evaporate excess moisture. The result is a sweet, liquid substance packed with natural nutrients. Real honey is also called raw honey or unprocessed honey. This means that:
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The honey is not heated above 40 °C, which preserves valuable enzymes.
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It does not contain any additives such as sugar water or syrups.
Want to be sure your honey is genuine? Then it's wise to choose honey from a reputable beekeeper.
How do you recognize real honey?
Distinguishing between real honey and adulterated honey is difficult, especially as modern counterfeits are constantly improving. However, here are some important tips:
Check the label:
Beware of terms like "blended EU and non-EU honey." This honey often contains products from countries like China, where honey is often mixed with sugar water. It's best to choose 100% EU honey or honey with a clear origin.
Pollen analysis:
Real honey contains flower pollen. A pollen analysis, which involves examining the honey under a microscope, can reveal how much pollen it contains and which flowers it came from.
Avoid cheap honey:
Cheap honey in the supermarket is often a blend of different honeys, sometimes even with syrup added. You'll often pay a bit more for real honey, but you'll also get better quality.
EU honey vs. blended non-EU honey
Did you know that non-EU honey is often less strictly controlled? Honey from countries like China, in particular, is known for adulterations containing sugar syrup and even traces of pesticides.
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EU honey is produced under strict regulations and generally offers better quality.
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Non-EU honey may contain sugars or be processed, which reduces its authenticity and nutritional value.
Tip: Always read the label carefully before buying honey.
Honey from the supermarket: should you buy it or not?
Not all supermarket honey is fake, but you do run a greater risk of counterfeits. A recent broadcast by the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (Keuringsdienst van Waarde) revealed that only 4 of the 15 supermarket honey brands tested were real honey. The remaining 11 contained additives such as sugar syrup.
Why beekeeper's honey is better:
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It is raw, unprocessed and pure nature.
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You know exactly where the honey comes from.
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It contains all natural enzymes and nutrients.
Bee products besides honey
Honey isn't the only valuable product bees produce. There are several other bee products with special properties:
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Propolis : a natural substance that bees use to protect their hive from bacteria and fungi. Propolis has antibacterial properties and is often used in tinctures.
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Royal jelly : a nutritious substance that bees produce for the queen. It contains many vitamins and is often used as a supplement.
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Beeswax : used for candles, cosmetics and natural care products.
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Manuka honey : a special type of honey from New Zealand with extra strong, powerful properties.
Is propolis dangerous?
Many people wonder if propolis is dangerous . In most cases, propolis is safe to use, but some people can have an allergic reaction. Especially if you're sensitive to bee products, it's a good idea to test a small amount first.
Where do you buy real honey?
The best place to buy real honey is from a local beekeeper or a specialty webshop. Here, you can be sure you 're getting top-quality raw honey , without additives.
With us you will find:
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100% EU honey from reliable beekeepers.
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Pure honey from €3.50 per jar.
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A wide range of raw honey, propolis and bee products .
Order your real honey today!
Want to be sure of pure, unprocessed honey? Browse our selection and order directly online. Our honey is certified, pure, and lovingly made by bees. Choose quality and taste the difference!
