Selecting high-quality honey can be more nuanced than simply choosing the sweetest option. To ensure you’re getting the best, here’s a guide to what to look for when choosing your raw Australian honey:
1. Sourcing and Purity
High-quality honey should be sourced from reputable suppliers and should ideally be raw and unprocessed. Look for honey that is sourced from local, pesticide-free environments. Raw honey retains its natural enzymes and nutrients, which can be lost in processed honey.
2. Understanding Labels
Honey labels can be informative. Check for terms like “raw,” “unfiltered,” and “pure” to ensure you’re getting a high-quality product. Beware of honey labelled simply as “honey,” which may be heavily processed or mixed with other sweeteners.
3. Total Activity (TA)
TA is a measure of honey’s antimicrobial strength. Higher TA values indicate stronger antibacterial properties. For example, Jarrah honey is known for its high TA, which enhances its health benefits. This is especially relevant for honey used in therapeutic contexts.
4. Monofloral vs. Multifloral
Monofloral honey, like Manuka or Jarrah, comes from a single flower source and tends to have unique flavors and higher potency. Multifloral honey is collected from various flowers and often has a more complex flavor profile.
5. Certifications and Quality
Look for certifications such as B-Qual for Australian honey, Jarrah Honey Certification for Jarrah Honey, or specific certifications for raw honey. These certifications ensure the honey meets certain quality standards and can provide additional information on its health benefits.
6. Crystallization
Crystallization is a natural process that doesn’t affect honey’s quality. In fact, raw honey often crystallizes over time, which is a sign of its purity. Honey that doesn’t crystallize might be heavily processed. The only exception to this rule is West Australian jarrah Honey which never crystallises. Be wary of purchasing any jarrah honey that has crystallised.
7. Australian vs Imported Honey
Even though a honey may be labelled as 100% raw honey, if it has been imported from outside of Western Australia, then due to our strict import laws it would have been heat treated. This is because any honey that is imported into Western Australia must be heat treated to ensure that no harmful pests get into our state. When a honey is heat treated it kills of all the beneficial vitamins and enzymes that give honey its medicinal value. ensure you choose honey that is produced here in Western Australia
Choosing the right honey involves more than just picking the sweetest option. By understanding the factors that contribute to honey’s quality, you can select a product that offers both exceptional taste and beneficial properties.
Enjoy the sweetness and benefits of high-quality honey in every jar!