Definition

Raw honey is unpasteurized honey which has not been heated.

Health considerations

Raw honey contains traces of pollen. Due to this, some individuals consume it in hopes of exposing their immune system to local allergens to minimize allergies from environmental plant life. Raw honey has greater antioxidant potential than processed honey. Raw honey has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Honey is not advised for infants due to the potential for contamination by dormant endospores of the botulism-causing bacterium; immature intestinal tracts cannot handle this.

Keep in mind

Some apiaries treat hives with antibiotics and other drugs to prevent colony collapse; trace amounts may be present in the honey itself.

May be found in

Typically sold as is, as a specialty product

References

Food Chemistry
Biotechnology Research International
International Journal of Food Microbiology

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