Local honey has been getting a lot of buzz (no pun intended) lately, but do you really know why? If you are thinking it is just one of those fads and we will stop hearing about it soon, think again.
Did you know that using heated and pasteurized honey (like the honey in that cute little bear shaped bottle) is actually just as unhealthy as consuming refined sugar?
If you are someone who makes a conscious effort to be healthy, why would you put that in your body? Another good question is, if you are sick or have a cold and put a bit honey in tea, why would you want to pump your body full of non-nutritious sugar? Honestly, the questions could go on and on.
We feel that there is not enough information out there for consumers to understand pasteurized, AKA normal everyday honey you see everywhere, versus raw honey from local farms, and we would like to change that.
Benefits of Raw Honey: Honey has been around for a very long time often used in ancient Egypt as a sweetener and in ancient Greece as a healing medicine.
So what are these ‘healing’ benefits that raw honey was used for?
• Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal
• Soothes and heals skin wounds
• Reduces coughing
• Soothes irritated throats
• Promotes the growth of good bacteria in the intestine
• Maintains a healthy heart
• Source of antioxidants
• Helps digestion
Raw vs. Pasteurized: Most of the honey you see in stores has been heated and pasteurized. The process of heating the honey is said to be used to kill certain types of bacteria that are responsible for infant botulism and prevent crystallization. This process, however, cannot remove all of honey’s bacteria levels (which is why honey should not be given to infants) but also removes the natural flavors, antibacterial benefits, nutrients, and antioxidants.
Local: Local raw honey is seen as the best to use due to its pollen benefits to specific locations. Local raw honey contains pollen from your area which is known to help those local seasonal allergies.
In the restaurant, we sell local raw honey from North Howell, NJ - From the Garden. Their mission is to produce the highest quality of local honey because they truly care about YOU. Best of all, you can visit their farm and learn everything they have to offer!
