Raw honey refers to honey that has not been pasteurized or filtered. It is honey that has been minimally processed and is as close to its natural state as possible. Raw honey is usually extracted from the comb using traditional methods, such as crushing and straining, or spin extraction.
Raw honey is considered to be more nutritious than processed honey because it contains all the natural enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are present in the original nectar collected by the bees. It also contains pollen, propolis, and small amounts of wax, which are removed during the processing of regular honey.
Raw honey is also known for its unique flavor and color, which can vary depending on the types of flowers visited by the bees. It also crystallizes over time, but it's not a sign of spoilage or adulteration, and it can be easily liquefied by gently heating the honey.
It's important to note that, while raw honey is considered to be more nutritious and flavorful than processed honey, it may contain small amounts of bacteria, such as Clostridium botulinum, which can be harmful to infants. Therefore, it is not recommended to give raw honey to infants under one year old.
Raw honey can also be found in a variety of forms, such as comb honey, which is the honey still inside the wax comb, chunk honey, which contains pieces of comb honey, or whipped honey, which is a creamed honey that has been agitated to give a smooth texture