Finest Cheshire Set Honey

Description the same as the Runny Honey but stored in a cooler environmet over a period of time. Eventually all Unaduterated Honey Will chrstalize / Set. Supermarket Adulterated Honey usually takes a very long time to chrstalize do to it being pasturised.

The Consequences of Heating Honey

While effective for preservation, applying high heat fundamentally alters honey's composition.

Destruction of Beneficial Enzymes

Raw honey contains enzymes like diastase and invertase, which are introduced by bees and play a role in the honey's unique characteristics. The heat from pasteurization denatures (destroys) these enzymes, removing a key component of what makes raw honey distinct.

Degradation of Nutrients

The high temperatures also degrade some of the delicate vitamins, antioxidants, and amino acids present in raw honey. While honey is not a primary source of these nutrients, the pasteurization process diminishes its overall nutritional profile.

Slower Crystallization

Pasteurization, often combined with fine filtration, helps keep honey in a liquid state for longer. The heat dissolves any existing sugar crystals, and filtration removes microscopic particles (like pollen) that can act as "seeds" for new crystals to form.

The Case for Pasteurization: Consistency and Stability

For large-scale commercial producers, pasteurization is a critical quality control step. It guarantees a long shelf life, prevents costly spoilage from fermentation, and provides the clear, liquid product that many consumers expect.

The Case for Raw Honey: A More Natural State

For those seeking honey's full potential benefits, raw honey is the clear choice. It retains its natural enzymes, pollen, amino acids, and full antioxidant profile. This results in a product that is less processed and closer to its state in the hive.

The Reality of "Bad" Honey

Pasteurized honey is not "bad" or unsafe; it is simply a more processed food optimized for commercial stability. The primary loss is not in its fundamental sugar content, but in the complex, delicate compounds that give raw honey its unique character and potential health benefits.