Is raw the same thing as unpasteurized?

by Becky
(Toronto, Canada)

Just a quick question. I'm finding the information on the site a bit confusing. I have purchased honey labelled as raw, and liquid unpasteurized. (both organic) Aside from the consistency, is there a difference? The information on the site informs the reader to purchase honey labelled as "raw" or "unpasteurized", however it has been my experience that raw honey does not come in liquid form. Therefore, I am curious as to whether this organic, liquid, unpasteurized honey I am purchasing is as good as organic, unpasteurized, raw honey.

Hi Becky,
When raw honey is first bottled, it is in a liquid state so this might be the case here. Over time it will return to a solid state. If it doesn't, then it is not raw and it has likely been heated.

Raw honey is simply a honey that has not been filtered or pasteurized. It will then contain naturally occurring bee pollen, royal jelly, beeswax and propolis.

A honey simply labelled as un-pasteurized is likely filtered but simply hasn't been heated. It would not be considered raw as it has been filtered and had the royal jelly, beeswax, bee pollen and propolis removed from it.

Hope that helps,
Angela