Is our West Berkshire Honey raw honey?

Absolutely yes! When you purchase a jar of Ben’s Berkshire Bees honey, you’re getting nothing but the purest, most natural product straight from hives across West Berkshire. But what exactly does it mean when we say our honey is "raw"? And why does labeling honey as raw sometimes cause controversy? We'll discuss all things raw honey in this post.

What Is Raw Honey?

Raw honey is honey that has been extracted from the hive and minimally processed. Unlike commercially processed honey, which is often heated and filtered to create a uniform appearance, raw honey is kept as close to its natural state as possible. This means:

• No excessive heating – We do not pasteurise our honey, ensuring that it retains its natural enzymes, pollen, and nutrients.

• No ultra-fine filtering – Our honey is lightly strained to remove large debris like wax, but it still contains natural bee pollen and other beneficial components. The photo to the right is one of actual filters it is very recognisable as a sieve!

• No additives whatsoever – Our Raw and Pure West Berkshire Honey is free from any artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or additives.

  
  

The Controversy of Raw Honey Labeling

The term raw honey is not officially regulated in the UK, which means that some brands may use the label misleadingly. Many supermarket honey products labeled as "raw" have still undergone fine filtration and mild heat treatment, removing valuable nutrients and pollen. Because there is no strict legal definition, consumers must trust local beekeepers who prioritize honesty and transparency. Recently a judgement was made that is was permissible to label honey as Raw if it has not been excessively heated or filtered.

At Ben’s Berkshire Bees, we are committed to providing truly Raw and Pure West Berkshire Honey without unnecessary processing. Our honey is extracted, lightly strained, and jarred, preserving its delicate flavours and natural health benefits.

Why Choose Raw and Pure West Berkshire Honey?

Opting for raw honey offers several benefits:

• Better Taste – Raw honey retains its complex floral notes, reflecting the diverse forage available to our bees in West Berkshire. Every batch is a bit different depending on the specific combinations of nectar available to the bees.

• Health Benefits – Because it contains natural enzymes, antioxidants, and pollen, raw honey supports immunity and digestion.

• Supports Local Beekeeping – Buying from Ben’s Berkshire Bees ensures that you are supporting ethical, local beekeeping practices that help protect pollinators.

How to Store and Use Raw Honey

To keep your raw honey in the best condition:

• Store it at room temperature in a cool, dry place.

• Over time, crystallization may occur – this is completely natural and a sign of high-quality honey! If needed, gently warm the jar in warm water to re-liquefy it.

• Use it as a natural sweetener in tea, porridge, baking, and skincare.

  
  

Experience the Best of West Berkshire Honey

At Ben’s Berkshire Bees, we take pride in producing Raw and Pure West Berkshire Honey that is as close to nature as possible. By choosing our honey, you’re not only enjoying a delicious and nutritious product, but you're also supporting local beekeeping and the vital role bees play in our ecosystem.

Want to try our honey for yourself? Visit our online shop or find us at the Newbury farmers’ markets to pick up your jar of authentic raw West Berkshire honey today!