The amber hues of honey have graced tables and kitchens for centuries, but in the modern era, the choice between commercially produced honey and real honey from local beekeepers isn't often as straight forward as it may seem.
This blog aims to unravel the compelling reasons behind why you should choose local honey and delve into the clandestine world of counterfeit honey. By understanding why you should turn to your local beekeeper and honing the ability to spot fake honey, you help to protect yourself from the shady world of food fraud!
The Case for Local Honey: A Symphony of Flavour and Ethics
Exceptional Flavour Profiles and Unmatched Quality: The first and foremost reason to champion local honey lies in the exceptional flavour profiles and unmatched quality that it offers. Unlike mass-produced honey, which often undergoes excessive processing and filtration, local beekeepers typically adopt traditional and sustainable beekeeping practices.
Supporting Local Beekeepers and Sustainable Practices: Opting for honey from local beekeepers extends beyond a mere culinary choice; it's a conscious decision to support sustainable practices and the guardians of our local ecosystems. Local beekeepers are often small-scale entrepreneurs deeply connected to their communities.
Community Empowerment: The purchase of local honey is a direct investment in the economic vibrancy of local communities. Unlike faceless corporations, local beekeepers are individuals deeply rooted in the regions they serve.
Spotting Fake Honey: Navigating the Honeycomb of Deception
While the allure of local honey beckons, the market is unfortunately rife with counterfeit products claiming to be pure honey. To shield yourself from these impostors, consider the following tell-tale signs:
Read the Label: Authentic honey labels should provide a wealth of information, including the origin of the honey, the specific floral sources, and details about the beekeeping practices. Be wary of vague or generic labels, as they often indicate a lack of transparency in the honey's journey from hive to bottle.
If you want to guarantee you are buying local honey from the UK, look at the back of the label. It will say Product of the UK or Product of England/Wales/Scotland etc. Regardless of the company brand, if it says Product of Non EU countries, it's basically coming in from China, the largest honey exporter in the world. This doesn't mean its necessarily fake, it just might not be subject to same intense scrutiny and regulations that you might find elsewhere in the world.
