At Bee Sweet Honey, we believe that honey should taste like the land it comes from – rich, natural, and alive with the spirit of Jamaica. But in a world full of processed and artificial products, it’s important to know what you’re getting is authentic. Here are 10 signs to look out for when choosing real Jamaican raw honey.

1. Real Raw Honey May Crystallize Over Time – But Not Always in Warm Climates

One natural sign of raw, unprocessed honey is that it can crystallize over time – turning thick and creamy instead of staying liquid. But here’s the thing: in warm tropical climates like Jamaica, honey often remains liquid for much longer, even when it’s !00% raw and unfiltered.

Why It Happens: A Sweet Bit of Science

At it’s core, honey is a super-saturated solution of two natural sugars – glucose and fructose- suspended in a small amount of water. Depending on the floral source, some honeys contain more glucose than others. For example, logwood honey, a Jamaican favorite, tends to have a higher glucose content, while multifloral honeys often lean more towards fructose.

Now, here’s where crystallization comes in: glucose is less soluble in water than fructose, so overtime – especially in cooler temperatures – glucose starts to come out of solution and form crystals. When honey still has all its natural components like pollen, beeswax, or even tiny air bubbles, these particles act like a scaffold that encourages the crystals to form.

• Crystallization depends on temperature, the nectar floral source, and the natural sugar balance in the honey.
• Warmer environments (like our beautiful Caribbean climate) keep honey runny for a longer time.
• Some honeys, especially those made from certain floral nectars, are naturally slower to crystallize.

Temperature and Storage Matters

Honey stored in cooler spots – like air-conditioned rooms and refrigerators – is more likely to crystallize faster. That’s why honey in Jamaica’s warm climate usually stays liquid longer. But once it’s exported or stored in cooler environments, even the purest of Jamaican honey may eventually thicken or turn grainy. That’s not a flaw – that’s a feature of real, living food.

About Glucose and Health: Let’s Talk Glycemic Index (GI)

We know some folks might hear “glucose” and think it’s bad for blood sugar – but let’s break that down honestly.

Yes, glucose has a higher glycemic index (GI) than fructose. That means glucose raises the blood sugar more quickly than fructose. However, raw honey still has a lower GI than regular table sugar overall, thanks to its unique mix sugars, trace enzymes, antioxidants, and organic acids. It’s digested more slowly and offers more than just sweetness – it’s real nourishment. That said, like anything sweet, raw honey should still be enjoyed in moderation – even the good stuff.

Busting a Common Myth in Jamaica:

In Jamaica, you might hear that crystallized honey means sugar was added. This is simply not true. In fact, crystallization is one indicator that honey is raw and unprocessed. It shows that the honey still contains all the natural particles that commercial processors usually filter out – the very things that make it more nutritious and more likely to crystallize.

What to Do if Honey Crystalizes:

If your honey thickens and you want it runny again, just place the jar with the lid off in a bowl of warm (not hot) water and stir gently. It’ll return to it’s liquid state without losing any of it’s natural goodness.

Sensory Tip:

Whether smooth and pourable or thick and creamy. Bee Sweet Honey always delivers that rich, floral flavor that hugs your taste buds and carries you straight to the hills, blossoms and breeze of Jamaica.

2. Real Raw Honey Has a Rich, Complex Flavor

Real raw honey captures the true spirit of its flowers, soil, and season. Bee Sweet Honey tastes bold and vibrant, with hints of the wild Jamaican blossoms that the bees visit.

3. Real Raw Honey is Aromatic

Open a jar and breathe in – you’ll notice a strong, sweet, almost herbal aroma. Highly processed honey smells bland.

4. Real Raw Honey Slightly can be Cloudy

Pure raw honey is often cloudier than the ultra-clear processed brands. That’s because it still contains tiny specks of pollen, propolis, and beeswax – all beneficial to your health.

5. Real Raw Honey Has Natural Color Variations

Depending on the season and which flowers the bees fed on, real honey can range from light gold to deep amber. At Bee Sweet Honey, each harvest is a little different – and that’s the beauty of it.

6. Real Raw Honey Contains Bee Pollen, Beeswax and Propolis

Tiny particles of pollen, beeswax and propolis in raw honey add to its powerful nutritional benefits. These natural ingredients support the immune system and are rich in antioxidants.

7. Real Raw Honey is Harvested Sustainably

We use ethical, sustainable beekeeping practices to protect our bees and the environment. That means no harmful chemicals, no overharvesting, and deep respect for nature’s rhythms.

8. Real Raw Honey Has No Added Sugar or Syrup

Bee Sweet Honey is 100% pure, with no additives, no corn syrup, and no fillers – just the goodness made by the bees themselves.

9. Real Raw Honey is Sold by a Trusted Local Brand

When you buy from Bee Sweet Honey, you’re supporting real Jamaican beekeepers who are passionate about preserving our culture, land, and traditions.

10. Real Raw Honey Tells a Story

Every jar of Bee Sweet Honey carries the story of our island, our bees, and our journey. You can taste the sunshine, the sea breezes, the fields of flowers – and the care that goes into every harvest.

Final Thoughts: Trust the Taste of Nature

Choosing real Jamaican raw honey is about more than buying a sweet treat, it’s about connecting to nature, culture, and community. At Bee Sweet Honey, we’re proud to offer you the real thing – a pure expression of Jamaica’s rich, living landscape.

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