What is the difference between regular honey and “raw and unfiltered” honey?
According to the National Honey Board, raw honey is “as it exists in the beehive or as obtained by extraction.” Honey that is not raw & unfiltered often has been pasteurized, meaning it has been heated at high temperatures. This allows manufacturers to bottle it faster and easier (it being extremely viscous at high temperatures), and when bottled, it may look cleaner, lighter and more appealing on the shelf. Pasteurization kills vitamins found in natural raw honey, and filtering removes pollen. We do not filter out pollens; we only lightly strain to catch chunks of wax and bee parts before they go into your bottle. Nature Nate’s only ingredient is honey, and it’s unpasteurized and unfiltered.
What are some foods I can pair honey with?
- Smoothies
- Mustard
- English Muffins
- Yogurt
- Oatmeal
- Tea
- Coffee
- BBQ
- Strawberries
- Cereal
See HoneyMakesItBetter.com for more ideas on how to use honey!
Where is Nature Nate’s honey from?
Our honey comes from nature! Although we are not beekeepers, we are big supporters of them. We partner with beekeepers to get honey straight from the hive. We test each batch to ensure it’s of quality. Read more about how we get honey from the hive to bottle.
Is Nature Nate’s Honey local?
We partner with commercial beekeepers that transport their hives all over the country depending on the season. They follow the "honey flow" - when major nectar sources are in bloom and the weather is favorable for bees to fly and collect the nectar.
For example, many of the Texas beekeepers will truck their hives to California for the winter, return them to Texas this spring, then go on to northern states later in the year; so that means the honey will have pollen from Texas as well as several other regions of the country.
However, when evaluating a honey purchase, the key thing to look for is how it’s processed. Our honey is raw, which means it is not cooked at high temperatures. It’s also unfiltered, meaning we strain only the undesirable bee parts and wax, leaving pollens intact. See how we handle our honey here.
Is this Texas honey?
All of our Nature Nate’s honey contains Texas honey, but it also has honey from Northern states in the blend to give it the best color and taste. The amount of Texas honey is dependent on the climate the previous summer.
What flora is Nature Nate’s honey?
Nature Nate’s Honey is a unique blend of several vegetation, including canola, clover, wildflower and tallow.
Can you eat the entire honey comb?
Yes! Honey comb is made up of edible beeswax and honey. The wax can be ingested, or simply chewed and then spit out. Try it on toast or crackers. The texture is the best part!
How are the bees treated?
The beekeepers that we partner with sign a contract with us stating that they will adhere to the best quality-control practices. To be sure, we also test the honey when we get it and before it goes into the bottle. See more about what we test for.
Where can I buy in my area?
Please see our store locator.
How long is honey good?
Honey stored in an airtight container and a cool, dry place will keep almost indefinitely.
My honey has hardened and looks more like candy than honey. Is it bad?
No! Crystallization is a natural process of raw and unfiltered honey. To get your honey back to its liquid state, place the bottle in a pan of water and simmer it over low heat on your stovetop; that will melt the crystals. Never microwave it, that will damage the enzymes. Remember: Raw and unfiltered honey may crystallize over time; it’s actually just a sign that your honey was never pasteurized! For more on crystallization, take a look at this!
How should I store my honey?
In a cool spot, out of direct sunlight. The pantry is fine! Make sure the cap is on tight. Do not refrigerate.
Who can eat honey?
Raw honey should not be fed to infants under the age of 1 or women who are breastfeeding. After our bodies have developed a little more, raw honey is fine for kids and adults. Check with your doctor if you have any health conditions.
Are you hiring?
Please send your resume to careers@naturenates.com. We'll notify you if a position comes available.
