Tag: Honey

  • How to Identify Real Raw Honey: 6 Tips and Tricks

    How to Identify Real Raw Honey: 6 Tips and Tricks

    So, you’ve got a jar of honey, and you’re wondering, “Is this the real deal or just a sugary imposter?” Fear not, honey sleuth! We’ve got your back. Let’s dive into the sticky world of raw honey detection. You’re going to learn how to Identify Raw Honey!

    Keep it Real,
    Keep it Raw,


    Bees on frame

    The Cloudy Clue

    • Raw Honey: Imagine a misty morning in the beehive. Raw honey is like that—cloudy, mysterious, and full of secrets. If your honey looks a bit hazy, you’re on the right track.
    • Processed Honey: Clear as a crystal ball? That’s processed honey. It’s so transparent, it could moonlight as a windowpane.
    how to identify raw honey and what to look for, doom bloom honey, thehoneyreview.com

    See the sediment at the bottom of the jar? That’s proof of legit Honey. Raw Honey is approximately 40% fructose, 30% glucose and 17% water, with the remainder being other sugars, carbohydrates and a small number of vitamins and minerals.

    Crystal Quest

    • Raw Honey: Over time, raw honey gets cozy and forms tiny crystals. It’s like nature’s bling. So, if your honey has a little crunch, it’s legit.
    • Processed Honey: Smooth as a dance floor? Processed honey stays liquid, refusing to join the crystal party.
    Creamed Honey thehoneyreview.com identifying honey

    You may even find some Honey that is “Whipped” or “Creamed”. This is just blended crystallized Honey.

    There is no reason to toss a Jar of crystallized Honey. If you’re not patient enough to slow heat the jar with water (DO NOT MICROWAVE IT) just grab a knife and start stirring.

    Texture Tells

    Manuka Honey Texture of Honey, How to Identify Raw Honey
    • Raw Honey: Picture this: raw honey doing the cha-cha with your spoon. It’s thick, grainy, and unapologetically rustic.
    • Processed Honey: Processed honey waltzes—silky, suave, and oh-so-smooth. It’s the James Bond of honeys.
    kelleys local raw texas honey the honey review

    Sediment Story

    • Raw Honey: Sometimes, raw honey brings along souvenirs—tiny pollen particles, propolis bits, and even a honeycomb crumb or two. It’s like a nature hike in a jar.
    • Processed Honey: No surprises here. Processed honey keeps it clean—no pollen hitchhikers allowed.

    Color Contest

    • Raw Honey: Shades of gold! Raw honey flaunts its natural hues—light golden, amber, or deep caramel. It’s like a sunset in a spoon.
    • Processed Honey: Pale and proud. Processed honey sticks to a single shade, like a minimalist art exhibit.
    cloister honey how to identify raw honey thehoneyreview.com

    Aroma Adventure

    • Processed Honey: Mild-mannered or scentless? Processed honey lacks that floral flair. It’s the introvert at the honey party.
    • Raw Honey: Close your eyes and sniff. Raw honey smells like a wildflower meadow after rain—a symphony of blossoms. It’s the bee’s knees.
    • Also check out the Benefits of Propolis

    Conclusion: Remember, honey detective, these clues aren’t foolproof. For the real McCoy, buzz over to local beekeepers or trusted sources. They’ll serve you the sweet truth. I hope these tips help you Identify Raw Honey near you.

    To identify real raw honey, consider these key factors:

    1. Stickiness: Real honey feels soft and velvety, not sticky like cheap syrup. If it’s sticky, it might be adulterated.
    2. Viscosity: Authentic honey is thick and pours slowly, while processed honey flows more like a liquid.
    3. Taste Persistence: Real honey’s taste doesn’t linger; it dissolves with saliva. Fake honey tastes sweet for longer.
    4. Flavors and Scents: Monofloral honeys have unique flavors. For example, sunflower honey has an oily characteristic.

    Remember, the best way to ensure purity is to buy from trusted sources like local beekeepers or reputable brands.

    Some of my favorite Honey available is: TREE HIVE® Breakfast, Home | Moon’s Honey House, Cloister Honey – Artisan Honey and Gifts, Two Hives Honey

    Recent Reviews

  • Moon’s Honey House | Neighborhood Raw Honey Review

    Moon’s Honey House | Neighborhood Raw Honey Review

    Since 1952, Moon’s Honey House has been a trusted family-owned and operated business. Their exquisite collection includes local honey, meticulously crafted beeswax creations, and unique handmade gifts. It’s a delightful destination for those who appreciate quality and authenticity.

    Benefits of Raw Honey Products

    Some of the benefits of raw honey products are:

    Honey bees“/ CC0 1.0

    Moon’s Honey House Neighborhood Honey

    Introduction

    Moon’s Honey House, nestled in the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina, is more than just a honey purveyor—it’s a sweet haven where bees work their magic. As I stepped up to their charming shop at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, the air hummed with the promise of liquid gold. Here’s my take on their Neighborhood Raw Honey:

    Flavor Profile

    Botanical Notes

    Moon’s Honey House Neighborhood Raw Honey boasts a harmonious blend of floral notes:

    • Wildflowers: These contribute delicate sweetness, reflecting diverse local flora.
    • Clover: The honey carries mild herbal undertones from clover nectar.
    • Orange Blossoms: The essence of citrus-kissed air infuses the honey.
    Earthy Undertones

    Beneath the floral layers lies a subtle complexity:

    • Dew-Kissed Grass: Freshness reminiscent of morning dew.
    • Sun-Warmed Soil: Earthiness rooted in Carolina terroir.

    Texture

    Viscosity

    When it hits your tongue, it’s like Grandma’s warm hug. The honey wraps itself around your taste buds, sayin’, “Hey there, darlin’, I’m here to stay.” You’ll wanna roll it around, let it linger like a good gossip.

    Satin-like

    Swirl it like you’re dancin’ at the county fair. It’s like wearin’ a satin robe made of sweetness. Not heavy, not light—just perfect. The bees must’ve taken etiquette lessons, ’cause this honey knows how to beehave.

    Get it? Beehave?

    Moon's Honey House Raw Neighborhood Honey plush bee and gift bag purchased from charlotte regional farmers market

    Pairings

    1. Morning Toast: Drizzle this liquid gold over warm toast or biscuits. It’s like a sweet sunrise on your plate.
    2. Tea Time: Stir it into your favorite cup of tea. The honey melts, adding a touch of sweetness to your afternoon ritual. Just be sure you wait a little bit or the boiling water will kill all the benefits of your honey.
    3. Cheese and Honey: Grab some sharp cheddar or creamy goat cheese. Spread a little honey on top—it’s a match made in flavor heaven.
    4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer it with Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh berries. The honey adds a natural sweetness that’ll make your taste buds sing.
    5. Peanut Butter Sandwich: Swap out the jelly for honey. Trust me, your PB&J game just leveled up.
    6. Oatmeal Upgrade: Drizzle honey over your morning oatmeal. It’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds.

    Pro Tip

    Apples help clear your taste buds if you go buck wild pairing Honey with things.

    Sustainability and Local Impact

    Varietal Honeys: Moon’s Neighborhood 24 stands out with its extra-white honey, offering sweet and fruity flavors. Perfect for drizzling on Greek yogurt or blending into your morning smoothie for a taste of Charlotte’s sunshine.

    Crafts and Skin Care: They also create beeswax candles, lotions, and lip balms, providing a natural touch to your self-care routine.

    Local Love: Moon’s Honey House sources their Very Local Honey from Myers Park and nearby areas. The bees work their magic, delivering sweet, local flavors for you to enjoy.

    Price

    • Neighborhood 24: $9.00 – $18.00
    • Ocala: $9.00 – $18.00
    • Pee Dee Wildflower: $9.00 – $18.00
    • Hot Honey: $11.00 – $20.00
    • Poplar: $9.00 – $18.00
    • Knob Hill Wildflower: $12.00

    It looks like the prices range from $9.00 to $20.00, depending on the type of honey. Is there a specific one you’re interested in?

    Packaging and Appearance

    Moon's Honey House Raw Neighborhood Honey Review
    Moon’s Honey House Raw Neighborhood 24′ Honey

    Neighborhood Raw Honey

    moon's honey house raw honey review

    Simplicity

    I like the label simply because it only mentions the essentials. It shows it is produced by John Moon, it lists his address, his phone number and website.
    And the net weight. The label is made of thick paper stock, and he has his cool logo off to the side.

    photo of moon's honey house raw honey opened with flowers

    Conclusion

    Y’all, Moon’s Honey House Neighborhood Raw Honey is more than just a sweet topping—it’s the heart of Charlotte in a jar. Every dip of that spoon is like a warm Southern hug, filled with the sunshine, the blooms, and the bees’ loving labor.

    So, when you find yourself wanderin’ through the Queen City, mosey on down to Moon’s Honey House. Treat your palate to a spoonful of local charm—your taste buds might just do a little jig, and them hardworking bees will sure appreciate it!

    Buying Guide for Raw Honey Products

    Raw honey products are natural sweeteners that are made by honey bees from the nectar of various flowers and plants. They are different from regular honey products because they are not heated, pasteurized, or filtered, which means they retain more of their beneficial enzymes, nutrients, and antioxidants. They also have a more complex and diverse flavor profile, depending on the source of the nectar and the region where the bees live.

    What to look for

    If you are interested in buying raw honey products, here are some factors to consider:

    Type
    Origin
    Label
    Processing Method
    • The processing method of honey refers to the way the honey is extracted, stored, and packaged. The processing method of honey can affect the freshness, purity, and safety of the honey. Some of the best processing methods of honey are:
      • Cold extraction: This method involves extracting the honey from the honeycomb without applying any heat, which preserves the natural enzymes, nutrients, and antioxidants of the honey.
      • Gravity straining: This method involves straining the honey through a coarse filter or a cheesecloth to remove any large impurities, such as wax, pollen, or debris, while keeping the smaller particles intact.
      • Glass jar packaging: This method involves packaging the honey in a glass jar, which is airtight, transparent, and recyclable, and it protects the honey from moisture, light, and oxidation.

    Product Alternatives

    If you are interested in other local honey from Charlotte, you can also check out Cloister Scotch Infused Honey Cloister Bourbon Infused Honey | Cloister Honey and Brandy Infused Honey | Cloister Honey, which are equally delicious and versatile.

    Text?

    Moon’s Honey House Raw Neighborhood Honey

    The Honey Reviewer

    Honey
    Color
    Aroma
    Flavor
    Texture

    Review Summary


    Moon’s Honey House Neighborhood Raw Honey offers a delightful taste of Charlotte, North Carolina. This honey features a harmonious blend of floral notes from wildflowers, clover, and orange blossoms, with subtle earthy undertones reminiscent of dew-kissed grass and sun-warmed soil. Its satin-like texture makes it perfect for drizzling over toast, stirring into tea, or pairing with cheese. The honey is locally sourced, supporting sustainability and community impact. Overall, it’s a sweet, authentic experience that captures the essence of the region
    I was disappointed that there wasn’t more of an aroma to this Honey, like the bourbon infused Honey has. Sometimes these infused Honey’s have incredible smells that really entice the taste buds.

    Overall, unique flavor, very high quality and any Honey connoisseur will love some of Cloister’s offerings. Check out their incredible products from Charlotte, NC below.

    3.7
  • Cloister Infused Scotch Honey Review

    Cloister Infused Scotch Honey Review

    Howdy, y’all, and welcome to my raw honey review blog, where I share my love and passion for all things honey. Today, I’m going to tell y’all about a very special product that I recently tried: Cloister Infused Scotch Honey.

    Benefits of Raw Honey Products

    Some of the benefits of raw honey products are:

    Honey bees“/ CC0 1.0

    Cloister Infused Scotch Honey

    Cloister Infused Scotch Honey is a new creation from Cloister Honey, a family-owned business right here in Charlotte, North Carolina. Cloister Honey makes some of the best pure, raw, and delicious honey with various flavors and infusions, such as whipped honey, traditional honey, gourmet honey spreads, and honey straws.

    Cloister Infused Scotch Honey The Honey Review, Charlotte, NC
    Cloister Honey

    Product Summary

    Cloister Infused Scotch Honey is made with Highland Park 12 single malt Scotch and wildflower honey, creating a unique blend that has subtle notes of oak, lemon, vanilla, orange, and a hint of clove. The honey is smooth, rich, and aromatic, with a slight smoky aftertaste. The Scotch flavor is not too strong, but rather balances the natural sweetness and floral notes of the honey.

    Cloister Infused Scotch Honey can be enjoyed in many ways, such as:

    • Pairing it with a puff pastry-wrapped oven-baked brie
    • Drizzling it over grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream
    • Swirling it into black tea or a specialty cocktail
    • Spreading it on your morning biscuits or toast

    Product Review: Cloister Infused Scotch Honey

    Packaging and Appearance

    Cloister Infused Scotch Honey comes in a glass jar with a black metal lid and a brown label. The label has the brand name, the product name, the ingredients, and the net weight. The label also has a QR code that leads to the product page on the Cloister Honey website. The jar is easy to open and close, and the honey is visible through the glass. The honey has a golden amber color and a thick and smooth consistency.

    Cloister Honey Infused Scotch Honey 3oz Jar , Charlotte NC, TheHoneyReview

    Taste and Texture

    Cloister Infused Scotch Honey has a unique and complex flavor that combines the sweetness and floral notes of wildflower honey with the smoky and woody notes of Highland Park 12 single malt Scotch. The Scotch flavor is subtle and not overpowering, but it adds a depth and richness to the honey. The honey has a smooth and creamy texture that melts in the mouth. The honey is not too sweet or too bitter, but rather well-balanced and satisfying.

    Quality

    Cloister Infused Scotch Honey is a high-quality product that is made with pure, raw, and delicious honey from American beekeepers and premium Scotch whisky from Scotland. The honey is not heated, pasteurized, or filtered, which means it retains more of its beneficial enzymes, nutrients, and antioxidants. The honey is also infused with natural flavors and zero oils, artificial extracts, or coloring. The honey is gluten-free, non-GMO, and kosher certified.

    Price

    Cloister Infused Scotch Honey is priced at $15.00 for a 12 oz jar on the Cloister Honey website or at selected retailers. This is a reasonable price for a specialty honey product that is made with high-quality ingredients and has a unique and delicious flavor. The honey is also versatile and can be used in various ways, such as pairing, drizzling, swirling, or spreading. The honey is a perfect treat for yourself or a gift for someone who loves honey and Scotch.

    I paid $7 for the smaller 3oz glass jar.

    Cloister Honey 3oz Jar price

    Overall Rating

    Cloister Infused Scotch Honey is a wonderful product that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys honey and Scotch. It has a beautiful packaging and appearance, a smooth and creamy texture, and a complex and satisfying flavor. It is also a high-quality product that is made with pure, raw, and delicious honey and premium Scotch whisky. It is reasonably priced and versatile, and can be enjoyed in many ways. I give Cloister Infused Scotch Honey a 5 out of 5 stars rating.

    Buying Guide for Raw Honey Products

    Raw honey products are natural sweeteners that are made by honey bees from the nectar of various flowers and plants. They are different from regular honey products because they are not heated, pasteurized, or filtered, which means they retain more of their beneficial enzymes, nutrients, and antioxidants. They also have a more complex and diverse flavor profile, depending on the source of the nectar and the region where the bees live.

    If you are interested in buying raw honey products, here are some factors to consider:

    Product Alternatives

    If you are interested in other spirits x honey combinations, you can also check out Cloister Bourbon Infused Honey | Cloister Honey and Brandy Infused Honey | Cloister Honey, which are equally delicious and versatile.

    Final Thoughts

    Y’all, I’m telling you, this Cloister Infused Scotch Honey is something else. It’s not just honey, it’s a whole experience. It’s like taking a trip to the Highlands and the Tar Heel State at the same time. It’s sweet, smoky, and smooth, and it goes with everything. You can drizzle it on your biscuits, stir it in your tea, or even sip it straight from the jar. It’s that good.

    This honey is made with 100% pure, raw honey from right here in North Carolina, and infused with premium single malt scotch from Scotland. The result is a perfect harmony of flavors that will make your taste buds sing. And the best part is, it’s all natural, no artificial flavors or preservatives.

    Cloister Infused Scotch Honey
    Cloister Honey Scotch Infused Honey

    If you want to wow your folks, friends, or customers, you need to get yourself some Cloister Infused Scotch Honey. You can order it online or call them up. They’re super friendly and helpful. You can also follow them on social media and check out their blog for more ideas and recipes. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this chance to try one of the finest honeys in the world and see what Cloister Infused Scotch Honey can do for you.

    Cloister Infused Scotch Honey

    The Honey Reviewer

    Honey
    Color
    Aroma
    Flavor
    Texture

    Review Summary

    I love artisanal honey, especially when it’s local. Cloister has a ton of unique honey flavors to choose from. This time I tried their Infused Scotch Honey. If you like more medicinal forward flavors like Manuka Honey, you’ll probably like this Honey. The Scotch Honey has notes of tree sap or molasses, especially on the first taste.
    Second taste was more balanced, smooth and ended with a subtle spice. This is where the wildflower comes through and balances things out.

    I was disappointed that there wasn’t more of an aroma to this Honey, like the bourbon infused Honey has. Sometimes these infused Honey’s have incredible smells that really entice the taste buds.

    Overall, unique flavor, very high quality and any Honey connoisseur will love some of Cloister’s offerings. Check out their incredible products from Charlotte, NC below.

    4