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What Is Organic Honey?

M.C. Huguelet
M.C. Huguelet

Most people are familiar with honey, the sweet, sticky, edible substance produced by nectar-drinking bees, but many are unaware that some commercial honey is classified as organic. While the exact definition of organic honey can vary based on an individual country’s laws, in the US, it generally must fulfill a number of criteria relating to bees’ diets and habitats, as well as the way that the honey is produced. Some people feel that organic honey is healthier and tastier than its non-organic counterpart. As it is difficult to ensure that the recommended criteria for organic honey are met, however, many food experts in the US and elsewhere are skeptical that production of this type of honey is truly possible.

Like all honey, organic honey is produced when honeybees use enzymes to convert flower nectar into a sweet, golden syrup. Bees store this substance in waxy structures called honeycombs, which are found within their hive. Commercial honey producers then harvest this honey, bottle it, and sell it. A producer cannot market his honey as organic, however, unless it meets a set of standards established by the body that regulates organic food production in his country.

Piece of honeycomb.
Piece of honeycomb.

In the US, honey must satisfy a number of different conditions to be considered organic. First of all, it must be made by bees that have not ingested any substances deemed non-organic, such as nectar drawn from flowers that have been exposed to pollution runoff. The bees must also live in a hive that is free from non-organic materials, like pesticide-tainted wax, and must be kept free of mites and other pests using only natural means. Further, organic honey must be harvested in accordance with a number of procedures that protect the bees’ well-being and prevent contamination by synthetic materials.

Soap made with organic honey.
Soap made with organic honey.

According to organic honey advocates, there are two primary reasons for choosing organic honeys over non-organic ones. First of all, using an organic product can help limit one’s exposure to pesticides and other synthetic substances. Additionally, it has been suggested that organic honey simply tastes better than honey that is not organic.

Many food experts argue, however, that in the highly developed world of the early 21st century, honey that is truly organic is all but impossible to produce. This is largely because honeybees often travel long distances to collect nectar, and thus the likelihood that they have come into contact with non-organic substances while producing honey is high. Furthermore, it can be difficult to access organic versions of many essential beekeeping tools, such as wax honeycomb starter kits. Finally, as enforcement of organic honey regulations can be lax in countries like the US, some unethical producers may put organic labels on honey that does not actually meet organic criteria.

Discussion Comments

Rundocuri

@raynbow- Check out farmers' markets in your area. Many local honey producers harvest their honey organically, and sell it locally. Farmers' markets are well known for carrying organic products like honey in addition to locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Heavanet

@raynbow- Most grocery stores carry several brands of honey that are labeled to be organic. Some stores might place them on the shelf with non-organic honey, while others have organic and natural food isles for this type of product.

If you can't find organic honey in your favorite grocery store, you probably will be able to find numerous brands in a health food store. Most of these stores only carry organic products, so they carry more varieties than regular grocery and retail stores.

Raynbow

Where are some good places to find organic honey? I'm trying to eat more organic foods, and I'd like to add honey to my grocery list.

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    • Piece of honeycomb.
      Piece of honeycomb.
    • Soap made with organic honey.
      By: Mihai Simonia
      Soap made with organic honey.
    • Organic versions of beekeeping wax can be difficult to obtain.
      By: Steve Oehlenschlager
      Organic versions of beekeeping wax can be difficult to obtain.
    • Some people believe that organic honey is tastier and healthier.
      By: monticellllo
      Some people believe that organic honey is tastier and healthier.
    • Organic honey must be created using bees and bee food that are free of pesticides.
      By: Brent Hofacker
      Organic honey must be created using bees and bee food that are free of pesticides.
    • The diets and habitats of bees may be regulated in the production of organic honey.
      By: Alekss
      The diets and habitats of bees may be regulated in the production of organic honey.