Cold packed honey, also known as raw honey, is honey that has been minimally processed and packed without being heated. Unlike traditional honey, which is often heated and filtered to remove impurities, cold packed honey is packed in its raw form, preserving all of its natural enzymes, pollen, and other beneficial nutrients.
The process of making cold packed honey begins with the bees collecting nectar from flowers and bringing it back to the hive. The nectar is then stored in the bees’ honeycombs, where it is mixed with enzymes produced by the bees and allowed to mature and thicken over time. When the honey is ready, the bees cap the honeycombs with wax to seal in the honey.
To extract the honey from the hive, beekeepers use a device called a honey extractor, which spins the honeycombs to separate the honey from the beeswax. The honey is then poured into a container, where it is allowed to settle and mature. Once the honey has reached the desired consistency, it is cold packed into jars or other containers without being heated or filtered.
Cold packed honey is often considered a higher-quality honey than traditional honey because it retains all of its natural nutrients and enzymes. It is also often favored by those who prefer a more natural and minimally processed product. However, it is important to note that cold packed honey may contain impurities, such as bits of beeswax or pollen, and it may crystallize more quickly than traditional honey.
