Synopsis : How can you provide information about the origin and authenticity of your local honey? Labelling, logic and some geekery.
Introduction
This is a follow-on from the post last week about the adulteration of honey. For those of you who gave up reading midway through those 3800+ words the abridged version goes something like this.
80-90% of the honey consumed in the UK is imported. A very significant proportion of this imported honey originates, directly or indirectly, from China. When tested, about 75% of Chinese honey contains markers of adulteration i.e. it’s not honey. All tested honey exported from the UK was considered adulterated.
Most Honey is ‘pHoney’.
This ‘pHoney’ is largely what consumers are purchasing. Their experience influences their expectations of what honey is.
If they are used to a sickly sweet, golden coloured syrup in a squeezy bear, they are unlikely to be tempted by your delicate pale, soft-set mix containing 20% heather, or your zesty lime honey.
Where did this honey originate?
Of course, if they are used to the squeezy bear contents they might not like your honey.
But what about someone wanting to try something new, or to purchase honey as a gift?
Or who wants to purchase truly ‘local’ honey?
Someone who might not normally spend £9 on a jar of honey?
Or who just wants to find out more about the honey they have just purchased?
Read on.
