When shopping for raw honey, it's easy to get overwhelmed by some of the lingo. We've simplified things here with a handy list of common terms you may find and their straightforward definitions.
Raw - Raw honey is not processed, heated or filtered.
Varietal - Varietal honey is honey made with nectar from one type of crop
"Perfect" food - Honey is sometimes referred to as a "perfect" food, as it has an infinite shelf life. Ideal conditions would be stored in a glass jar, at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.
Crystallization - Most honey will crystallize over time, meaning you can’t see through it anymore, and it becomes less liquid and more solid. This is a natural process for honey, and will happen sooner in some than in others. THIS IS A GOOD THING. It means the honey you bought is raw and of the finest quality. To return honey to a liquid state, take the lid off the jar, put it in a pot of hot (not boiling) water, and violà – it’s back to liquid in minutes.
Colony Collapse Disorder - CCD is a global crisis that has resulted in bee mortality rates of 33% over the last five years. The exact cause of CCD is unknown, causes are thought to include: pesticides, parasites and malnutrition. Zeke Freeman of BeeRaw honey has a campaign to help save the bees (and their honey!)
Apiary - a place where beehives of honey bees are kept.
Sources: Burg Bees, Bee Raw, Waxing Kara, Catskill Provisions