FAQs

What is raw honey?

When we say GALHO honey is raw it means our honey is not subjected to pasteurisation or fine filtration. These processes substantially damage the beneficial properties of the honey. Our honey is normally strained to remove large particles like beeswax and other debris. As a result our honey retains the natural pollen, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals that are present in the honeycomb. These components are often filtered out in more processed forms of honey. We ensure the honey in our jars is as natural as it is when the bees produce it in their hives making it healthy, tasty and pure. Raw honey may also crystallize over time, which is a natural process that does not affect its quality. Overall, raw honey is valued for its natural state and potential health benefits compared to more processed forms of honey.

In case of any products being returned and replaced, the shipping charges both ways will be borne by the consumer.

What is the dark lining / settlement on top of my honey?

Since GALHO honey is packed in its raw form preserving all the nutrients, there may be a dark lining or some settlements formed on top as these are beeswax, pollen and air bubbles trapped in the honey that rises to the top. It is perfectly fine to consume it and in fact is the most nutritious part.

Why is there a foam on top of my honey?

These are the air bubbles trapped in honey and it slowly escapes to the top. It is a natural process and the honey is perfectly fine.

Why does the honey which I ordered previously taste and look different this time around?

GALHO honey reflect the conditions of the area in which the bees are located. The time of year influence which flowers are in bloom and available for bees to collect nectar from. This seasonal difference contributes to variety in honey flavor throughout the year. This holds true for honeys of the same variety but come from different districts or areas within the same district due to micro environmental differences like soil make-up, sunlight exposure and local climate variations. All of this adds to the uniqueness of each batch of our honey.

Our beekeepers are from different districts of Nagaland. We procure and use unblended honey from each individual beekeepers unlike the blended honey procured from different places, processed and mixed to get a consistent taste and texture. Hence there will be variations in taste, colour and texture in unblended honey. GALHO honey is unblended and come from individual beekeepers with their own hives and this influence the final flavor and texture of the honey.

There will be a slight difference in the perceived taste of the honey in every batch of GALHO honey and we consider this as the most thrilling part of trying raw honey. However it will all be flavoursome.

Why is the stingless bee honey thin and taste sour?

Stingless Bee Honey is thin because of high moisture content. It is sour most times because of the propolis and pollen from different herbs. This ferments the honey and is considered highly medicinal. The special capabilities of stingless bees to extract nectar from tiny flowers contribute to its nutritional richness. Stingless bees produces honey containing trehalulose, a rare sugar not dominant in any other foods. The abundance of this sugar contributes to the low Glycemic Index (GI) of stingless bee honey.

What is the right way to store honey?

Honey is one of the most stable natural foods and will stay good indefinitely if it’s stored properly. Always store honey at room temperature in a glass, airtight jar. It may crystallize, but the honey will still be safe to consume. This is a natural process for honey and is a good sign it is a quality honey. Crystals might be visually unappealing, but they aren’t dangerous for our health. Should crystallisation occur, gently warm the jar in warm water (not boiling). Even after opening, you do not have to refrigerate raw honey but keep out of direct sun light or near heated kitchen appliances.

Does honey expire?

Honey does not have an expiration date, but many honey jars have a “best by” date of about two years on the label to encourage consumers to use the product while it’s at its best.