Prepping essentials: Why you should waste no time stocking up on honey

09/16/2024 / By Olivia Cook

Honey is a remarkable gift from nature that has been cherished for centuries. Not only is it nutritious, but honey also lasts indefinitely when stored correctly. Beyond its role as a natural alternative to sugar, honey serves as a valuable tool in medicine and for food preservation.

Honey is an essential item for preppers and survivalists. If you’re in the process of building your survival stockpile, now is the time to start stockpiling honey. Here are a few key reasons why:

Bee decline: a growing concern

Bees are facing a serious decline in population worldwide, with major consequences for agriculture and ecosystems. One major cause is habitat loss driven by urban development and intensive farming practices, which destroy the natural foraging and nesting areas of bees, according to Alexandra Zissu of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). (Related: Bees declared “the most important living being on the planet,” but they may soon be extinct.)

Other major threats to bees include the use of pesticides, especially neonicotinoids, and diseases like colony collapse disorder (CCD). These issues lead to high mortality rates and reproductive problems among bee populations. (Related: Neonicotinoids and pyrazoles are killing off honeybees, scientists discover.)

Bees are essential pollinators for a large portion of flowering plants, including key crops like almonds, apples and berries. Bee population decline threatens crop yields as well as global food security and biodiversity.

To combat this decline, efforts are underway which are focused on restoring habitats, reducing pesticide use, supporting organic farming and advocating for policies that protect these crucial pollinators.

Surge in honey prices

In recent years, honey prices have been steadily increasing due to economic and environmental factors. The main cause is the decline in bee population, which directly affects honey production. As bees continue to suffer, honey supplies also decrease, leading to higher costs for beekeepers.

According to The Honey Association, poor harvests in key regions like Australia, Eastern Europe and the U.S., combined with rising demand in countries like China and India, have also contributed to the global honey shortage.

Additionally, growing consumer preference for organic raw honey has further driven prices up. With demand rising and supplies shrinking, honey prices are expected to keep climbing.

Investing in honey now could be a smart move as prices are not likely to drop any time soon. By buying from reputable sources that support sustainable beekeeping, consumers can enjoy high-quality honey while helping protect bee populations.

Hidden crisis of “fake” honey

The global honey industry is facing a significant but underreported issue: fake or adulterated honey. It is estimated that 30 percent of the honey on the global market is mixed with sugars, and up to 70 percent of honey sold in the U.S. could be fraudulent, according to Pass the Honey.

This surge in counterfeit honey, which is often diluted with sugar syrups, poses a major challenge to both consumers and genuine honey producers. Such practices not only degrade the quality of honey but also shake consumer confidence in the product.

China has been highlighted as a significant source of fake honey, with reports showing that much of its honey exports are either adulterated or mislabeled to cut production costs.

Fake honey lacks the nutritional value of real honey, being low in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and may even contain harmful substances.

To ensure you’re getting the real deal, buy honey from reputable sources that disclose their production methods. Labels like “raw” or “unfiltered” suggest minimal processing, which means the honey is more likely to be authentic. Opting for local honey can also help guarantee quality and purity.

Honey in your prepper pantry

As a survival item, honey offers many advantages:

Infinite shelf life. One of honey’s most notable benefits for individuals prepping for the long term is its incredible longevity. Honey’s impressive shelf life is due to its unique properties: Its low moisture content and high acidity provides an unfavorable environment for bacteria and other microorganisms, making honey perfect for extended storage. When kept in a cool, dry place, raw honey can last indefinitely.

Nutritional value. More than just a natural sweetener, honey is a nutrient powerhouse. While its nutrient content varies depending on several factors, honey consistently offers a wealth of essential nutrients and health-supporting phytonutrients, such as amino acids, enzymes, flavonoids and phenolic acids. A tablespoon of raw honey typically provides 64 calories plus carbohydrates (primarily simple sugars), vitamins A, C, D and E and B vitamins like thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3) and pantothenic acid (B5). Honey also delivers important trace minerals, such as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc. (Related: Manuka honey: A versatile superfood that does not expire.)

Instant energy source. Honey is a versatile and valuable resource for preppers. It can serve as an excellent energy booster — thanks to its carbohydrate content — especially during emergencies. You can consume honey directly or add it to recipes for a quick boost in energy. Unlike sugar or corn syrup, honey offers both fast-acting glucose for immediate energy and slow-absorbing fructose for sustained fuel. With a lower glycemic index than table sugar, raw honey is a better choice for managing blood sugar levels.

Medicinal properties. Honey’s medicinal properties are another major benefit. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities have been known for centuries, with the ancient Greeks and Romans using it to treat wounds. In survival situations where medical care is limited, honey can be used to protect wounds from infections. Many types of honey, especially Manuka honey, produce hydrogen peroxide, which helps inactive microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast and fungi. Beyond wound care, honey has been used historically to treat digestive issues like vomiting and diarrhea. Honey is also a great natural remedy for chapped lips and cracked fingers and works well on wind-burnt skin.

Culinary versatility. Honey’s natural properties make it an effective food preservative. Its high sugar, low moisture content and acidic pH create an environment that inhibits bacterial and mold growth, helping to preserve food and extend its shelf life. Honey antioxidants also contribute to maintaining food quality over time.

Choosing the best honey

To get the most out of honey, it’s important to choose the right type. Raw honey is the top choice, as it’s full of pollen, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that offer both nutritional and medicinal advantages. Its naturally cloudy look is a sign of purity, and whether it’s liquid or crystallized, raw honey is great for medicinal use. (Related: Food supply 101: How to buy and store honey, the ultimate survival food.)

Commercial honey, which is often pasteurized and filtered to give it a clear appearance, may look appealing, but it lacks the medicinal properties of raw honey.

Another option is comb honey, which comes directly from the hive and includes raw honey stored in wax cells. It offers the same benefits as raw honey, and you can sometimes buy it with a piece of the comb in the jar.

To ensure your honey is truly raw and natural, try these simple tests:

Heat test. Light a matchstick and touch it to the honey. Raw honey won’t burn, but processed honey might because it’s been liquefied.

Thumb test. Place a small amount of honey on your thumb. Raw honey should be thick and should stay in place without running off.

Vinegar test. Mix a bit of honey with distilled vinegar. If it foams, it’s likely pasteurized or refined, not raw.

Water test. Drop some honey into a glass of water. Raw honey will sink to the bottom without dissolving, while processed honey will spread out and dissolve quickly.

Honey is a valuable addition to your survival stockpile due to its many uses, so stock up on raw honey while you can and maintain a generous supply. When stored correctly, honey can last indefinitely. When buying honey, opt for raw, unfiltered honey that is sustainably sourced and harvested by local beekeepers.

Check out Bees.news for more honey-related stories and Preparedness.news for more prepping tips.

Watch the following video about “Honey adulteration explained – Its origins and what it means for you.”

This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com.