Honey vs. Grade B Maple Syrup

[Marlie28]

I am really confused about sweeteners.

I've heard some raw people denounce honey (because it is an animal product and because it's predigested by the bees themselves) and other people rave about raw honey (i.e. David Wolfe/Alissa). Then my Juliano uncookbook uses maple syrup, as does Raw Food Real World. Grade B Maple Syrup is what is used for the Master Cleanse, and supposedly it has minerals is less refined, but it still is processed. It seems like both aren't "ideal" in that they are processed (and the honey isn't vegan). Maybe agave nectar and dates are the only sweeteners that are actually "ok," I don't know. What do you use and why? Am I alone in this confusion? How can we justify taking honey from hives or eating something that has been refined?

Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

Peace and Love,

Marlena

[hypnocmt]

The honey is advantageous in that it comes with enzymes intact, thereby easing your body's job in breaking down the natural sugars. In addition, honey has some impressive purifying and healing properties. Even when I was vegan for strictly philosophical reasons ( I am now mostly vegan, but will occassionally hunt and fish), I had no problem wih honey, since it can be harvested in humane conditions. Such conditions are most likely to be upheld by bee keepers whose biz caters to raw foodists and similarly conscious consumers. Also, as recent news has pointed out, healthy bee populations are severely jeopardized right now . I think that by supporting the business of keeping bees under natural conditions (allowing them to feed on natural, organic sources, rather than starving them and feeding them sugar water, not exposing them to franken-plants, etc) we can play a role in saving our VITAL pollenators!

Grade B maple syrup sure tastes good, but it cooked like no ones business. Does it hurt to use it here and there? I guess that depends on your goals with raw. I think if you are trying to reduce weight, you wil want to stick to sweeteners whose enzymes are intact. But occasionally, if a recipe really needs that mellow-golden maple flavor, so be it.

I find that if I am out of maple, and need a raw sub, I can use the honey, warmed in a pan of water, and add some extra vanilla extract and a mushed raisin, date or teaspoon of black tea to give it a "darker" flavor.

Oh hell, now I have a sweet tooth. Better suck down some lemon juice and make it disappear!

[Marlie28]

wow, thank you for the information. that clears up a lot of questions, because everybody on here talks about raw honey and how great it is, and i've never understood why. i guess purchasing from a "conscious" supplier would be better than the maple syrup, now i'm getting a sweet tooth too!

[michigan roman]

my outlook on it is that bees dont make honey for me , they make it for themselves . i see it like stealing from them .

and for my sugar kick i look to dry dates , dry figs , pineapples , bananas and other sweet fruit .

[LightLover]

Marlie, if you do a search on "honeydew"" you will find a thread about the benefits of this type of honey.

LL

[spicyfull]

Welcome to the World of RAW......You will find that you will have to Search and make Choices for yourself. There is always the question, just how RAW is this? There's the Nut question and many more.

There are plenty of Old Threads you can find using the "SEARCH" at the Top of this page.

As always, my fellow Member have lead you in the Right Direction. Have a Wonderful RAW Experience.....

[Cinnamon]

I usually use dates for a sweetener and agave also. But if a recipe calls for maple syrup I will use it for the flavor and it is one of those few non-raw condiments I will use because it keeps me on the raw path while still enjoying my food!

Great advise from everyone, research and learn and decide what is best for you. And always ask questions!

Welcome to this site too, it is filled with so much information and wonderfully helpful people.

[soulstar]

Welcome and Best of Luck,

Great advice so far.

I have raw honey and agave in my cupboard, but I hardly ever use them. When I first started raw I ordered a bunch of raw foods to help me with transitioning. In the past, I used them moderately.

These days if I needed added sweetness I use dates, or sweet raw fruit- banana/pear if I can get away with it.

I am curious, does anyone know if dates have their enzymes intact?

adios,

Soulstar

[VibinOnLife!]

I use raw honey for tea, and agave nectar for recipes. Whenever I want something that has a maple flavor, I add ground fenugreek. It has a wonderful maple flavor and smell.

[dextera3]

I'm happy to read this information about raw honey! Last night I was craving something really sweet, so I had a spoonfull of raw honey! Satisfying and guilt-free! :D

[Ginger]

Lucuma powder has a great maple flavor too! It's DELISH is almond milk!