Frequently Asked Questions
- All
- General Information
- Product Information
- Usage & Storage
- Health & Benefits
- Sustainability & Ethical Practices
Karibee Honey, based in Perth, WA, has been a leading producer of premium, 100% pure honey for over a decade. With a steadfast commitment to quality and sustainability, Karibee Honey ensures that every jar captures the distinct flavors of Western Australia’s diverse flora. The company employs innovative beekeeping practices and stringent quality controls, setting it apart in the market.
Karibee is a premium honey brand from Western Australia, renowned for producing some of the finest raw and organic honey. Sourced from 500 acres of untouched Banksia woodland near Moore River National Park, 150 km north of Perth, our honey is harvested in a pristine environment, ensuring exceptional purity. It is free from pesticides, chemicals, and artificial additives. Certified organic, Karibee honey is produced without antibiotics or synthetic chemicals, preserving its natural goodness.
Western Australia is one of only two regions globally with disease-free bee populations, ensuring our bees thrive and produce the highest quality honey.
Our honey is all collected from the national parks of Western Australia.
Karibee honey is crafted in the heart of 500 acres of untouched Banksia woodland, located near Moore River National Park, 150km north of Perth. This pristine environment is where we produce some of the purest honey in Australia. Our honey is free from pesticides and chemicals. It is 100% pure, raw, and unprocessed. This means it retains all its natural enzymes, antioxidants, and nutrients.
Our products are certified organic and meet the rigorous standards set by Australian organic certification bodies. These certifications attest to our commitment to sustainable practices and high-quality production, ensuring that our honey is not only delicious but also produced in an environmentally responsible and ethical manner.
Over the years, Karibee Honey has garnered recognition in the industry for both its quality and sustainability practices. We have received multiple awards acknowledging our superior product quality and our commitment to ethical and sustainable beekeeping, solidifying our reputation as a leading premium honey brand in Australia.
Raw honey has almost the same composition as honey in a beehive. Raw honey is not heat treated (pasteurised) or ultra-filtered. Heating and filtering honey remove all the beneficial natural substances plus changes the chemistry of some of the sugars.
Extracting honey from the comb does remove some volatile aromatic compounds, so it you want to know the true taste of honey, try some honeycomb.
Jarrah honey is a rare, bioactive honey from the southwestern region of Australia. It is known as liquid gold and as a healing honey, due to its incredible beneficial properties. These include having very strong, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, having an incredibly low GI, prebiotic rich and packed full of antioxidants and other beneficial phytochemicals. It rivals and often exceeds Manuka with all its incredible natural properties.
Jarrah honey is a relatively rare honey for several reasons. Firstly, individual trees only produce flowers for a few months every four years. The trees don’t all flower at the same time, rather some trees flower every year, but beekeepers only expect a commercial harvest every two years. Secondly, natural, and controlled bush fires happen in the Jarrah Forests yearly. It takes 4-5 years for the affected trees to flower again limiting the amount of potential Jarrah honey. Finally, climate change has produced a significant reduction in the amount of rainfall on the forest, so nectar production is reduced.
Although both honeys contain incredible properties, Jarrah honey offers a wider range of benefits and typically for a lower price than Manuka honey.
Jarrah honey and Manuka honey are different kinds of honey, however both (when high quality) can be classified as medicinal. Jarrah honey is produced from the nectar of Jarrah trees (Eucalyptus marginata) which can only be found in Western Australia, whereas Manuka honey comes from the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium) which can be found in New Zealand and Australia.
Manuka honey derives its main medicinal property from a higher-than-normal concentration of Methylglyoxal (MGO) a phytochemical produced by the Manuka bush which gives non-peroxide activity (NPA). The Activity of Manuka is rated by either an MGO value (which can range from 50 to over 500) or the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF), which is a proprietary value for the NPA, and typically ranges from 5 to 15 (and rarely up to 25), The presence of MGO results in a strong, often bitter, and earthy flavour.
Because the MGO is derived from the Manuka bush, the higher the value (or UMF), the higher the quality of the honey.
Jarrah honey has a larger range of beneficial properties, plus a much stronger Activity. The strong beneficial properties (other than the Activity) result from the very unique composition of the honey, and include very low GI (for honey), strong prebiotic power, resistance to crystallisation, and many phytochemicals that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The very strong antimicrobial power in Jarrah honey is mostly Peroxide Activity (PA), the honey preservation process developed by bees over many millions of years of evolution. The PA results from residual glucose oxidase, an enzyme placed in the nectar by the bees to preserve it during conversion to honey via chemical reactions and dehydration. In most honeys, the residual PA is very low, but for reasons unknown it is very high in many WA honeys, including Jarrah.
The antimicrobial power of Jarrah honey is rated by the Total Activity (TA) value, which is the sum of the NPA and PA. Therefore, the TA value of Jarrah honey is equivalent to the UMF value for Manuka. The conversion of TA/NPA/UMF to MGO is not linear. For example, TA15 is about MGO500 (most Manuka is less that this value), TA25 is about MGO1200 (>99% of Manuka is less than this value); whereas Jarrah with TA35 is equivalent to MGO2100, and TA50 is equivalent to MGO4000.
Because the Activity in Jarrah is PA derived from the bee enzyme glucose oxidase, the TA has no relationship at all to the quality of the Jarrah honey.
Our honey is processed using gentle, minimal techniques designed to preserve its natural properties. We avoid pasteurisation and heavy filtration, ensuring that the beneficial enzymes and antioxidants remain intact. This careful processing method guarantees that our honey retains its authentic taste and superior nutritional profile, delivering a premium product to our customers.
Absolutely not. Karibee Honey is 100% pure, natural honey with no additives, preservatives, or artificial ingredients. We pride ourselves on providing a product that is unadulterated, ensuring you enjoy the full benefits of raw, organic honey without any unwanted extras.
Purity is verified through strict quality control measures, including laboratory testing and adherence to organic certification standards. Our honey is 100% natural, with no additives or artificial ingredients. Look for our certification labels and detailed product descriptions on our website, which attest to the purity and authenticity of our honey.26
Total Activity (TA) is the bacterial and fungal killing scale of honey. The bigger the value, the more bacteria (and fungus) the honey can potentially kill. Values above TA10 deliver beneficial properties, while values of, or above TA30+ are exceptional and have great health benefits. It is often compared to the MGO rating of Manuka honey. Jarrah honey with TA35+ if comparable to Manuka honey with MGO 2000+.
TA is the sum of two types of antimicrobial power in Honey: Peroxide Activity (PA) and Non-Peroxide Activity (NPA).
TA = PA + NPA
Raw honey is celebrated for its natural antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which can support immune health, improve digestion, and promote overall wellness. Its high enzyme content aids in digestion, while its antioxidants help combat free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Regular consumption, in moderation, can be a valuable addition to a balanced diet.
Raw honey contains natural enzymes, vitamins, and antioxidants that work together to support the immune system. Its antibacterial properties help fend off infections, while its anti-inflammatory compounds can help reduce inflammation. Many people find that incorporating raw honey into their daily routine enhances their natural defences and overall vitality.
Yes, raw honey can be very beneficial for digestion. It acts as a prebiotic, supporting the growth of healthy gut bacteria. Additionally, its natural enzymes aid in breaking down food, promoting smoother digestion and alleviating occasional digestive discomfort. Many users report improved gut health and a more balanced digestive system when they regularly consume raw honey.
Raw honey has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for wound healing. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help cleanse wounds, reduce infection risk, and promote tissue regeneration. Clinical studies have shown that honey can accelerate the healing process for minor burns, cuts, and abrasions when applied topically in a controlled manner.
Unlike refined sugar, raw honey provides natural energy along with essential nutrients, enzymes, and antioxidants. It has a lower glycaemic index, meaning it causes a slower rise in blood sugar levels, making it a healthier alternative for sweetening foods and beverages without the empty calories associated with sugar.
Some studies suggest that locally sourced raw honey may help reduce seasonal allergy symptoms by gradually exposing the body to small amounts of local pollen. While more research is needed, many users find that incorporating local honey into their diet can help build tolerance and alleviate allergy symptoms over time.
As our honey is bioactive honey, it is best to have it as natural and raw as possible to maintain all the health benefits and properties. We suggest eating it off the spoon, drizzled over cereal, fruit or natural yoghurt, in marinades, smoothies, raw desserts and dressings or as a sweetener in drinks.
Jarrah honey can also be used to soothe the symptoms of a sore throat*, before and after endurance activities, and for the skin*.
Raw honey is safe for children over the age of one. However, it should not be given to infants under one year old due to the risk of botulism. For older children, raw honey can be a healthy and natural sweetener that offers additional health benefits compared to processed sugars.
While honey has a lower glycaemic index than sugar, it should still be consumed in moderation. We recommend consulting with your healthcare provider. Our Karri & Jarrah honey varieties are low GI.
Raw honey should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve its natural properties. Keeping it in an airtight container at room temperature helps maintain its viscosity and prevents it from crystallising too quickly. Avoid storing honey in the refrigerator as this can accelerate crystallisation and affect its flavour.
Yes, natural crystallisation is a normal process in raw honey. Over time, the sugars in honey can form crystals, resulting in a thicker consistency. This is a sign of purity, not spoilage. If you prefer liquid honey, gently warm the jar in a water bath to restore its smooth texture without compromising its natural enzymes and nutrients.
Raw honey has an exceptionally long shelf life when stored properly. Due to its low moisture content and natural acidity, it can remain in good condition for years, even indefinitely, while retaining its flavour and nutritional benefits. Always ensure the container is sealed to prevent moisture absorption and contamination.
No, refrigerating honey is not recommended as it can hasten crystallisation and alter its texture. Instead, store it in a pantry or cupboard at room temperature to maintain its optimal consistency and flavour.
If your honey has crystallised, simply place the jar in a bowl of warm water and stir gently until it returns to a liquid state. Avoid using direct heat or a microwave, as this can damage the honey’s natural properties and flavour.
Yes, excessive heat can reduce the nutritional benefits of honey by destroying its natural enzymes and antioxidants. It’s best to use low heat if you need to liquefy crystallised honey, ensuring that its health benefits remain intact.
At Karibee Honey, sustainability is a core principle. We partner with local beekeepers who use eco-friendly practices such as rotational harvesting and habitat preservation. This ensures that our honey is not only pure but also produced in a way that protects bee populations and supports the environment.
We adhere to strict ethical guidelines in all aspects of honey production. This includes fair compensation for beekeepers, responsible harvesting methods, and transparent supply chain practices. Our commitment to ethical production ensures that our honey benefits both consumers and the communities from which it is sourced.
Yes, our honey meets the highest organic certification standards in Australia. We ensure that all our products are produced without synthetic chemicals or pesticides, making them both eco-friendly and safe for consumption. This certification is a testament to our dedication to quality and sustainability.
We work directly with local beekeepers, providing them with fair compensation and technical support to adopt sustainable practices. By strengthening these partnerships, we not only ensure a consistent supply of high-quality honey but also contribute to the economic wellbeing of local communities.
Our sustainable beekeeping practices focus on protecting bee populations through careful hive management, rotational harvesting, and habitat conservation. These measures help maintain healthy bee colonies, which are essential for producing high-quality honey and supporting biodiversity.
