Raw honey is rich in beneficial amino acids and minerals that are good for health. However, if not processed correctly, honey can experience a reduction in quality and become challenging to preserve.

Honey, after dehydration, obtains a beautiful color and a pure aroma

The composition of honey includes up to 22 types of amino acids, 31 types of minerals, plant compounds, vitamins, and it may also contain bacteria, fungi, and impurities. If not handled and preserved properly, honey can undergo fermentation and spoilage. This is why honey dehydration machines were introduced. These devices serve as filtration and sterilization equipment to enhance the storage and preservation of honey.

I. Why is honey dehydration necessary?

1. Characteristics of Raw Honey

Natural honey always contains a water content ranging from 21% to 25%. In countries with tropical climates like Vietnam, the water content in honey is even higher, approximately 23.8% to 26%. During the rainy season, raw honey can contain as much as 25% to 28% water. Additionally, the water content in honey varies depending on the type of honey and the harvesting time. The higher the water content, the more diluted the honey becomes, making it difficult to preserve and increasing the risk of fermentation and quick spoilage.

2. What is honey dehydration?

Have you ever heard of honey dehydration? So, what is dehydration? It is the process of removing a portion of water from honey. During this process, the water content in honey fluctuates around 16% to 18%. This is considered the "golden ratio" according to European standards and enables export to even the most demanding markets.

Dehydrated honey retains its vibrant color and nutritional value. Its storage time and purity are increased. This type of honey is especially valued for its positive effects on health. By eliminating impurities, spores, molds, and bacteria present in raw honey, dehydrated honey ensures its quality.

II. What is a honey dehydration machine?

Untreated honey is difficult to preserve for an extended period

A honey dehydration machine is a technological device that reduces the water content in raw honey. This device operates based on the principle of pressure difference to preserve valuable nutrients and ensure the safety and quality of honey for consumers.

Currently, various honey dehydration methods are continuously improved. A basic honey dehydration machine typically consists of components such as membrane pump systems, filter screens, containers, crystallization tanks, and concentrators.

III. Advantages and disadvantages of different types of honey dehydration machines

1. Heat-based Honey Dehydration Machine

This method was commonly used in the past but is now considered outdated due to its inability to meet current quality requirements. In this method, honey is heated to over 40 degrees Celsius to accelerate water evaporation. However, this high temperature leads to nutrient loss and darkening of the honey, diminishing its natural fragrance.

Moreover, this type of drying machine has a complex structure and requires additional equipment, which increases the investment cost and does not optimize economic efficiency.

2. Cold Tower Dehydration Machine

Untreated honey is challenging to preserve long-term

This method, once popular for its fast processing and low investment cost, is now outdated and fails to meet current stringent requirements for honey quality:

• The machine contains steel and zinc components, materials not suitable for food and pharmaceutical industries due to the risk of rust, significantly affecting honey quality.
• The overheating issue with the electric heat exchanger can cause honey combustion.
• The filtration process in this machine may involve oxygen, leading to oxidation, color darkening, and compositional changes, reducing the fragrance of the honey and forming bubbles in the final product.

Furthermore, compared to other honey dehydration machines with the same capacity and technology, the cold tower method is more complicated. Batch contamination can occur in case of any malfunctions.

3. Rotary Vacuum Dehydration Machine Combined with Water Vapor Adsorption

This method is widely used in many countries worldwide. This machine operates based on the principle of water vapor adsorption through rotary vacuum evaporation. The adsorbent materials can be zeolite, silica gel, calcium, clay, etc.

This superior method helps remove excess water, molds, and other harmful components present in raw honey. The honey remains vibrant in color, retains its natural fragrance, and does not undergo fermentation or form bubbles.

IV. Differentiating raw honey and dehydrated honey

1. Raw honey

Thin consistency with lots of gas bubbles. When tilting the honey container, bubbles move quickly.

Rapidly dissolves in water.

Prone to crystallization and granulation when stored in the refrigerator, with a shorter shelf life due to the risk of fermentation.

2. Dehydrated honey

The water content in honey is reduced to around 16 - 18%, which is the ideal ratio for export standards.

Has a denser consistency, without gas bubbles on the surface. When tilting the honey container, bubbles move slowly.

Dissolves slowly in water, including cold and iced water. When mixed with hot water, it releases a mild and pleasant aroma.

Has a longer shelf life.

V. Where to buy pure honey

IVY HONEY meets the standards of VietGAHP for beekeeping

IVY HONEY is a brand that meets the high standards set by consumers for food, especially honey. Customers demand not only purity, clear origin, and guaranteed quality but also long-term preservation. Therefore, dehydrated honey products have garnered significant attention and popularity among customers.

IVY HONEY's products have a water content of 16 - 18%, meeting the "golden ratio" for export. Their honey products have earned favor from customers over the years. The company follows a closed-loop process of breeding, harvesting, processing, and bottling honey, equipped with modern facilities and a strict inspection system that complies with ISO 22000:2018 standards. This ensures that the products reaching consumers are of the highest quality, rich in nutritional value, and safe for health.

• The company focuses on safe raw material selection and breeding processes that meet VietGAP standards.
• Honey is harvested at the right season when its quality is at its peak, meeting TCVN 12605:2019 standards for domestic products and stringent export standards.
• IVY HONEY is committed to providing products without residues of plant protection substances and free from genetically modified sources.

Although IVY HONEY has only been in the market for four years, it has become a premium honey brand widely favored by many customers.

• The company's main product lines are flower honey and herbal-infused honey, including varieties such as coffee blossom honey, mint flower honey, forest honey, and multi-floral honey.
• Saffron-infused honey, red apple-infused honey, and cordyceps-infused honey.

While raw honey is recognized as a valuable nutritional food, the honey dehydration machine has created an "upgraded version of honey" with preserved benefits and superior storage time. Customers interested in high-quality and guaranteed honey products can contact IVY HONEY for advice, inquiries, or to place orders.