Local honey has not been pasteurized or even heated significantly because excessive heat can weaken or destroy natural enzymes and many benefits of honey. Honey should be only slightly warmed to re-liquefy for packaging.

Unfiltered honey naturally contains small particles like bits of wax, while leaving most all pollen grains in the liquid honey. Some honey packers ultra-filter honey, which extends shelf life before crystallization, but removes all pollen. Some course straining can be used to remove large particles, but not the extent that it removes nutrients.