FAQ's

Q1. Is honey better than sugar?

A. Yes, honey is a natural sweetener containing antioxidants, enzymes, and minerals, unlike refined sugar. Tabarruk raw honey offers a better alternate to refined sugar in breakfast as superior alternate to spreads, jellys, jams, marmalades etc. Tabarruk honey is a better choice for health and fitness conscious as early morning elixir or teatime sweetener with drinks and snacks. However, it should still be consumed in moderation.

 

Q2. Does pure honey crystallize?

A. Yes. Crystallization is a natural process in raw, pure honey. Of the 17 varieties of honey produced in Pakistan; Sidr & Robinia Honey does not crystallize. Russian Olive, Thyme, Carissa and few others may take a year to crystallize. Varieties like Brassica, Vasaka (Bhaiker), Acacia and few others however crystallize from within few days to a few months. Tabarruk offers raw honey (unheated & unfiltered, as the nature intends) which once crystallize, may be gently warmed at temperature ranging from 35°C to 40°C (95°F–104°F) to re-liquefy preserving its nutritional & medicinal value.

 

Q3. How can I check if honey is pure?

A. There is no simple home test that guarantees purity. The most reliable way is lab testing. Trusted sourcing and brand transparency matter more than viral “water tests, etc.” Tabarruk is one such trusted brand with legacy of producing high-end raw honey and its value added products spanning over 32 (Since 1994).

 

Q4. Can diabetics consume honey?

A. Honey with low glycemic index like Tabarruk Sidr & Robinia Honey offers options for diabetics to consume it in moderation. Honey offers several nutritional health benefits which other sweeteners do not offer. Honey however, affects blood sugar therefore diabetics should use it in very limited quantities and consult their doctor.

 

Q5. Is honey safe for children?

A. Raw Honey is not safe for infants under 1 year due to the risk of botulism. It is safe for older children and adults. Nutritional benefits of honey can however be transferred to infants by including Tabarruk Raw honey to lactating mothers diet. Honey, even supports in mothers’ health and recovery. 

 

Q6. What is the best time to take honey?

A. Tabarruk offers several varieties of honey each with distinctive taste, aroma & hue. These varieties offer multiple options for consuming during different timings of the day:

Ø  Morning - Empty stomach with lukewarm water – Breakfast; Granolas, Cereals, toast, tea, milk etc.

Ø  Afternoon & Evening - Energy drinks after workout etc – With smoothies, milk tea, herbal tea, coffee, snacks etc.

Ø  Night - Before sleep for soothing effect, easing insomnia etc.

 

Q7. Does honey help with cough and sore throat?

A. Yes. Honey has natural soothing and antimicrobial properties that can help relieve cough and throat irritation. Adding black pepper to a spoonful of Tabarruk raw honey is a time tested recipe in relieving the sore throat issue.

 

Q8. Can honey be used for weight loss?

A. Honey alone does not cause weight loss, but replacing refined sugar with honey and maintaining a balanced diet may help. Beside other measures, include Tabarruk honey to a glass of lukewarm water, squeeze a lemon and consume it as early morning drink for 1 month for better results.  

 

Q9. Why does honey color vary?

A. Honey color depends on the flower source (flora). In Pakistan we have 17 varieties of honey each with distinctive taste, hue and aroma. Tabarruk Sidr honey is darker, Robinia honey is crystal white, Acacia has light golden hue. Colour of honey however darkens over time but it does not affect its quality if its stored under appropriate conditions.

 

Q10.  Which is better? Small bee or big bee honey?

A. Honey produced by any of the bees from wild, forests, orchards etc are good having varying nutritional and medicinal value. The large the foraging area the more herbs etc visited the more beneficial the honey would be. Foraging range of various bees of Pakistan are:   

Ø  Small bee (Apis Florea) foraging range is upto 500 meters. This implies limited access to flora, herbs etc for nectar and pollen collection.  

Ø  Mountain Bee (Apis Cerana) foraging range is upto 2500 meters. This implies significant access to flora, herbs etc for nectar and pollen collection. 

Ø  Medium Bee (Apis Mellifera) foraging range is upto 3000 meters. This implies greater access to flora, herbs etc for nectar and pollen collection. 

Ø  Large Bee (Apis Dorsata) foraging range is upto 3000 meters. This implies greater access to flora, herbs etc for nectar and pollen collection.

Foraging range criteria goes in favour of medium and large bees. There are several other considerations, but medium bee (Apis Mellifera) offers greater control and leverage to forage upon rich floral diversity of Pakistan. It also offer greater yields, thus prominently figures out in quantity and quality honey production.

 

Q11. What is raw honey? How is it different from Commercial or processed honey?

Ø  Raw honey is cold extracted i.e neither heated nor filtered to preserve its natural nutrients.

Ø  Commercial or Processed honey is pasteurized (heated) and filtered, losing significant nutritional, medicinal, and sensory qualities compared to raw honey. The processing is primarily done to prevent crystallization and create a smooth, clear product, but this process strips away key components including;  Enzymes, antioxidants, pollen, beeswax, vitamins, minerals, and proteins etc.  

Ø  The reduction in enzymes and the removal of beneficial materials via heat and filtration significantly weaken the natural, medicinal antibacterial properties of the commercial or processed honey. Because of the removal of complex nutrients, processed honey often has a higher glycemic index, causing a faster spike in blood sugar compared to raw honey.

Ø  Tabarruk offers several mono floral & poly floral raw honey varieties each offering distinctive health benefits including; Sidr, Russian Olive, Robinia, Thyme, Carissa, Clover, Citrus, Sunflower,  Acacia, Eucalyptus etc.

 

Q12. How should honey be stored?

A. Exposure to environmental factors like heat, light, and moisture significantly compromises the quality of honey, leading to a loss of natural beneficial properties, changes in physical texture, and increased risk of spoilage. Tabarruk honey should be kept tightly sealed after consuming, away from direct sunlight at a dry place & at room temperature. No refrigeration is needed.

 

Q13. Does honey expire?

A. Honey has a very long shelf life. Its quality depends on extraction procedures, storage conditions and careful usage i.e no unnecessary exposure to environment. Exposure to environmental factors like heat, light, and moisture significantly compromises the quality of honey, leading to a loss of natural beneficial properties, changes in physical texture, and increased risk of spoilage. Tabarruk honey may change texture or color over time but does not spoil if stored properly.

 

Q14. Why is some honey expensive?

A. There are number of factors determining the price of honey:

Ø  Nutritional, medicinal benefits are major consideration. Manuka honey has gained special importance in the context, however Pakistan’s several honey varieties are no less in nutritional, medicinal value but lack requisite research to support the claimed benefits. Tabaruk Sidr honey is one of the prized honey extracted from Karak – KPK, Central & the Northern Punjab regions. Area of harvest besides the plant species Spina-Christi are the major consideration dictating the price.

Ø  Pakistan’s floral diversity offers several honey varieties during summer season. Availability of several honey varieties one after the other also impact demand and supply chain thus lowering the price. Popular honey varieties of summer offered by Tabarruk include; Acacia, Clover, Sunflower, Eucalyptus, Citrus, Carissa, Thyme, Robinia, Russian Olive etc.

Ø  Seasonal Demand. In winters demand for honey rise due to rise in infections, allergies and other health related issues. Tabarruk Sidr honey is harvested in winters and remains in high demand due to its unique taste, aroma and associated health benefits.

Ø  Quality vs Quantity is the biggest challenge facing the honey industry. At times farmers tend to compromise on quality to fetch greater yield and even go for multiple harvests in given honey flow spell. Consequently, quality is compromised ultimately lowering the price of the product on comparative grounds. At Tabarruk farms stringent quality controls are emplaced to ensure highest quality product is harvested.

 

Q15. Can honey be used on skin?

A. Yes, honey has moisturizing and antibacterial properties and is often used in skincare. Tabaruk citrus honey is particularly popular with beauticians for skin care and glow. 

Q16. Is the Extra Virgin Olive Oil cold extracted?

A. Yes. Extra virgin olive oil is extracted from high-end units installed pan-Pakistan in public and private sector. Tabarruk Extra Virgin Olive Oil is extracted through controlled mechanical processes at low temperatures, preserving natural polyphenols, aroma, and nutritional value without chemical intervention.

 

Q17. What are polyphenols, and why do they matter?

A. Polyphenols are natural antioxidants found in olive oil that contribute to heart health, anti-inflammatory benefits, and longer shelf stability. Higher polyphenol content reflects premium quality, high nutritional & medicinal value and accordingly the price. Tabarruk offer extra Virgin Olive Oil based on its polyphenolic value in four variants to suit the consumers need/ budget:

Ø  Higher Polyphenol content – Platinium

Ø  High Polyphenol content – Diamond

Ø  Medium Polyphenol content – Gold

Ø  Moderate Polyphenol content - Silver

 

Q18. What are the health benefits of polyphenols in olive oil?

A. The main polyphenol components of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) are oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and oleocanthal. These compounds are strong antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation, protect against cancer, and lower blood pressure.

High Polyphenols contents of Tabarruk extra virgin olive oil can help protect against oxidative stress and improve cardio vascular health. Olive oil is also known to ease constipation, especially in elderly. Oleocanthal, a polyphenol found in EVOO, has a similar anti-inflammatory effect to ibuprofen.

 

Q19. What parameters define extraction of best quality Extra Virgin olive oil?

A. It starts from handpicked olives, preferably of same size and variety. Olive’s should then be kept in ventilated baskets and not stacked in sacks or loaded in trolleys. Transportation to extraction units must ensure ventilation and good temperate conditions. Extraction within 12 – 18 hours including all the processes (segregation, washing, drying etc) shall result in high polyphenolic yield. Compromises or deviations in the process shall affect the quality. At Tabaruk, we understand that the finer and articulate the process, the better shall be the outcome and that’s why we are different.

 

Q20. How can a consumer verify the authenticity of olive oil?

A. Authenticity can be assessed through sensory attributes and the laboratory testing parameters such as acidity and peroxide value. Consumers can assess based on experience through following sensory parameters:

Ø  Colour - Green to Golden (may appear cloudy, opaque). 

Ø  Aroma - Should be fruity, earthy, grassy.

Ø  Taste - Peppery, pungency or bitterness. The more abundant are these attributes the higher the quality.

 

Q21. Why does olive oil sometimes taste bitter or peppery?

A. Bitterness and a slight peppery sensation are natural indicators of fresh, high-quality EVOO rich in polyphenols - not defects. Best way to consume Tabarruk Extra Virgin Olive Oil is to take one tablespoon empty stomach in the morning for optimum health benefits.

 

Q22. What is the smoke point of EVOO?

A. Typically ranging between 190°C–210°C, making it suitable for most cooking methods. Tabaruk extra virgin olive oil is best for oral intake, sautéing, light frying, drizzling on salads, applying on bread, chapatti, paratha etc.

 

Q23. Does filtration affect olive oil quality?

A. Filtered olive oil offers clarity and longer shelf life, while unfiltered oil may have a shorter shelf life but a more robust flavor profile. Tabaruk maintains optimal balance based on product type.

 

Q24. How are olives cured to make them taste good?

A. Olives undergo natural curing processes such as brining or dry curing, which reduce bitterness while preserving texture, flavor, and nutritional integrity. Tabarruk offer olives with various falvours, spices to suit to consumers refined culinary requirements. Varieties include; Brine (Pitted, With Seed & Sliced olives) and Marinated or spicy (Hareesa, Kasbah olives etc). JARS PIC MAY BE ADDED

 

Q25. How to reduce salt content of olives?

A. Olive’s salt content can be reduced as per taste by putting the desired quantity in a bowl containing drinkable water. Excess salt in olives will flow to water following osmosis process i.e from medium of higher concentration to the medium of lower concentration, thereby making olives less salty. Taste of Tabarruk Olives can be adjusted to suite ones requirement by altering the quantity of water viz olives.

 

Q26. What is the role of brine concentration in olive preservation?

A. Brine concentration controls microbial stability, flavor development, and texture. Proper balance in Tabarruk olives ensures safety while maintaining authentic taste.

 

Q27. Are olives fermented?

A. Yes, Tabarruk olives undergo natural lactic fermentation, enhancing flavor complexity and digestibility.

 

Q28. What quality parameters are maintained for olives?

A. At Tabarruk we ensure consistent size grading, texture firmness, color uniformity, and controlled salt/acidity levels to meet premium standards.

 

Q29. How does packaging impact product quality?

A. Packaging is designed to protect against light, oxygen, and heat, preserving freshness, flavor, and nutritional value throughout shelf life. Tabarruk extra virgin olive oil is packed in specially designed glass bottles to maintain its premium quality. Each variant is further distinguished with specific branding indicating the quality for easy recognition. BOTTLES PICS MAY BE ADDED 

 

Q30. Why Tabaruk products are for premium consumers only ?

A. Tabaruk Foods combines traditional sourcing with modern quality control to deliver products that meet global standards - ensuring purity, consistency, and trust in every drop and every bite. Tabarruk caters for wider consumer range by offering various variants (platinium, diamond, gold, silver etc) of the products to suite nutritional, medicinal need and the budget. Quality under each variant is however, optimal without compromising on the standards.

 

Q31. What is honey? 

A. Honey is a sweet, viscous liquid produced by bees from the nectar of flowers. Bees collect nectar, store it in their honey sac, and break down sugars with enzymes. The honey is then deposited in a honeycomb within the hive, where it ripens and is stored as food for the bees.

 

Q32. Is honey healthy? 

A. Honey has been used for centuries as a natural sweetener. It contains antioxidants, minerals, and small amounts of vitamins. While it offers some health benefits, it’s still sugar, so consume it in moderation.

Best is to consume Honey according to the season. Just as is suggested for the vegetables & fruits. Consult TABARUK Farms or your trusted farmer for more information.

 

Q33. What are the different types of honey?

A. Honey comes in many varieties, each with its unique aroma, flavor, color, taste & properties depending on the floral source.

There are 22 varieties of honey in Pakistan, so blessed a country with such diverse floral diversity. 

Some popular types TABARUK Farms harvest include; Sidr Honey, Robinia, Russian Olive, Carissa, Clover, Acacia, Eucalyptus, Orange blossom honey, etc.

 

Q34. How should I store honey?

A. Honey is best stored in a cool, dark place. A pantry shelf is perfect. Don’t refrigerate honey, as this can cause it to crystallize faster.

 

Q35. Does honey ever spoil?
A. Honey has natural antibacterial properties and can be stored for years under proper conditions, if properly harvested. 

It won’t spoil in the traditional sense, but it may crystallize, which is a natural process that doesn’t affect its quality. 

Crystallized honey can be gently warmed by placing the jar in warm water (less than 40° Celsius) to return to a liquid state. Best is, however to consume as the nature intends.

Q36. Can babies eat honey?
A. No, honey should not be given to babies under one year old. Honey can contain spores that cause infant botulism, a serious illness. Honey is safe for adults and children over one year old.

Q37. Is honey good for allergies?
A. Raw, local honey may contain trace amounts of pollen from the area. Some people believe local honey can help with seasonal allergies, though research is ongoing.

 

Q38. Can people with diabetes eat honey?
A. Honey does raise blood sugar, so people with diabetes should consume it in moderation and with a doctor’s approval.

Q39. What are some uses for honey besides eating it?
A. Honey has many uses beyond a sweetener. It can be used in wound care due to its antibacterial properties, as a natural cough suppressant, and in DIY beauty products.

Q40. What is raw, unprocessed honey?
A. Raw honey has not been heated, pasteurized, or processed in any way after being extracted from the beehive. It retains all its natural enzymes, nutrients, antioxidants, pollen, and other beneficial compounds.

TABARUK Farms announce honey harvesting event on social media platform (Facebook etc) and invite our valued clients &  friends to witness the quality & the standards we are proud of since 1992.

Q41.Where does your honey come from?
A. Our honey is sourced from remote, wild areas free from pollution and pesticides. The bees forage on diverse, natural flora to produce this wild, raw honey.

Q42. What are the benefits of raw honey over regular honey?
A. Raw honey contains more antioxidants, enzymes, and nutrients than regular processed honey. It has not been exposed to high heat, which can destroy or remove many of honey’s beneficial compounds. Raw honey may offer more health benefits.

Q43. Why does your raw honey crystallize or become solid?
A. Crystallisation is a natural process for raw, unheated honey. It does not mean the honey has gone bad. Simply place the container in warm water to re-liquify the honey.

Q44. Is your honey safe for those with pollen allergies?
A. Our raw honey contains pollen, potentially triggering allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. We recommend consulting an allergist before consuming raw honey if you have pollen allergies.