By Kay Leaman, Health Architect
There are more than 300 types of honey, each with its own unique flavor, color and nutritional properties. Be sure to look for raw and unfiltered honey. Other honeys are usually pasteurized (exposed to high heat) destroying the yeast that is naturally present as well as destroying most of the honey’s nutritional properties.
Visiting as many as 50,000 flowers every day to collect nectar and pollen and then delivering it to the hive where the worker bees turn it into honey, are a honey bee’s job. The flowers they thrive on determines the color, tastes, benefits and uses. Honey has been found in ancient tombs and it was still edible. It has no expiration date unless it is introduced to water.
The varying glucose and fructose levels found in honey is what causes it to crystallize at different rates. This does not affect the honey. It can be softened by placing a bowl with the honey in warm water. To help prevent honey from crystallizing store in a room temperature area and out of direct sunlight in glass jars rather than plastic containers. It is also recommended to use wood vs. metal for extracting honey from the jar. Consistent exposure can affect the enzymes in the honey, and since honey its acidic, it can cause corrosion of the metal over long exposure.
Honey can also contain antioxidant and antibacterial or expectorant properties, probiotics, anti-inflammatory agents or be rich in iron. There are other properties as well, and each honey has its own medicinal applications. Here are some great ones to place in your arsenal.
Tupelo Honey – Found in Florida and the remote swamps of Georgia. Buttery and sweet making it good for BBQ sauces and as a drizzle over desserts or ice cream. Benefits include antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
Alfalfa Honey – Also known as Lucerne honey is good for baking or as a sweetener for lemonade, teas, etc. Consume regularly to treat diabetes, anemia and fever. It’s rich in probiotics.
Eucalyptus Honey – Australia and California. Use for mild coughs and colds. Acts as a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent to boost the immune system
Buckwheat Honey – Darkest and strongest among popular types of honey in the world. High in antioxidants and rich in iron. Great for treating anemia, sore throats, coughs and boosts lower cholesterol levels. Also good for wound cleaning and skin care.
Sage Honey – California. Incredible for fighting diabetes and helps indigestion. It has antioxidants, antibacterial and expectorant properties.
Orange Blossom Honey – Spain and Mexico and common in Texas, southern California and Florida. Boasts high natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that support the immune system.
Wildflower Honey – Widely used to fight allergies, especially when consumed as a natural sweetener in smoothies and teas
Dandelion Honey – Australia. Excellent for boosting immune system and superb for gastrointestinal tract and bowel health
Fireweed Honey – This honey is created by the plant that sprouts and grows after a forest fire. Great for baking, gourmet cooking, glazes, marinades and grilled food. Has antibacterial and antioxidant properties boosts immune system
Sourwood Honey – Appalachian Mountains. Superior antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
Linden Honey – Most part of Europe. Used in desserts, tasty cheese and tea sweeteners. Helps alleviate insomnia (before-bed herbal tea) and anxiety as it acts as a sedative. Ideal for treating coughs and colds and detoxifying the body
Avocado Honey – Mexico and California. Rich in minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins. Boosts immune system, aids in preventing anemia and hastening wound healing.
Acacia Honey – North America and parts of Europe. Great for treating diabetes, cleansing the liver and regulating the intestines.
Manuka Honey – New Zealand Has incomparable medicinal benefits and is a top pick in the pharmaceutical industry. Has many medicinal applications from wound healing to several internal benefits.
Clover Honey – New Zealand and Canada. Excellent in salad dressings, sauces and cooking recipes. High amounts of phenolic acids improves heart and lung function and boosts the nervous system.
Blueberry Honey – Michigan and New England. Excellent spread on toast and biscuits and sweetener for granola or drizzles on fruits and yogurt. Boost immune system and fighting colds. Exceptional antioxidant and antibacterial powers.
I have a few on my list to try. Using it in recipes in place of sugar as well a teaspoon for a special evening treat sounds like to good place to start.
Here’s to health!
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