Honey: Production, Benefits and Recipes

Have you ever wondered how honey is produced? What are the benefits of this golden elixir for our health? We have put on our beekeeper's suit to bring you a complete guide about this natural treasure and everything you need to know about it.

All about honey production

How do bees make honey?

The production of this precious food begins with foraging bees, which extract nectar from flowers and store it in their crop before transferring it to other bees in the hive...

What is the difference between pollen, propolis, nectar and royal jelly?

• Pollen: Rich in nutrients, flower pollen is edible and has antioxidant properties.
• Propolis: Comes from the resin of the buds of certain trees.
• Nectar: Composed of water, fructose and glucose, its flavor, color and texture vary depending on the plant of origin.
• Royal jelly: Known for its revitalizing properties, this gelatinous substance is secreted by worker bees.

How to recognize authentic honey?

Honey production is severely affected by climate change, as the bee population is progressively declining...

At Maison Puyvalin , we carefully select our partner honey factories and beekeepers. Among our brands, we highlight Miellerie du Cambre and Souffle d'Adore , which guarantee honey of the highest quality.

What are the properties of honey?

The nutritional benefits of honey

This natural product has multiple beneficial properties. Its composition gives it the role of a natural antibiotic. It contains minerals, enzymes, good bacteria, vitamins (A, B, C, E and K), amino acids, proteins and antioxidants. The latter include a large amount of flavonoids, plant pigments present in plants and considered the main group of polyphenols. These compounds have a probiotic effect and strengthen our immune defenses.

Did you know? The darker the color of honey, the higher its concentration of flavonoids.

Glycemic index of honey

Unlike other sweeteners, honey has a high glucose content, but a lower glycemic index. However, it is important to know that each type of honey has a different GI. For example, acacia honey has a lower GI than other varieties. In general, the glycemic index of honey is lower than that of maple syrup and sugar, but higher than that of agave syrup.

The most famous varieties of honey

As we mentioned earlier, there are monofloral and multifloral honeys. Here is a list of some of the most popular ones:

• Chestnut honey
• Wildflower honey
• Dandelion honey
• Buckwheat honey
• Lavender honey
• Thyme honey
• Rosemary honey
• Fir honey
• Savory honey

All of them have beneficial properties for health, but their effects vary depending on the type. Since ancient times, honey has been used to relieve common ailments such as colds, sore throats and burns. Do you want to know which honey to use in each case? We have prepared a small guide on apitherapy for you.

The health benefits of honey: apitherapy

In addition to being delicious, honey has antioxidant and antiseptic properties that make it an excellent natural remedy.

1. Honey to combat colds and sore throats

To relieve coughs and soothe the throat, lavender, buckwheat, linden or eucalyptus honey is ideal. In cases of bronchitis or laryngitis, thyme, eucalyptus or thyme honey is highly recommended. In addition, conifer honey helps against flu, rhinitis and asthma.

2. Honey to combat fatigue and strengthen the immune system

Thanks to its richness in vitamins and minerals, honey helps to combat fatigue. Forest honeys, such as linden, fir and oak, are particularly effective. Heather honey promotes iron binding, while chestnut honey is renowned for its fortifying properties.

3. Honey to improve digestion and relieve discomfort

Honey acts as a balm for the digestive system. Rosemary honey helps treat ulcers and liver problems, coriander honey relieves swelling, and acacia, burdock, thyme, sunflower and dandelion honey promote digestion.

4. Honey for insomnia and anxiety

If you are looking to relax and improve your sleep, linden, lavender, orange blossom and thyme honey have calming effects.

5. Honey for healing and relieving burns

The bactericidal and antifungal properties of thyme honey are especially effective in treating wounds and burns. Applied locally, it prevents infections and improves healing. Lavender, lemon and chestnut honey are also recommended.

Summary of the most popular honeys and their uses

• Lavender honey: Against cough and rheumatism.
• Acacia honey: For cough and constipation.
• Eucalyptus honey: Against cough and bronchitis.
• Mountain honey: For the lungs and urinary system.
• Chestnut honey: Against respiratory infections.
• Rosemary honey: For the liver and against asthma.
• Lemon honey: For digestion and fatigue.
• Linden honey: For digestion and burns.
• Flower honey: Against cramps and spasms.

Precautions and contraindications

Does honey have contraindications?

Since honey comes from plants, it is recommended to consume it with caution if you are prone to allergies. If you are in doubt, you can try a small amount mixed with warm water and wait 48 hours. If after this time you do not have any allergic symptoms (red eyes, itchy nose, etc.), then you can probably consume the honey without any problems.

What to replace honey with?

If you can't consume honey and are looking for an alternative, agave syrup can be an excellent option. Its neutral flavor makes it an ideal sweetener for culinary preparations and drinks. Coming from a cactus plant, the blue agave, this golden liquid is also a natural sweetener with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it contains between 70% and 90% fructose, so it is not recommended for diabetics or those who want to lose weight.

Another alternative to honey is maple syrup. It contains minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium, zinc and magnesium. Among its advantages, this natural product from Canada has a relatively low glycemic and caloric index. However, it is also rich in fructose.

Recipes with honey

Honey cake

Ingredients:

• 200 g of flour
• 100 g soft butter
• 3 eggs
• 150 g of sugar
• 25 cl of milk
• 4 tablespoons of honey

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 250°C.
2. Mix the flour, sugar and yeast.
3. Add the eggs.
4. Add the butter and honey.
5. While stirring, add the milk little by little until obtaining a homogeneous mixture.
6. Grease and flour a mold.
7. Pour the mixture into the mold.
8. Bake for 10 minutes at 250°C.
9. Reduce oven temperature to 180°C.
10. Bake for another 20 minutes.
11. Unmold the cake when it is warm and enjoy!

Goat cheese and honey brick

Ingredients:

• 1 package of brick sheets
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1 roll of goat cheese
• 1 handful of chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Lightly beat an egg.
3. Crumble the goat cheese.
4. In a bowl, mix the egg, parsley, cheese, salt and pepper.
5. Stir until you obtain a homogeneous paste.
6. Cut a sheet of brick and fold it to obtain a 6 cm wide strip.
7. Place a small amount of the mixture on one end.
8. Fold the strip over itself into a triangle shape.
9. Tuck the end into a fold to seal.
10. Repeat the operation with the desired quantity.
11. Brush the bricks with the egg yolk.
12. Place them on the oven tray.
13. Bake them for 20 minutes.

Honey is a gift from nature with multiple health benefits. Thanks to its antibacterial, antioxidant and energy-boosting properties, it becomes an ideal ally for both well-being and cooking. In addition, honey is a versatile ingredient that enhances the flavour of numerous recipes, from desserts to savoury dishes. In short, integrating honey into your daily life is a delicious and natural way to take care of your health and enjoy new flavours. Take advantage of its benefits and let yourself be seduced by its unique sweetness!