Humans have long coveted the natural sweetness that is found in some of the earth’s bounty. Sugar sources—fruits, sugar cane, maple syrup, etc.—since discovered by early humans, have served as symbols of desire. We are wired to be attracted to sweet flavors, due to the quick energy boost that sugar provides us. So much so, that we have even come to commonly consume a product that actually must be swallowed and then regurgitated by another species. Yes, honey is produced when a bee swallows nectar from a flower and later regurgitates it, ultimately making it better for long-term storage, providing the bee with food through the winter.
How is honey good for your health?
Honey has been coveted for its health benefits and potential medical uses for thousands of years. Today, people still prize honey for its health benefits, and modern science is even finding some evidence-based affirmations of some long-held beliefs about honey. Some uses include the treatment of wounds or burns, improving symptoms from allergies, alleviating acid reflux, and cold and cough relief. And although honey is still mostly sugar, it’s made up of less glucose and fructose—as well as a variety of other sugars—than regular sugar is, requiring more energy from the body to break it down and therefore making it a healthier alternative to regular sugar.
Why should you buy honey from an eco/local farm?
Bee populations have been declining for a number of years, posing significant threats to the health of our ecosystems. Some threats faced by bee populations include habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation, as well as the excessive use of certain pesticides that have been shown to negatively effect a variety of pollinators, including bees. For these reasons, it’s beneficial to rely on environmentally responsible, small-scale honey producers.
How can I use honey in my home?
Honey can be used to replace sugar in almost anything. Use it in dessert recipes or try it on toast paired with nut butter. Most commonly, honey is added to tea either for the sweet flavor, or for an additional soothing remedy when you are sick. It can also be used to add a subtle sweetness to non-dessert dishes, such as in homemade coleslaw, salad dressing, or mustard. Perhaps best of all, it’s a great sweetener for 3-ingredient homemade chocolate—just cacao, coconut oil, and honey!
What’s your favorite use for honey? Do you prefer it to other sweeteners? Let us know!
