John Myers
As a spread. For refining marinades or dressings. When cooking vegetables. Honey opens up almost endless possibilities in the kitchen. It is even said to be good for your health. Find out everything you need to know about honey here.
Honey is generally safe in adults and children older than age 1. It might be helpful in treating burns, coughs, and possibly other conditions.
Interesting facts about honey
The “honey hunters” were probably the first to make use of the stocks of the bees. Cave paintings show how, as early as the Stone Age, they set out with a trough towards the beehive to collect a little honey. The idea of acquiring house bees and thus “professionalizing” honey production supposedly comes from Anatolia, but according to legend it was implemented there as early as the 7th millennium BC. Actually, the viscous, sweet mass does not serve us humans at all. Honey bees use the mixture of flower nectar and sugary excretions from various insects to provide for themselves. However, we have long since followed suit. Germany consumes around one kilogram per person per year, with only part of the honey coming from regional producers and beekeepers. In order to ensure a year-round supply, imported bee honey comes from other EU countries such as Greece, as well as from Asia and Latin America. You should not commit yourself to a single type of honey. The sweetness remains, but each type of honey has its own taste. Some are creamier, some firmer, some milder, some spicier. There is also organic honey and varieties without a seal.
Shopping and cooking tips for honey
Honey mainly consists of fructose and glucose, which is why it was used as a sweetener early on – nothing has changed in that regard to this day. Bee honey sweetens your yoghurt or muesli and also serves as a delicious spread. You can even use honey wonderfully for cooking. It goes well with vegetables as well as with meat and fish, and also refines salad dressings. Honey can be heated wonderfully. Our expert Kevin von Holt explains exactly how you benefit when cooking. Our recipe for honey mustard turkey on rice provides you with a specific processing idea. If you are looking for a sweeter breakfast option, try our honey granola. Honey has also been used as a home remedy for decades. It is considered anti-inflammatory and antiseptic due to its hydrogen peroxide content. Honey is therefore used as a wound dressing and for colds. Tip: The hydrogen peroxide also benefits the honey itself. It makes it more durable, which is why it can be enjoyed unopened for years. If you have already unscrewed the honey jar, store it as dark and cool as possible, but not in the refrigerator. After three months, check whether bubbles have formed and whether the honey smells musty or alcoholic. If this is not the case, then it is still suitable for consumption. A curved lid can also be an indication of already fermented honey. Due to the lower water content, creamy to solid honeys keep longer than runny varieties.
