Let’s bee honest, honey is the bee’s knees! It’s a sweet, golden, syrupy substance that’s been making life sweeter since ancient times. But what exactly is honey? Simply put, honey is the nectar that bees collect from flowers and store in their hives. They use enzymes to break down the nectar into simple sugars, and then fan their wings to evaporate the excess water. What’s left is honey!
The process of making honey is as sweet as the result. Bees gather nectar from flowers using their long, straw-like tongues and store it in their honey stomachs. Once they’re back at the hive, they regurgitate the nectar and pass it to other bees, who add enzymes and store it in the honeycomb. The bees then flap their wings to evaporate the water, leaving behind a thick, sweet substance that’s ready to be enjoyed.
Just like there are different types of flowers, there are different types of honey. The color, taste, and texture of honey depend on the type of flower that the bees collected nectar from. Some popular types of honey include clover, wildflower, and manuka honey. Manuka honey is known for its antibacterial properties and is produced from the nectar of the manuka tree in New Zealand.
Honey is not only sweet, but it’s also good for you! It’s a natural sweetener that’s packed with antioxidants and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s been used for centuries as a remedy for sore throats and coughs. Honey also helps boost the immune system and can even soothe a hangover (just don’t ask me how I know that).
From sweetening your tea to topping your toast, honey is a versatile and delicious ingredient that adds a touch of sweetness to any dish. Check out our most popular recipes featuring honey, including honey-glazed chicken, honey mustard dressing, and honey oatmeal cookies. With honey, the possibilities are endless!
