September is significant for honey producers as it marks the end of the honey collection season for many beekeepers in the US. As such, the National Honey Board and the USDA has deemed September National Honey Month as a time to recognize not only honey, but honeybees as well.
There are more than 300 unique types of honey available in the United States alone, each originating from a different floral source. As a general rule, the flavor of light-colored honey is milder, and the flavor of darker-colored honey is stronger. A honey’s color may also vary. Honey made from wildflowers may have a dark amber color whereas orange blossom honey may appear lighter.
Honey stands apart from other sweeteners. While its calories are dominantly provided from sugar, honey also provides a mix of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Honey provides 64 calories a tablespoon. When compared to a 49 calories per tablespoon of white sugar, it is important note that less honey is typically needed to sweeten foods because its stronger flavor. The bottom line – normal serving sizes of honey may not have the nutritional impact on diet when compared to other sweeteners.
In addition to its use as a natural sweetener, honey is used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial agent. People commonly use honey orally to treat coughs and topically to treat burns and promote wound healing. Studies show that if local honey is ingested regularly, it can reduce pollen allergy symptoms in humans.
Just like other products, honey labeling is under the guidance of the FDA.
The honey label tells us where the product came from and who manufactured it. Honey is the only ingredient in pure, natural honey. The label may indicate information about the honey’s source, for example, clover honey.
- Raw honey comes directly from the beehive and is not processed, heated, or pasteurized.
- If honey is labeled ‘pasteurized’ that means the honey was filtered and processed. This process creates a clear-looking product that is easier to package and pour. Pasteurization may eliminate some of the trace minerals associated with honey’s health benefits, but the sugar content remains the same.
Honey should be stored at room temperature in a dark place to help retain its flavor and consistency. Be careful not to contaminate your honey with other foods during food prep. Over time, honey may become darker or the flavors may shift, but this is natural. With proper storage, honey does not generally go bad. Obviously, should you see mold or if it smells off, it is time to toss.
If your honey crystalizes, it is still fine to use. The crystallization is a result of sugar separating from the water in the honey. To fix this issue, simply heat the jar of honey in a water bath over low heat. Do not boil or microwave the honey as high temperatures may impact taste and quality.
Avoid giving any honey to babies under 1 year of age. Honey can cause a rare but serious gastrointestinal condition called infant botulism caused by exposure to Clostridium botulinum spores. Of note, some people are sensitive or allergic to specific components in honey, particularly bee pollen.
Honey, a pantry staple, is a versatile ingredient that spans an entire menu. Honey not only contributes unbeatable flavor, it offers unexpected functional benefits. From balancing flavors to providing moisture to baked goods, honey excels in a slew of tasks—all from one little bottle and only one ingredient.
- This creamy Greek Yogurt Salad Dressing is made with lemon juice, dill, garlic, and honey for a fresh and tangy flavor. It’s easy to make in just 5 minutes and tastes great on salads or as a dip. Keep it in the fridge for a quick, healthy option all week.
- For a flavor-packed saucy appetizer try these Korean BBQ Cauliflower Bites! With its sweet and savory gochujang-honey sauce, dive into this Asian-inspired BBQ recipe.
- These Fresh Figs and Yogurt come to life with just a quick drizzle of honey.
This quick dish offers up a healthy breakfast or a tasty dessert to enjoy at the end of the day.
- Serve these Tangy Chicken Kebabs at your next cookout. Marinate the kebabs in the delicious sweet-and-sour marinade the night before so they’ll be ready when you fire up the grill.
- Once you try this delicious Balsamic Honey Vinaigrette, you’ll never want bottled dressing again. This healthy dressing is so flavorful a little goes a long way.
- Try this delicious Salmon Basted with a Sweet Honey Lemon Glaze. Paired with the mellow flavors of sautéed turnips and onions, this fish recipe is a complete meal loaded with healthy fats.
Honey is sweet in so many ways. Time to pull out the honey pot and celebrate National Honey Month
