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The world’s most
efficient and organized workplace is probably the beehive, from
where we get honey. Honey, as we all know, is a sweet syrup
produced by honey bees from the nectar of flowers. It has been in
use since time immemorial and references to it have been found
in texts of almost all the ancient civilizations of the world.
Besides being used to enhance the taste of food, honey has also
been put to several other varied uses. Honey is used during
ritual worship, to make cement and also to make furniture
polish!
Liquid honey
The honey that we generally use is a sweet tasting golden
colored liquid. However, honey can be found in a few other forms
too. The honey that we are familiar with is also known as liquid
honey and it is extracted from honeycombs using a special technique,
which ensures that no solids mix with it. This is done because
liquid honey is the most preferred form of honey. |
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Whipped honey
All kinds of honey crystallize with
time. However if for some reason you want to use crystallized honey,
it is available in the market. It is known as whipped honey and is
sold in its crystallized state. The crystallization is done to a
specific preset limit. And the end consistency that is achieved
ensures that the crystallized honey can be spread like butter or
jam.
Comb honey
There is a type known as comb honey. This is the form that is
closest to nature, honey as it was produced. It comes with the
honeycomb and hold your breath, even the comb is edible. A variation
of this type of honey is liquid honey that is packaged with bits of
honeycomb.
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The honey bee |
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Color-taste
relationship
Honey that is light in color has a mild taste. The taste
increases in proportion to the color, with dark honey having a bold
flavour and also a higher level of antioxidants and minerals.
Nutritional benefits
It is common knowledge that sugar gives the fundamental energy
required by our bodies. All the carbohydrates that we consume must
be broken down into glucose for them to be readily absorbed by our
body as energy. Honey contains sucrose, glucose and fructose and
this unique mixture of sugars is an excellent source of energy for
the body. The sugar content in honey varies from three to eighty per
cent, depending upon such factors as flower species and soil and air
conditions.
Studies have shown that
honey reduces fatigue and enhances physical strength. Honey is also
a storehouse of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids.
Vitamin B6, thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, calcium, copper,
iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc
are some of the ‘riches’ that honey has to offer us.
Honey is one most
preferred lozenges today. It is advised for use as a remedy for sore
throats. Because of its antibacterial properties, it was used in
ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome as a balm for wounds. In India,
Ayurveds frequently advise patients to take some medicines mixed
with honey. |
