Around the world and through the centuries, it has always been with us sweetening our foods, healing our wounds and curing our aliments. You might call it the original superfood, nourishing our bodies inside and out.

Honey, a carbohydrate-rich syrup produced by bees primarily from floral nectars, is composed mostly of fructose and glucose. Worker honey bees transform the floral nectar they gather into honey by adding enzymes to the nectar and reducing the moisture.

Raw, unfiltered honey has been touted for years as an aid in fighting outdoor allergies. Over time, the tiny pollen granules in the honey can help build your resistance to outdoor allergens. But pollens inclusion in honey is incidental. As the bees travel from flower to flower collecting nectar, they also collect pollen that’s stuck on their bodies. That same pollen that fertilizes the flowers is also taken back to the hive and deposited in the honey.

Honey is natures perfect substitute for granulated sugar. Its high fructose content means you’ll use less honey than sugar while still retaining the desired sweetness of your recipe. It also adds a unique taste to any dish, provides balance and enhancement to flavor profiles of other ingredients.

You can also use honey as a binding or thickening agent in sauces, dressings, marinades and dips. Honey also helps your baked goods retain moisture while increasing their shelf life.

At 17 grams of carbohydrates per tablespoon (and only 64 calories), honey is a great energy booster for your body. If ingested before your workout, honey provides a steady rate of energy to fuel your exercises. As a post-workout treat, often combined with a protein supplement, honey can help recuperate your muscles and aid in glycogen restoration.

Whether youre drizzling it on your favorite baked goods or infusing it into a recipe, make honey your special not-so-secret ingredient.

Healing power

Honey is a natural humectant attracting and retaining moisture. So look for honey in commercial beauty products or simply add a little to your moisturizer, shampoo or soap.

For older children and adults, a spoonful of honey can soothe a sore throat. Or, combine honey with a hot tea and lemon for use as a cough suppressant.

Be sure to remember the best honey you can buy is local, it will help with specific allergies in your area. Support your community and get the greatest benefits by buying local. 

Kelli B 💻