Many use honey as a natural sweetener and love it for its wildflower undertones. Discover some interesting things you should know about honey.
Honey is a sweet and natural food that humans have enjoyed for thousands of years. Our relationship with it is a long and storied one. Bees produce honey from flowers’ nectar, which provides complex compositions depending on the flower type. The nectar also leads to honey containing unique properties and benefits that you should know. Here are some interesting facts about honey.
Honey Never Spoils
You can’t go wrong with honey if you’re looking for a high-caloric food to last you the long haul. Honey never spoils due to its high sugar content and low water content, making it extremely resistant to bacteria and other microorganisms. That means a jar of honey can last for thousands of years without spoiling. In fact, archaeologists in Egypt discovered honey jars in ancient tombs with the perfectly edible sweetener still inside.
Different Types of Honey
It may seem surprising, but different types of honey exist. Many are likely only familiar with the light golden syrup you can purchase at your local store, but a wide variety is available. The taste can change depending on the flower or bee.
Moreover, the honey’s composition can change depending on the collection and bottling method. For example, you can purchase raw or 100% pure honey, but what’s the difference? Raw honey comes directly from the source, meaning it contains more enzymes and antioxidants. However, pure honey goes through a pasteurization process and may contain additional flavoring or sugar.
Special Health Benefits
One of the most interesting things you should know about honey is that it can have medicinal benefits. Certain types of honey, such as Manuka honey from New Zealand, contain uncharacteristically high concentrations of antioxidants. This sweetener comes from the manuka bush, which has high levels of methylglyoxal, a compound with antibacterial properties. Manuka honey effectively treats wounds, reduces inflammation, and improves digestive health.
