Guest post by Eric Samuelson, the author of the food blog, Eat Like No One Else. Eric’s blog is all about teaching people about culinary experiences they may be missing out on. He encourages people to make more food from scratch, learn about different varieties of food, how to grow your own food, and more. Thanks, Eric!
People have been gathering honey for centuries. It was around long before the processed sugars of our day. When treated right, honey can remain shelf stable pretty much forever. I think it’s something key to have on hand at all times and is good in any situation. Here are some reasons why.
1. Honey Doesn’t Need a Fridge
Jams and jelly are great to have a lot on a trip or in case of an emergency. However after opening them they won’t last forever. They really should head for the fridge. Honey on the other hand never needs refrigeration. Which I think makes it a better option than jam or jelly. Now you might be thinking, that you would be with the same old flavor all the time. That leads into my next point.
2. The Many Flavors of Honey
If you have only bought honey from a grocery store, probably inside of a plastic bear, you would think all honey tastes the same. But there are hundreds of honey varieties out there, each with their own characteristics. Bees like to gather pollen from a single floral source if they have the chance. Honey that is collected from a single source can be called a varietal honey. It doesn’t mean that the honey will always taste like whatever the bee pollinated. For example, orange blossom honey does have some citrus undertones to it, but avocado blossom honey, doesn’t taste anything like an avocado (it actually has a molasses like quality to it).
3. Health Benefits
If you buy honey that is raw, that hasn’t been pasteurized, then there are health benefits to be had. It does contain some vitamins. And if you have seasonal allergies, buying honey that is collected in your area could help your allergies. I heard a lot of people swearing this work. It has to be local, as you need the honey to contain traces of your allergen. The reasoning is along the same lines as why doctors give vaccines.
4. Honey as First Aid
Honey has been treated on wounds forever. It’s sticky nature helps it stick to a wound and keep out an infection. It also is a natural antiseptic. Many people also use honey to help with a sore throat. It can provide some relief, even if it’s temporary.
5. Honey Can Be an Energy Booster
Honey is better at giving you an energy boost than sugar. Honey contains glucose and fructose. The glucose gives you an initial burst of an energy. Fructose is slower to break down so it will give you a slower, more continual energy boost overtime.
So besides just tasting good, honey can provide you with some great benefits, that may help you when you are in a pinch.
Keep preparing! Angela
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Mostly, I have bought honey from the store…good but a little blah in hindsight. Then, I bought from a local man, better honey. This year, I went to the farm of a grocery clerk that has hives. It is marvelous, tasting the way flowers smell. It is like a small miracle in each spoonful. Yes, sometimes I just get a spoonful and just eat it for hypoglycemia (not diabetic). I keep forgetting about the medicinal uses. Thanks for reminding me once again.