Honey-nature’s nectar
by Kristina Arnold, owner of Cocina del Mundo Herbs & Spices
“The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will
involve the patient in the proper use of food, fresh air, and exercise.” Thomas Edison, celebrated inventor
Honey has been a part of all cultures. From Romans times we have used its beneficial
properties to enhance our immunity, strengthen our bodies, and to sweeten our
food. Unlike sugar, honey doesn't deteriorate tooth enamel and provides other nutrients including protein,
calcium, phosphorus, niacin, iron and vitamin C. This year more honey vendors were present at
the farmer’s market than ever before. Why,
you ask? Because honey is good for you
and refined sugar is not.
Dieting trends have included many no or a low carbohydrate
meal plan when eliminating any part of the food pyramid is unhealthy and
will not help to lose weight. Natural
raw (unrefined) sugar offer healthy carbohydrates when eaten in
moderation. Honey on the other hand,
offers sweetness and health benefits. From
a young age I put honey on my cereal, honey on my sandwiches, and honey in
quick bread mixes. Other households used
sugar and honey wasn’t even present.
Commonly people mention a fascination with sweets and sugar. If this is true, then adding honey to a daily
diet should be easy.
Over 200 kinds of honey are harvested in the United States
alone, not to mention the thousands harvested all over the world. The color and flavor of honey comes from the
plants the bees pollinate; orange blossoms, wild flowers, maple blossom, weeds,
coffee blossoms, and buckwheat blossoms.
With so many options it is hard to know what is best but all seem to
have a distinct flavor of their own.
When honey is pasteurized many of the natural enzymes and amazing
flavors are neutralized. Less expensive
honey in grocery stores have little to no hints of the blossoms where the honey
was harvested.
Home Remedies
Eating honey may help people who suffer from constant
stomach indigestion, and aid in the healing of stomach ulcers. (1-3 tsp. a day)
Replace honey for sugar in baking recipes to help lose
weight. Use honey powder for baking, or
substitute ¾ cup honey for 1 cup sugar.
Reduce amount of total liquids but ¼ for each cup of honey.
When sick drink warm water with honey stirred in, not only
will it soothe the throat, but it tastes good. Honey contains natural antibiotics that may
help low grade infections.
Honey Recipes
Cinnamon Coffee
1 cup hot coffee brewed with a dash of cinnamon
1/3 cup skim milk
1 tsp. honey
Stir honey into hot coffee, blend with milk.
Banana Granola
1 banana sliced
1 cup granola
2/3 cup skim milk
2 T. honey
Combine all ingredients and eat as breakfast cereal.
Lemon Vinaigrette
1 cup olive oil
1/3 cup lemon juice
2 T. honey
1 tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
1 T. chopped capers
Puree ingredients in food processor or blender. Use on salads or as marinade for fish,
chicken, shellfish, or salmon.
Banana Corn Bread
1 box jiffy corn bread mix
1 smashed banana
4 T. honey
¼ tsp. nutmeg
¼ c. cornmeal
Make corn bread mix according to directions, add remaining
ingredients. Bake according to box
directions, poke with toothpick to see if the center is done. May require more cooking time.
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