Cotton honey is a beekeeping product made from cotton. It is predominantly found in Central Asia. This substance is characterized by unique taste and beautiful shade. In addition, it brings great health benefits. In order for the product to give the desired effect, it is important to use it correctly, strictly adhering to the dosage.
Peculiarities
This type of honey is obtained from cotton, which is subsequently used to make fabrics. Most often, this product is made in Central Asia. Nectar is also collected in Turkey.It is worth noting that the plant is considered very honey-bearing. From 1 hectare, bees extract nectar to produce 250-300 kilograms of cotton honey.
Bees collect nectar not only from inflorescences, but also from the foliage of the plant. This is due to the high glucose content in the composition, which is then processed into honey. The honey production of the crop increases after watering the plants or after precipitation. Therefore, when making honey, it is recommended to pay attention to soil irrigation. Nectar needs to be collected towards the end of September, when the fields have completely faded.
Experienced beekeepers distinguish this variety from other varieties. It is characterized by unique taste and pleasant aroma. This is due to the content of essential oils in the composition.
The characteristic features of the product include:
- The shade of this honey is difficult to confuse with another type. In the initial stages after collection, the mass appears almost transparent. Subsequently, the shade becomes more pronounced. The mass brightens and appears white or soft cream.
- After sugaring, which lasts about 2 months from the moment of collection, honey changes its structure. At this stage it can be cut with a knife.
- Sweet honey has an unusual taste and is a bit like milk. The product contains many essential oils. Thanks to this, it acquires a greasy consistency.
- After crystallization, the product usually loses its aroma. However, immediately after harvest, you may notice herbal or floral notes.
Composition and calorie content
This creamy product contains more fructose than glucose. This makes it possible for people with diabetes to use it. In this case, the composition can provoke allergies. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor first.
The beneficial properties of a substance are related to its composition.Cottonseed honey contains the following:
- 39-40% fructose;
- 36-37% glucose;
- 24% water, polysaccharides, organic acids, ash, sucrose.
However, the composition may vary depending on storage conditions. It contains many vitamins, microelements and essential oils. Valuable components of the product include vitamins B, E, K, C.
It is important to consider that this composition is considered quite high in calories. 100 grams of cottonseed honey contains 328 kilocalories.
What are the benefits of cottonseed honey?
It is recommended to combine cotton honey with juices. In its pure form it should be used to heal wounds. You can make compresses from the product or take it orally in small doses.
This beekeeping product helps with colds and viral infections. It can be used to treat pathologies of the respiratory system. For preventive purposes, the product should be eaten in the morning on an empty stomach. It is also permissible to take 1 small spoon in the evening before bed.
The composition restores normal intestinal microflora and has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the digestive system. It has enveloping properties. This makes the composition indispensable in the treatment of gastritis and gum diseases.
The antibacterial properties of honey allow it to be used in cosmetology. The product is included in many masks and creams. Before applying the substance, the skin must be cleaned and steamed. After 20 minutes, the honey can be washed off. It can also be used to improve hair structure. In addition, the product can be used in dietary nutrition.
Since the product has bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties, it is recommended to be used in the following cases:
- digestive disorders;
- gastritis and enterocolitis;
- gum disease;
- colds;
- diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
- psycho-emotional overload.
This type of honey can also be used during hormonal changes. It has biostimulating properties and has a beneficial effect on both men and women. In addition, the composition has a good effect on the functioning of the gonads and helps to cope with the symptoms of menopause.
Application specifics
In order for cotton honey to fully demonstrate its beneficial properties, it should not be added to hot drinks. It is best to eat it in its pure form. Since the product is considered very high in calories, it is important to strictly adhere to the dosage. It should not exceed 1-2 small spoons per day.
Contraindications and harm to the product
Cotton honey has pronounced allergenic properties. Therefore, it needs to be consumed in moderation. For adults, 2 small spoons of the product per day is enough. It is better not to give this variety to children at all.
If you consume the product in excess, there is a risk of nausea, rashes, and itching. At the same time, each person faces individual manifestations of allergies. It is also important to consider that cottonseed honey is considered very high in calories. Therefore, overweight people need to consume it in moderation.
How to spot a fake
Cotton honey is rarely found in stores. Therefore, there is a high probability of purchasing a fake. To avoid this, you need to know how to distinguish a fake. To do this, you should use a regular chemical pencil. First you need to make a mark with a pencil, and then monitor the reaction:
- If the product is natural, the dot will not spread and the shade will remain a natural, light white.
- A change in the natural color of honey in the area of the dot to blue-purple indicates that it is a fake. It is not recommended to buy such a product.
Like other types of honey, cotton nectar should be purchased from reputable beekeepers. It is best to do this at specialized fairs.
Expiration date and storage rules
In order for the composition to retain the maximum number of beneficial properties, it is recommended to consider the following when storing it:
- It is important to avoid exposing the product to direct sunlight.
- It is better to keep the substance in a dark and cool place. This will help avoid premature crystallization of the product.
- The optimal humidity parameters are 60%.
- The product can be kept in the refrigerator at a temperature of +5 degrees. However, the best option would be a storage temperature of up to +20 degrees.
- It is strictly forbidden to keep honey in metal containers. This is due to the risk of releasing harmful chemicals.
- Honey can be kept in a wooden or plastic container for a short period of time. However, subsequently it must be transferred to a glass container.
If you follow all the recommendations, the product can be stored for decades and not be afraid that it will lose its unique properties.
Cotton honey is a healthy product that helps cope with a variety of problems and saturates the body with vitamins. In order for the composition to bring only benefits, it is important to use it correctly, strictly adhering to the dosage.
