Real spring begins with primroses. In the middle zone, the first snowdrops bloom when the ground is still covered with snow and insect activity is impossible due to weather conditions. But, nevertheless, at the end of spring, snowdrop flower honey appears on the shelves of markets and shops. We will look further into where such an unusual beekeeping product comes from, what it looks like and how it is useful for the human body.
What is snowdrop honey?
In regions with a mild, southern climate, the honey primrose blooms at the end of February.On the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus or in Crimea at this time the temperature can rise to +10 degrees or more. Beekeepers transport hives to places where snowdrops spread and release bees, which, after hibernation, actively collect the first nectar. The snowdrop blooms for about a month, and during this time the insects manage to collect a small amount of delicacy.
In temperate climates, extraction of primrose nectar is impossible due to low temperatures. There is also Altai snowdrop bee honey. Insects collect it high in the mountains when the primrose called kandyk blooms. The main flowering time of this plant is in early or mid-May. At this time, the bees are already waking up after winter rest and enjoying the nectar of primrose with pleasure.
The plant is characterized by healing properties and is used in traditional and folk medicine for the preparation of herbal decoctions, infusions and preparations.
Fact! Altai kandyk, unlike the usual snowdrops, blooms with purple flowers with a delicate, pleasant aroma.
Color
A delicacy made from the usual white primrose is characterized by a rich yellow color, without any extraneous shades or inclusions. Nectar from Altai kandyk has a rich amber color with a golden hue.
Important! After 2-3 weeks, crystallization processes begin in the beekeeping product, and the honey acquires a thick, creamy or white consistency.
Taste
In terms of taste, primrose nectar differs from the usual honey. The product has a soft, viscous consistency and a pleasant aftertaste. When consumed, sweetness emerges, but a small amount of acid and astringency is also present.
Smell
Beekeeping products have a specific, floral smell.But primrose nectar lacks the usual aroma of honey, but the fresh smell of meadow herbs appears.
Crystallization
Snowdrop honey has a significant drawback - a short shelf life. Already 15-20 days after pumping out the nectar from their hives, the product becomes sugared, changes color and takes on a very hard structure. This product retains its beneficial and healing properties for no more than 3 months.
To ensure the safety of the rare, valuable delicacy, experienced beekeepers beat the collected nectar. After this processing, honey acquires an airy, light consistency, the structure reminiscent of well-whipped buttercream. In this form, snowdrop sweetness ends up on the shelves of markets and shops.
Important! In a whipped state, the shelf life of bee nectar from primroses increases to 1 year.
Composition and calorie content
The snowdrop delicacy is quite high in calories. Per 100 g of fresh product there are up to 330 energy units.
Primroses are characterized by healing properties, therefore the nectar contains many vitamins and nutrients:
- healthy sugars – up to 80%;
- macro- and microelements are represented by magnesium, iron, calcium, zinc, potassium and other mineral compounds;
- a complete set of vitamin B, ascorbic acid, vitamins E, K, nicotinic acid, high content of vitamin A;
- vegetable acids;
- biologically active and aromatic substances.
Important! A feature of primrose nectar is the complete absence of fatty acids.
Beneficial features
Thanks to its rich chemical composition, snowdrop honey has many beneficial properties.
- The healing product of beekeeping strengthens the immune system and increases the body's resistance to the negative influence of the environment.
- When consumed daily, the treat speeds up metabolism, which has a beneficial effect on the process of losing excess weight.
- Restores proper liver function, promotes the removal of toxins and toxic accumulations from the body.
- It has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, is used in the complex treatment of gynecological diseases in women, and eliminates disorders of the genitourinary system in men.
- Improves the functioning of the digestive organs and pancreas.
- It has a positive effect on the nervous system, helps get rid of insomnia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Increases the body's resistance to physical and mental stress, quickly relieves fatigue.
Spring nectar is also used to prepare cleansing and rejuvenating masks for the skin.
How to distinguish real snowdrop honey
Due to its rarity, the beekeeping product made from primroses has a fairly high cost. When buying a healing sweet, you need to pay attention to the following properties of the product:
- fresh nectar is characterized by a light color and a soft, viscous consistency;
- the aroma does not contain floral impurities, has a herbal smell;
- This honey tastes sweet, but with the presence of astringency and acidity;
- high price.
You can also ask the seller for documentation confirming the origin of an expensive and rare product.
Contraindications
There are a number of contraindications for consuming spring sweets. Before using nectar, you must make sure that you are not allergic to the beekeeping product.
The treat is also not recommended for small children under 3 years of age. Pregnant and nursing mothers should consume nectar with great caution. People suffering from diabetes are allowed to introduce snowdrop honey into their diet only after consulting a doctor.
