Heather honey is a rather controversial product. Beekeepers consider this species to be low-grade because it has a specific bitter taste and is not suitable for wintering bees. Despite this, many people believe that this product contains many valuable ingredients. That is why it has become widespread in European countries and America.
Description and distinctive features
Heather honey is obtained from heather flowers. It is a rare evergreen shrub that grows in mid-latitudes and northern Africa.The maximum amount of this plant is concentrated in Scotland. This is where 3/4 of the world's heathlands are located. This culture also exists in Russia and other countries. It predominates in pine forests and peat bogs. In addition, sands and burnt areas are considered the habitat of heather.
The shrub blooms in the second half of summer. At the same time, the amount of nectar collected by bees is affected by air and soil humidity. During drought, heather, which grows in marshy areas, produces more nectar than mountain varieties. Moreover, during the rainy season, it is possible to obtain more honey from mountain bushes.
Heather flowering lasts quite a long time. Thus, the bees collect nectar from the opened flower for a whole week. From 1 hectare it is possible to obtain 200-300 kilograms of honey. At the same time, 1 bee colony collects up to 50 kilograms of product for bribes.
Heather honey has unique characteristics. It has a dark red or brownish tint and a bitter taste. The longer the nectar is stored, the more vibrant its taste becomes.
This type of honey is characterized by rather slow crystallization. The mass has a viscous jelly-like consistency. To get nectar from the honeycombs, you will need to arm yourself with a special hedgehog-shaped roller.
Composition and calorie content
Heather honey contains a lot of proteins - up to 1.9%. It also contains approximately 300 minerals and trace elements. The most valuable components of this product include potassium, chromium, iodine, and zinc. The mass also includes iron, manganese, boron.
A distinctive feature of this type of honey is its high water content. Its amount reaches 20-23%. The product also includes vitamins B, C, K, E. This type of bee nectar is considered very high in calories.There are about 320 kilocalories in 100 grams of product.
Beneficial features
Heather honey is incredibly beneficial for health. Thanks to the use of this product, the following results can be achieved:
- Cope with gout and rheumatism.
- Get rid of lung pathologies.
- Improve the condition of gastrointestinal disorders and low acidity. This effect is due to the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the product.
- Improve appetite and strengthen the immune system.
- Improve the functioning of the nervous system. Heather honey has a calming effect, normalizes sleep, eliminates headaches and cramps.
This variety of bee nectar is also suitable for external use. Rinses based on this substance help get rid of inflammatory processes on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity. The product is also used in cosmetology. It is often added to creams, scrubs and masks.
ethnoscience
The extraordinary benefits of bee nectar from heather allow it to be used in folk medicine. This product helps get rid of the following disorders:
- Insomnia, stress - in this case, it is recommended to eat 1 small spoon of the product before bed.
- Loss of appetite - a treat based on 2 tablespoons of heather honey and half a glass of walnuts will help restore it.
- Lesions of the oral mucosa - in this case, it is recommended to mix 1 tablespoon of the product with a glass of warm water. The resulting composition should be used for rinsing the mouth.
Systematic consumption of a small amount of this type of honey will have a beneficial effect on the respiratory system, hearts and blood vessels, and digestive organs. This product also helps improve your mood.
Delicious and healthy recipes
You can prepare a variety of products from heather honey, which differ in purpose:
- To strengthen the immune system, it is recommended to mix 2 small spoons of honey and 100 grams of walnuts. You also need to add 2 tablespoons of crushed lemons and 1 tablespoon of light raisins. The resulting product should be consumed 1 small spoon three times a day.
- To eliminate insomnia, depression and stress, you should mix 2 small spoons of honey with 250 milliliters of warm milk. It is also recommended to add 1 small spoon of lemon juice to the composition. Take the resulting remedy half an hour before bedtime.
- To rinse the gums and mouth, you can mix 2 small spoons of honey with a glass of thermal decoction of sage or chamomile.
- For skin problems, heather honey can be used in its pure form. It needs to be gently rubbed into problem areas for 10-15 minutes. After which the composition can be washed off with warm water.
- To increase appetite, you need to mix 2 tablespoons of bee nectar with 100 grams of chopped walnuts. Take 1 small spoon 6 times a day.
In the form of desserts, the product can be mixed with dried fruits and nuts. It can also be combined with ice cream, butter, and yogurt. Warm tea will be an excellent addition to bee nectar. Heather delicacy can also act as a marinade or sauce for meat.
The product has a unique taste and unusual aroma. Therefore, high-quality alcoholic drinks are made from it. British liqueurs are famous throughout the world for their balanced taste.
To make your own Scotch liqueur, it is recommended to take the following ingredients:
- 1-2 tablespoons of heather honey;
- 250 milliliters of whiskey;
- 100 milliliters of cream;
- 2-4 tablespoons of oatmeal.
To prepare an alcoholic drink, do the following:
- Gradually pour cream into the cereal. In this case, the mass must be constantly stirred.
- Bring the mixture to a creamy state and leave for 1 hour.
- Add whiskey to the thick mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Add honey and mix all ingredients again.
- Pour the drink into a suitable container.
How to distinguish from a fake
Checking the quality of heather honey is easy. To do this, you need to open the container with the product, turn it over and wait for it to flow out. The natural composition will remain motionless for 3-4 minutes. Experts say that the purer the product, the longer it takes to leak.
Heather nectar is characterized by an unusual taste and smell. This also allows us to determine its authenticity. However, this can only be done by experienced beekeepers who are familiar with the taste of nectar.
Another important parameter is the absence of crystallization. Over time, honey develops a thick texture, but it does not become hard or contain crystals. Most often the product is similar in texture to jelly.
High-quality heather honey contains many air bubbles. When heated, they rise and burst. If there are no bubbles in the mass, this indicates that the product is fake or has been melted before sale.
Contraindications and harm
Heather honey is considered the strongest allergen. Therefore, it must be used very carefully, starting with small doses. This product is not recommended for young children. It can be introduced into the diet no earlier than 3 years. Nectar is also contraindicated for pregnant women.
Storage rules
This type of honey is almost not candied.Over time it becomes like jelly. It is best to store the product at a temperature of +4-18 degrees. As for humidity, it should be 60%. Under such conditions, the product retains its beneficial properties for a long time.
Another important condition is the absence of exposure to direct sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the composition in a dark place. When choosing containers, you should give preference to glass and ceramic containers.
Heather honey is a unique product that brings great health benefits. It is very important to choose natural nectar and provide it with the correct storage conditions. Compliance with the rules for eating sweet treats is also of great importance.
