Introduction
Honey is a remarkable product whose health-promoting properties have been the subject of many studies and scientific publications. It is not just a sweet delicacy that improves the taste of various dishes, but above all a product with enormous health-promoting properties. It is therefore worth finding out what the different types of honey are and what their characteristics are.
Different types of honey – what is worth knowing?
Basic information
By far the most important information for any beginner is that there are many different types of honey. They differ in colour, texture, taste and properties.
Sources of variety
The composition, and therefore the appearance and characteristics of a particular honey, depends on which plants the bees have collected nectar or honeydew from. Depending on the location of the apiary and the surrounding vegetation, the bees have access to diverse raw materials. Accordingly, we distinguish honeys:
- nectar/flower
- honeydew
- mixed, i.e. nectar and honeydew
We also divide honeys according to the predominant raw material in them. Below we present the most popular of these.
Rape honey
Characteristics
Bees produce rapeseed honey from the nectar of rapeseed flowers. It is characterised by its light, delicate colour and mild flavour. It is one of the most popular types of honey due to the easy and wide availability of rapeseed.
Health properties
Rapeseed honey contains many valuable nutrients such as vitamins B, C, D and K, as well as trace elements such as copper, iron, manganese and zinc. It also has antioxidant properties that help fight free radicals and protect the body from disease. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties and is recommended for cardiovascular disease and the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Acacia honey
Characteristics
Acacia honey is one of the most popular types of honey. Its characteristic feature is its consistency, as it remains liquid for the longest time. It is characterised by a clean, floral aftertaste and a slightly light green colour.
Health properties
Acacia honey helps cleanse the body of accumulated toxins, has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, as well as strengthening the cardiovascular system and improving brain function. It is also recommended for kidney patients and physically active people.
Lime honey
Characteristics
Lime honey is characterised by a delicate, floral aroma and light colour. It contains many valuable nutrients such as B vitamins, vitamin C, PP, folic acid, as well as trace elements such as magnesium, potassium, calcium and manganese.
Health properties
Lime honey has antioxidant properties that help protect the body from free radicals and disease. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, it is an effective treatment for upper respiratory infections such as coughs, colds and tonsillitis. It can also help relieve symptoms of allergies, asthma, inflammation and skin lesions.
Buckwheat honey
Characteristics
Buckwheat honey is very distinctive. It has a particular, slightly pungent aftertaste, which is why it is not the most common choice. However, it is characterised by very interesting health-promoting properties.
Health properties
Buckwheat honey has a strong strengthening effect on the body, accelerates wound healing, cleanses toxins, and has a beneficial effect on memory and concentration. It also supports the digestive system, particularly the stomach.
Multi-flower honey
Characteristics
Multi-flower honey is very well known. It is a variety commonly used in cooking, as it replaces sugar in many dishes thanks to its sweet taste.
Health properties
Multi-flower honey is recommended for people with allergies who suffer from hay fever. It is also recommended for athletes as it has a high glucose content.
Honeydew honey
Characteristics
Honeydew honey is very fine. It has a distinct, less sweet flavour than other varieties, which makes it particularly prized.
Health properties
This type of honey is often recommended for various colds and respiratory diseases. It has strong expectorant and anti-inflammatory effects and can also be used for joint disorders.
Manuka honey
Characteristics
Manuka honey is a type of honey produced in New Zealand from the nectar of the flowers of the manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium). It is a unique honey that has many health and healing properties due to the presence of unique compounds such as methylglyoxal (MGO).
Health properties
In addition to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, manuka honey helps to alleviate the symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases such as Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome. It is also recommended for skin diseases such as acne, psoriasis and eczema. It has an anti-inflammatory effect, soothes skin irritations and helps in the healing process of wounds and sores.
Summary
Different types of honey have their own unique health and taste properties. Whether you choose rapeseed, acacia, lime, buckwheat, multi-flower, honeydew or manuka honey, each will bring not only a unique flavour to your diet, but also numerous health benefits. It is worth experimenting and discovering the variety of honeys to enjoy their full benefits.