The prairies are packed with honeys. Clover, alfalfa, wildflower and buckwheat are some to name a few. According to Manitoba Agriculture Food and Rural Initiatives, we have about 500 beekeepers in Manitoba. Roughly a quarter of these consist of 100 plus colonies or hives, making them commercial size. Furthermore, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba produce 80% of Canada’s honey crop.
Beekeepers move their colonies to fields of flowering crops such as canola, buckwheat, clover and alfalfa. Some of these crops provide a distinctive flavour to the honey produced from them.
Earlier this month, Ellen shared why she’s lovin’ honey. The fact it’s locally–produced and it is a natural product are only some of benefits that honey producers boast about their product.
It has a lot of other uses and health benefits too. Stock up on honey produced this summer at your local farmer’s market or grocery store before winter comes so you can enjoy its many uses year round.
5 Benefits of Honey
1) It Contains Antioxidants
Honey contains low-to-moderate levels of disease-fighting antioxidants, with dark-colored honeys observed to contain more antioxidants than the lighter varieties.
Antioxidants are compounds found in cells that soak up free radicals (the damaging byproducts of normal metabolism). Researchers believe diets high in certain antioxidants (like vitamins C and E) may help prevent illnesses such as heart disease and cancer.
Fruits contain antioxidants too. A good way to increase intake is to drizzle honey over fruit using this recipe:
Honey Citrus Syrup
1/2 cup Beemaid honey
¼ cup lemon juice
¼ cup orange juice
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in small bowl; stir until well blended. Refrigerate in airtight container until ready to use. Use syrup to sweeten tea and glaze fruits. (recipe courtesy of www.beemaid.com)
2) It Heals
Hydrogen peroxide that naturally exists in honey (produced from an enzyme that bees have) make for a good external applicator to cuts and wounds to skin, speeding up the healing process.
3) It Energizes
We all know sugar makes kids hyper, and it works the same with adults. The combination of glucose and fructose in honey gives you the boost you need and helps prevent against fatigue.
4) It Soothes
Remember how comforting it was to have your mother give you warm tea and honey when you were sick as a child? As usual, it turns out mom did know best. Honey contains antibacterial and antifungal properties; combined with its thick consistency, a splash of lemon and you’ve got the cure for a sore throat or cough.
5) It’s a Good Substitute
Honey is a good substitute for sugar, especially in baking. Mild flavoured honey works best so it doesn’t overpower the other flavours. Your baking will remain fresh and moist for longer.
It’ also perfect for making a syrup for your freezing and canning needs this time of year.
Just remember this easy conversion method:
Replace sugar with three quarters of honey, for example: 1 cup sugar = 3/4 cup honey
These Bran Muffins (recipe below) I made last weekend already include honey as a substitute, no substitution required.
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