In today’s health conscious world many are opting for honey instead of processed or refined sugar. Whether it be in your morning cup of tea or an alternative in a dessert honey is gaining popularity. This ancient sweetener has many reported health benefits including reducing allergies, healing wounds, boosting energy, and reducing inflammation, to name a few.
There are a variety of types of honey out there. In fact, in the United States there are over 300 types of honey. With that much variety it can be difficult to ascertain which one is best.
Before we get to which type of honey would suit your needs it is important to note that when purchasing honey you are cautious. When over processed honey can loose many of its antibacterial properties. In fact it is has been reported that ¾ of the honey you find in grocery stores has lost most of its nutritional value due to over-processing. So when browsing the aisles in your grocery store be mindful of the term Grade A honey. Check labels carefully, you might be surprised to learn that the majority of honey found in the grocery store comes from China and pollen is nowhere to be found in the jar. Look for raw, unfiltered honey in your local farmers markets.
Honey comes in a variety of forms including honey comb, liquid honey, chunk honey, granulated, and whipped.
Here are some of my favorite types of honey, their health benefits and when to use them in the kitchen:
Clover honey
This honey is extra light amber to white-water colored and has a delicate taste. There are a variety of clovers including Red Clover and White Dutch clover each producing their own unique flavor and color. Clover honey is known for promoting wound healing, regulating cholesterol and blood pressure, cough control, and providing anti-oxidants. This honey is commonly used as table honey.
Manuka honey
This honey sourced from New Zealand’s Manuka tree is best known for its antibacterial properties and is touted for helping heal wounds and battle infections including MRSA. It has also been found to be an effective agent against Helicobacter pylori. Helicobacter pylori is found in the stomach and intestines and is involved in the creation of gastric ulcers and gastric cancer. Manuka honey has a unique medicinal flavor and is not for everyone, however, it’s medicinal properties are superior. Manuka honey has a variety of uses in the kitchen including glazes, baking, and dressings.
Sourwood honey
Derived from the sourwood tree in the Appalachian Mountains this honey is light in color and has a spicy and sweet. It has a scent that has notes of anise and spices. Sourwood honey has a high anti-oxidant level, and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly used as table honey and in glazes. It is great as a spread on bread.
Buckwheat honey
Dark brown in color with a bold and unique flavor this honey, like the name implies, is developed from buckwheat and is used in making barbeque sauces and in baking. It is said to contain more anti-oxidants than the lighter amber honey varieties. It has a very high antibiotic quality and according to research it is slightly superior to Manuka honey in this aspect. It is utilized for bacterial infections, artherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, liver detox, and microcytic anemia.
Rosemary honey
Derived from the rosemary herb this honey is light yellow and has a pretty strong and sweet flavor. It is beneficial for those with cardiovascular issues, and helps with digestion, liver function, high blood pressure and relieves gout.
Dandelion honey
Sourced from the Dandelion flower this honey has a vivid yellow color and makes a wonderful whipped honey. It can help with liver function, digestion, constipation, gastritis, and colitis.
Acacia honey
This honey is obtained from the Black Locust tree found in parts of the United States and Europe. This honey is light in color and has a sweet taste. This honey is great for tea drinkers as a sweetener as it does not overpowering the scent and taste of the tea. An anti-inflammatory, this honey is great for diabetics as it has a low fructose level in comparison to other honey variations. It is also great for liver and digestive issues. This tea relieves anxiety and calms tension. It is a natural relaxant.
Avocado honey
Derived from the avocado blossoms in California this honey is rich and buttery in taste and dark amber in color. This honey shares many of the medicinal properties as the Aloe Vera plant and is bountiful in minerals, vitamins, and anti-oxidants. This honey is commonly used for dressings and sauces.
Eucalyptus honey
Developed from a multitude of types of eucalyptus plants this honey is commonly used in dressings, baking and making sauces. This honey is spouted to be a good decongestant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, deodorant, and sooth respiratory issues.
Alfalfa honey
Sourced from the purple blossoms of the alfalfa plant this honey is mild in color and pleasing in flavor and aroma. It is derived from United States and Canada and good for everyday use. It has antiseptic and antibiotic properties, reduces acne, boosts energy, and has anti-inflammatory properties.