Ideal Bite

What is it that heals the sick, mends the wounded, helps in allergy relief, and is heavenly in taste?

10.05.2005

Submitted by idealbite on Wed, 10/05/2005 - 5:00pm.

The Bite:

Yes, we are talking about nature's nectar - varietal honey! Single varietal honeys result when the honey bees gather nectar from the same type of flowers. Depending on the nectar source, they vary in composition, color, flavor and fragrance. One thing all types have in common: they're good for you!

The Benefits:

Honey is a good source of glucose, fructose, and a wide array of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants.
It'san effective moisturizer, feels great on a sore throat, and - as a natural antibacterial - has been touted as a remedy for everything from ulcers to wound dressing.
Varietal honeys support local beekeepers, working with centuries-old methods (unlike the overprocessed versions you buy in the plastic bear).

Personally Speaking:

Heather got some chestnut honey in Italy last year that she loved so much she practically licked the jar when it was gone (eat it on pecorino cheese for a bite of heaven).

Wanna Try:

Regional varietal honeys are most readily available at farmer's markets and local specialty gourmet stores.

Honey Locator - The best source for locating local honey. Search by floral source and city/state/country.
Our favorites: Bee Raw Honey - with a jar for a flower vase when you're done - and Marshall's Honey. Try the chestnut and sage varieties (and eat them with cheese - you'll thank us).

Cocktail Fact

To make one pound of honey, bees must travel over 55,000 miles and extract nectar from 2 million flowers.

Bang For The Bite

At $12-$14 for an 8 oz jar, varietal honey is definitely more expensive than what you get in the little plastic bear, but there's a night and day difference in freshness, quality and taste.

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