Heather honey: useful properties and contraindications, color and composition

Heather honey is a rather controversial product. Beekeepers consider this species to be of low quality, since it has a specific bitter taste and is not suitable for wintering bees. Despite this, many people believe that this product contains a lot of valuable ingredients. That is why it has become widespread in European countries and America.

Description and distinguishing features

Verevsky honey is obtained from heather flowers. It is a rare evergreen shrub that grows in mid-latitudes and northern Africa. The maximum number of this plant is concentrated in Scotland.It is there that 3/4 of the moorlands of the world are located. Also, this culture is in Russia and other countries. It prevails in pine forests and peat bogs. In addition, sands and burnt areas are considered to be the habitat of heather.

Shrub blooms in the second half of summer. At the same time, the amount of nectar collected by bees is affected by the humidity of the air and soil. During a drought, heather, which grows in swampy areas, releases more nectar than mountain varieties. At the same time, during the rainy period, more honey can be obtained from mountain bushes.

Heather bloom lasts quite a long time. Thus, from the opened flower, the bees collect nectar for a whole week. From 1 hectare it is possible to get 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 brighter 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 honeycombs, you will need to arm yourself with a special roller in the form of a hedgehog.

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, zinc. The mass also includes iron, manganese, boron.

A distinctive feature of this variety of honey is considered to be high water content. Its amount reaches 20-23%. The product also includes vitamins of groups B, C, K, E. This type of bee nectar is considered to be very high in calories. There are about 320 kilocalories in 100 grams of the product.

Useful properties

Heater honey is extremely beneficial for he alth. Thanks to the use of this product, it is possible to achieve the following results:

1. Deal with gout and rheumatism.
2. Get rid of lung pathologies.
3. Improve gastrointestinal disorders and low acidity. This effect is due to the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the product.
4. Improve appetite and strengthen the immune system.
5. To improve the functioning of the nervous system. Heather honey has a calming effect, normalizes sleep, eliminates headaches and cramps.

Also, this variety of bee nectar is suitable for external use. Rinses based on this substance help to 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.

Traditional medicine

The extraordinary benefits of heather bee nectar allow it to be used in folk medicine. This product helps to get rid of the following disorders:

1. Insomnia, stress - in this case, it is recommended to eat 1 small spoonful of the product before bedtime.
2. Loss of appetite - a delicacy based on 2 tablespoons of heather honey and half a glass of walnuts will help restore it.
3. Lesions of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity - 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.

The systematic use of a small amount of this variety of honey will have a positive effect on the respiratory system, hearts and blood vessels, and digestive organs. This product also improves mood.

Delicious and he althy recipes

From heather honey you can prepare a variety of products that differ in purpose:

1. To strengthen the immune system, it is recommended to mix 2 small spoons of honey and 100 grams of walnuts. Also, 2 tablespoons of crushed lemons and 1 tablespoon of light raisins must be added to the composition. The resulting product should be consumed 1 small spoon three times a day.
2. To eliminate insomnia, depression and stress, 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 product half an hour before bedtime.
3. To rinse the gums and mouth, you can mix 2 small spoons of honey with a glass of warm sage or chamomile decoction.
4. 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 that, the composition can be washed off with warm water.
5. 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, yogurt. Warm tea will be an excellent addition to bee nectar. Heather delicacy can also serve as a marinade or sauce for meat.

The product has a unique taste and unusual aroma. Therefore, high-quality alcoholic beverages are made from it. British liqueurs are famous all over the world for their balanced taste.

To make your own Scottish liqueur, it is recommended to take the following ingredients:

• 1-2 tablespoons heather honey;
• 250 milliliters of whiskey;
• 100 ml cream;
• 2-4 tablespoons of oatmeal.

To prepare an alcoholic drink, do the following:

1. Slowly pour the cream into the cereal. In this case, the mass must be constantly stirred.
2. Bring the composition to a creamy state and leave for 1 hour.
3. Add to whiskey thick mixture and mix thoroughly.
4. Introduce honey and mix all ingredients again.
5. Pour the drink into a suitable container.

How to distinguish from a fake

Checking the quality of heather honey is easy. To do this, the container with the product must be opened, turned over and wait for it to flow out. The natural composition will remain motionless for 3-4 minutes. Experts say that the cleaner the product, the longer it flows out.

Heath nectar has an unusual taste and smell. This also allows you to determine its authenticity. However, only experienced beekeepers who are familiar with the taste of nectar can do this.

Another important parameter is the lack of crystallization. Over time, honey takes on a thick texture, but it does not become hard and does not contain crystals. Most often, the product is similar in texture to jelly.

Quality heather honey contains a lot of air bubbles. When heated, they rise and burst. If there are no bubbles in the mass, this indicates a fake product or its melting 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. Also, nectar is contraindicated for pregnant women.

Storage rules

This kind of honey is hardly 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 lack of exposure to direct sunlight. Therefore, the composition is recommended to be kept in a dark place. When choosing containers, you should give preference to glass and ceramic containers.

Heather honey is a unique product with many he alth benefits. It is very important to choose natural nectar and provide it with the right storage conditions. Of great importance is also the observance of the rules for the use of sweet treats.

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