Honey

 

The history of honey begins in ancient times, where it held a special place, treated as a natural and healthy product, an essential element of food and not a supplement.

 

Generally honey is a natural product that admits of no processing and consists of : water, natural sugars, organic acids, proteins, minerals, enzymes, vitamins, flavorings and colorings, and other nutrients.
Plays an important role in metabolism and nutrition, to the components of bones and cells, regulates the acidity of the stomach, has antiseptic properties, is tonic, it helps in faster recovery of health and has an antimicrobial effect.

 

The features of honey are aroma and taste that can be altered if we do not storage it correctly or if its processing is inadequate.

The color of honey is typical of its origin and is considered one of the main quality criteria affecting consumer preference.  The dark-colored honey is rich in minerals and therefore have high nutritional value, while the lighter ones has better color and flavor.

 

Some of the physical properties of honey is the viscosity which determines the fluidity, the crystallization and others. Crystallization known though incorrectly as candy, is a natural biological phenomenon of natural raw honey, not cause any change in nutritional and biological properties of honey.

Therefore a crystallized honey is not spoiled or adulterated.

 

The honey is divided into two major categories:

• Flower honey, produced from the nectar of flowers ( thyme, oranges, cotton, sunflower, heather, etc.)

• Honey from honeydew secretions produced by the scale insects (insects) that suck the plants. This category includes honey pine, fir and other forest plants.

 

As in ancient times, so today, honey has a symbolic significance.

For example :

• Honey is used in celebrations as a symbol of fertility and well-being.

• Honey with walnuts and sesame offered to honeymooners and guests.

• In Crete sweet wedding is a fried dough with honey (it is called 'xerotigano').

• In Rhodes the eve of the wedding they make a dessert with honey, sesame seeds and rosewater (it is called melekounia).

• Breads fermented with honey is given to nursing mothers.

• Pancakes and omelets with honey offered to cemeteries after Easter for the repose of souls.

• For a happy new year the housewives place nuts on the table, an olive branch and a cup of honey.

• Christmas and New Year 's sweets are made with honey such as : honey cakes, turnovers, even sweet breads.

• Required for the table of feasts are several hand made sweets with honey such as xerotigana, the melomakarona, baklavas, pies with walnuts, some fruits like pomegranates, the chestnuts, as well as almonds and walnuts which are served with honey, and symbolize happiness and abundance.

 

Crystallization of honey has no bearing on its quality. It is a natural and uncontrolled process and of course an attribute of pure and natural honey.