- Tokyo: 18:56
- Singapore: 17:56
- Dubai: 13:56
- London: 10:56
- New York: 05:56
Our Blogs
Geohoney
A Deep Dive into Spain’s Artisanal Honey Industry
Spanish artisanal honey is a gourmet food ingredient that also possesses exceptional medicinal and healing properties. This golden elixir has a centuries-old legacy that spans across the vast, unspoiled landscapes of Northern Spain. From the mountainous Galicia regions to the thyme-covered Andalusian hills, Spain has to offer a variety of honey types, each capturing the essence of the region’s age-old tradition and beekeeping excellence. “Spanish artisanal honey stands out for its purity, exclusivity, and deep cultural roots.”, says the founder of Geohoney and the CEO of B A Barry Group, Mr Basem Barry. This honey is not made in commercial apiaries. Instead, it is the result of the combined efforts of bees and the hardworking local beekeepers who make sure to prepare the purest honey you can ever find. This blog explores Spain’s artisanal honey industry in detail, highlighting why it is becoming the top choice for both domestic and commercial consumers. So, keep on reading till the end. A Quick Look into Spain’s Artisanal Honey Market What Makes Spanish Artisanal Honey Special? Deep Historical and Cultural Roots Geographical and Botanical Diversity Production Scale and Structure Artisanal Beekeeping Practices to Ensure the Best Quality Spain’s local beekeeping sector produces about ~€60‑70 million worth of honey and honey-related products like beeswax, propolis, royal jelly and bee pollen annually. This country is the second largest honey producer in Europe, with a staggering 31,000 tons of annual output. The artisanal honey produced in this region comes with a much higher price tag owing to the intricate craftsmanship and the limited production. Spain consumes about 0.6-0.7 kg of honey per person, and most of it is produced locally. The honey market in this region is expected to grow even further, owing to the fully organic processing and unique floral origin of the products that it offers. There are a number of reasons why Spain’s artisanal raw honey industry has been able not only to stand the test of time but also grow at an incredible rate. The following are just a few points that show what makes the honey prepared in this region so special. Honey production and beekeeping in Spain have deep and carefully preserved roots that date back to Roman times. Mainly, the native Apis mellifera Iberica or the Spanish bee is responsible for most of the pollination and honey production in this area. Beekeepers in Spain still use the traditional methods that have been passed down through generations to grow their hives and harvest honey. These artisans have a deep understanding of the regional flora, harvesting times, and hive placement, which ensures every spoonful of honey they harvest is nothing but pure. Most of the honey production in the region is done by family-based beekeepers who use ancient tools and methods to ensure the honey is always raw and minimally processed. Unlike commercially produced honey, the Spanish artisanal honey is rich in natural enzymes, antioxidants, and vitamins that impart a great flavor as well as countless health benefits to it. Spanish artisanal honey has no match due to the floral and geographical diversity of the region. The are diverse zones including islands (the Balearic and Canary), mountains, Mediterranean, and subtropical regions that produce several types of flora, including wild herbs, heather, chestnut, and eucalyptus, to name a few. Spain has introduced PDOs (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGIs (Protected Geographical Indications) labels to ensure the authenticity and regional identity of its artisanal honey. Some notable regions include: Miel de Galicia (PGI), which is known for its mild climate and diverse honey varieties like chestnut, heather, blackberry, eucalyptus, etc. Miel de Ibiza (PDO), which produces thyme honey, yellow clover honey, and rockrose honey. Miel de La Alcarria (PDO), which is known for its floral nectar honeys like rosemary, lavender, and thyme. Miel de Villuercas‑Ibores (PDO), which produces broom honey, mountain chestnut honey, and forest honey varieties. The production scale and structure in the region focus on sustainability and minimal intervention to help preserve natural bee behavior. Spain holds a big share of hives in all of Europe. The natural monofloral and wildflower honey production in Spain is no more than 30,000-35,000 tons in a year. Regions like Valencia, Andalusia, and Castilla y León produce more than 70% of the region’s honey. There are very few commercial beekeepers in the region who manage over 150 hives. Most of the production is done by smaller artisans who focus more on quality, purity, and traceability rather than profitability. Here are some key traditional artisanal beekeeping practices that are used in Spain to produce pure organic honey. Family-Owned Businesses and Minimal Processing Spain’s artisanal honey is unique for a number of reasons. First and foremost, this honey is produced under the supervision of family beekeepers who give special attention to its quality, craftsmanship, and local identity. These beekeepers emphasize the utilization of single floral sources or specific plants or habitats to prepare monofloral artisanal honey with a unique flavor profile. Unlike regular honey, Spanish artisanal honey doesn’t undergo aggressive filtration or heavy heating, which preserves most of its flavor, aroma, pollen content, and nutritional profile. This honey is cold-harvested, unpasteurized, and unfiltered, which allows it to retain its natural nutrients and enzymes. Moreover, under Spain’s PGI and PDO rules, beekeepers have to work with registered hives and pay attention to marking, labelling, and pollen testing to further maintain the highest quality and authenticity. Nomadic Beekeeping A common practice among Spanish beekeeping that is still used today is the "trashumancia apícola," which means to migrate bee colonies based on the seasons from lowland to highland pastures and vice versa. This practice leads to healthier bee colonies and rich honey flavors that result from diverse nectar sources and the availability of plenty of nectar. Minimal Intervention Traditional Spanish beekeepers use minimally invasive methods to raise bee colonies. They allow bees to build their own combs, use organic and chemical-free pest treatment methods, and allow the bees to follow natural reproduction cycles instead of artificially replacing queens. This gives you artisanal honey that is truly terroir-driven and has a flavor that captures the very specific essence of the local environment. Eco-friendly Beekeeping Traditional Spanish beekeepers use fully organic or near organic practices such as minimal or no pesticide use, planting and nurturing local flora, and using less harmful honey harvesting methods like smoke from a local herb like rosemary or thyme. These practices not only preserve bees but also ensure the honey is as pure as can be. Traditional Spanish Beehives Traditional Spanish beekeepers from Extremadura and Andalusia use trunk hives called “colmenas de corcho” or “troncos colmeneros.”, which are made from hollowed out cork oak logs or tree trunks capped at both ends. These hives are placed horizontally, and they are surrounded by stonewalls or clay to protect bees from predators and heat. Other traditional regional hive variations are clay hives and Wicker skeps, which are designed to give bees a safe, cozy, and nourishing environment where they can grow and prepare the purest artisanal Spanish honey, which we all know and love today. Traditional Spanish beekeeping is not about honey harvesting alone. It is a way of life that is rooted deep in nature, tradition, and local craftsmanship. Every jar of Spanish artisanal honey carries with it the region’s cultural and geographical essence. The Spanish artisanal honey industry has a very bright future ahead as the consumer demand for traceable, authentic, and terroir-specific honey rises. The convergence of rich landscapes, diverse flora, and skilled craftsmanship makes Spain’s artisanal honey a true natural treasure that is special not only in terms of its flavor but also in terms of its health and nutritional benefits.A Quick Look into Spain’s Artisanal Honey Market
What Makes Spanish Artisanal Honey Special?
Deep Historical and Cultural Roots
Geographical and Botanical Diversity
Production Scale and Structure
Artisanal Beekeeping Practices to Ensure the Best Quality
Conclusion
Press Release
Geohoney Marks International Day of Climate Action with a Call for Environmental Responsibility
On the International Day of Climate Action, Geohoney emphasizes the urgent need for global awareness and cooperation to combat climate change and protect our planet’s fragile ecosystems.
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, threatening biodiversity, agriculture, food security, and human livelihoods. Rising temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, and loss of natural habitats continue to impact pollinators like bees, which play an essential role in sustaining life on Earth.
As part of the natural balance, bees are vital for pollination and the preservation of healthy ecosystems. Their well-being is closely tied to the climate, and their decline highlights the broader environmental challenges the world faces. Protecting pollinators means protecting agriculture, biodiversity, and ultimately human survival.
The International Day of Climate Action serves as a reminder that every individual, community, and organization has a role to play in building a more sustainable future. Small actions such as conserving water, reducing waste, planting trees, supporting renewable energy, and choosing sustainable food sources can collectively bring meaningful change.
Geohoney remains committed to raising awareness about the interconnection between climate, biodiversity, and food systems. This day reinforces the need for collaborative action to preserve nature for future generations.
About Geohoney
Geohoney is a global advocate for sustainable beekeeping and natural honey production. With a mission to protect pollinators and promote environmental responsibility, Geohoney combines innovation and tradition to deliver pure, eco-friendly honey products worldwide.
Our Planet
The Bee’s Role in Humanity’s Future
Bees are indispensable to humans, and no one can deny this fact. These hardworking creatures provide us with raw honey, pollinate our plants and food crops, and promote biodiversity and a healthy ecosystem.
It is quite difficult to imagine a future where bees are not a key part of human civilization and culture. These hardworking creatures sustain our ecosystems, and without them, the global food supply is sure to take a serious hit.
“Bees keep both people and the planet healthy and nourished, and that is what makes them essential to humanity’s future.”, says the founder of Geohoney and the CEO of B A Barry Group, Mr Basem Barry.
This blog explores the key role bees play in ensuring a secure future for humans. So, keep on reading till the end to see what makes bees important for us and the planet.
Pollination Done by Bees: The Cornerstone of Modern Agriculture
Promoting Biodiversity and a Healthy Ecosystem
Hoisting the Global Economy
Bee Population Serving as a Key Environmental Indicator
Bees and Climate ResilienceMajor Threats Facing Bees
Key Strategies and Solutions to Promote Healthy Bee Populations
Pollination Done by Bees: The Cornerstone of Modern Agriculture
Bees are a keystone species due to the important role they play as pollinators. Bees are responsible for pollinating about 80% of the food crops and more than 75% of the world’s flowering plants. Most of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts we enjoy are the result of the labor of the honey bees.
This means that to support the growing crop needs of the global population, bees will continue to play a key role in the future. Without them, the global food supply will be disrupted, and both the quality and the quantity of the many natural foods we enjoy will never be the same. This is what makes honey bees essential to humanity’s future.
Promoting Biodiversity and a Healthy Ecosystem
Bees play a key role in supporting biodiversity and creating healthy ecosystems. The pollination by bees leads to the growth of diverse flora that not only serves as a source of food for humans and animals but also provides shelter to a wide range of animal species.
The pollination done by bees creates forests, meadows, and grasslands that provide habitat to animals and promote biodiversity. By creating a diverse plant population, bees support a wide range of animals, birds, and insects, which creates robust ecosystems.
Hoisting the Global Economy
Bees both directly, by giving us honey, royal jelly, propolis, and beeswax, and indirectly by pollinating about two-thirds of global food crops, support the global economy.
The economic value of bee pollination for the crops is hundreds of billions of dollars every year, which goes to show how dark the economic future of the world can turn out to be if the bees are removed from the equation.
The work done by the bees influences sectors like horticulture, agriculture, food processing, and retail, to name just a few.
Without bees, the global food supply will not only be reduced but also become extremely expensive. Alternative crop pollination methods like hand pollination or pollination by machines are not only more expensive, but they also yield fewer crops.
This way, without bees, most nutritious crops would become less accessible, which would affect the livelihood of beekeepers and related sectors to a great extent.
Bee Population Serving as A Key Environmental Indicator
This is another way bees can secure humanity’s future. Since bees are very sensitive to things like air pollution, excess pesticide usage, habitat loss, and climate stress, they can help us humans determine the health of our environment.
If the bee population in a specific area drops suddenly, it shows there is some ecological imbalance, and you need to do something about it as soon as possible.
Environmental scientists look at bees to determine the presence and extent of environmental degradation. This helps them devise more effective environmental conservation strategies, which enhances planetary health in the long run.
Bees and Climate Resilience
Bees are expected to play a key role in helping humanity adapt to an unpredictable global climate. Beekeepers are relying on diverse pollinator communities that include native bees for pollinating crops. These bee species are more resilient to climate extremes than regular honey bees.
Native bee communities can function properly even under changing weather conditions, which ensures the crops are pollinated even when the climate patterns are not easy to predict.
Humans are also using farming systems like agroecology and regenerative agriculture that support bee health, which leads to their greater adaptability and climate change resistance.
These techniques involve less chemical usage, which leads to better soil and water health. Thus, by improving bee health, you indirectly enhance the climate resilience of both the planet and its inhabitants.
Major Threats Facing Bees
Bees are extremely important for humanity’s future, and the above points make that very clear. These busy creatures give us honey, royal jelly, propolis, and beeswax that find countless culinary and medicinal uses.
However, harmful and irresponsible human activities and the resulting accelerating climate change have made it very difficult for these creatures to survive.
The following are some major threats that bees are facing at the moment.
The use of pesticides like neonicotinoids impairs reproductive, navigational, and memory functions of bees, which leads to population declines.
Factors like urban sprawl, intensive agriculture, and deforestation also pose huge threats to the bees.
Unstable weather patterns due to climate change disrupt flowering times, which leads to limited pollen or nectar supply to feed large bee colonies.
The use of monoculture farming and large-scale single-crop agriculture affects plant diversity negatively, which leads to poor nutrition and habitat loss for the bees.
Pollution in the soil and air affects plant health, which in turn leads to poor pollen quality.
Key Strategies and Solutions to Promote Healthy Bee Populations
Bees do so much for us, and that is why it is up to us to ensure these creatures are able to thrive in a safe and nourishing environment. Living in a world without bees will be quite impossible, as they are the ones creating a stable food supply and ecosystem for humans and animals alike.
The following are some of the most effective ways you can promote bee health.
Use bee-safe natural alternatives instead of toxic pesticides for growing crops.
Plant and nourish native flora to restore natural bee habitats.
Governments and wealthy individuals can invest in research related to tracking bee health and developing treatments for diseases.
Adopt sustainable farming practices like crop rotation, agroecology, regenerative agriculture, precision irrigation, integrated nutrient and pest management, etc.
Encourage the creation of urban beekeeping spots like pollinator gardens, green roofs, and bee hotels.
Raise public awareness about the importance of bees and the individual bee conservation methods.
Conclusion
The future of humans and bees is more interconnected and intertwined than we think. We need bees to secure our ecosystem and food supply. Without bees, it will not be easy to grow enough crops to meet the demands of the exponentially rising global population.
Bees support the planet and life in more ways than we give them credit for. Their silent labor is the cornerstone of agriculture, biodiversity, and the stable global economy.
This is why we need to do everything in our power to protect these precious creatures both on individual and collective levels. This is the only way to create a secure future for humanity and every other living being on the planet.
You can visit us at Geohoney today to learn more about bees and to order our top-quality honey products, including monofloral raw honey, royal jelly, propolis, bee pollen, and more.
Geohoney
Top 5 Countries Producing the Purest Sidr Honey
Sidr honey is an exotic, rare, and luxurious honey variety that features an exceptional flavor and nutritional profile. This honey is made from the nectar of the Sidr tree (Ziziphus spina-christi), and it is believed to have potent healing properties, which is why it has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
“Sidr honey is a nutrient-rich substance that equips your body to fight internal and foreign threats, and its rich and pleasant flavor is just the cherry on top.”, says the founder of Geohoney and the CEO of B A Barry Group, Mr Basem Barry.
But did you know that Sidr honey has several variations when it comes to its flavor, texture, and nutritional profile? There are more than 40 different species of this tree, and each produces a unique honey variety based on its geography.
This blog explores five countries that are known to produce the purest Sidr honey. These countries are at the forefront when it comes to producing pure raw honey made from the nectar of Sidr trees, so keep on reading till the end to learn more.
Key Features of Pure Sidr Honey
Flavor and Aroma
Color
Texture
Crystallization
Nutritional Profile of Pure Sidr Honey
Top Countries That Produce the Purest Sidr Honey
Persian Sidr Honey
Yemeni Sidr Honey
Sidr Honey from China
Pakistani Sidr Honey
Sidr Honey from Oman
Key Features of Pure Sidr Honey
Before we look into the top Sidr honey-producing countries, let’s first briefly discuss some unique features that set it apart from other honey varieties.
Flavor and Aroma
This honey is known globally for its multi-layered and rich flavor that is a blend of sweetness and tanginess. There are some herbal notes in its flavor as well that leave a pleasant lasting aftertaste. Some people describe the taste of special Sidr honey varieties like Yemeni honey as buttery and caramel.
Pure Sidr honey has a distinctive and pleasant aroma that combines floral, spicy, and woody notes. This honey gives out a mild aroma, which cannot be characterized as overly sweet, which is what makes it different from synthetic or mixed honeys.
Color
The color of this honey depends on the type of Sidr tree that bees forage and the geographical location. This monofloral honey comes in hues that range from golden to dark amber. Some rare varieties also come in deep brown or reddish hues.
Texture
Pure Sidr honey has a very thick, smooth, and creamy consistency. This honey is denser and more syrupy, especially when you buy unprocessed honey from a reputable source.
Crystallization
Sidr honey tends to crystallize very slowly. The natural crystallization happens about one or two years following the harvesting of this honey. The crystallization can be accelerated if you store it in a very cool place. However, even after crystallization, this honey maintains a fine and uniform consistency.
Nutritional Profile of Pure Sidr Honey
Sidr honey is a prized commodity in various cultures, and the credit goes to its amazing nutritional profile. About 100 grams of this organic honey has,
300-330 calories and 80-83g carbohydrates
Antioxidants like phenolic acids and flavonoids
Methylglyoxal (MGO), which gives it superior antibacterial properties
Enzymes like glucose oxidase
Vitamins C and B, including B2, B3, B5, and B6)
Minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and potassium
Top 5 Countries That Produce the Purest Sidr Honey
There are many South Asian and Middle Eastern countries known to produce premium-quality Sidr honey using traditional methods. In this section, we will look into 5 of these countries that offer the highest quality Sidr honey in its unprocessed, unadulterated, and raw form.
Persian Sidr Honey
This Sidr honey is made from Sidr tree species that are native to the southern regions of Persia (Iran), particularly in the provinces of Khuzestan, Sistan and Baluchistan, and Hormozgan.
These trees bloom from mid-October to mid-November, which is the right time to extract this honey. As this tree flowers in the early Autumn, there is an absence of other flowers, which leads to the creation of pure, monofloral Sidr honey.
Persian Sider raw honey contains more than 5% of sucrose. It has a light color that darkens over time. This honey has a complex buttery flavor, and it crystallizes very slowly, giving you a longer shelf life.
Yemeni Sidr Honey
Yemen is the most popular and the largest producer of premium-quality Sidr honey. This honey mainly comes from the Hadramout region of this country. Yemeni Sidr honey is harvested using traditional methods. The sidr trees in this region are also grown naturally without any pesticides, which gives you 100% purity.
You can recognize this honey by its amber color, buttery flavor, thick consistency, and a strong herbal aftertaste.
Yemeni Sidr honey is a rich source of fructose, vitamins, beneficial enzymes, and antioxidants, which make it an ideal addition to your diet.
Sidr Honey from China
Sidr honey is also known as Jujube honey or date honey in China. This honey mainly comes from the jujube species of Sidr that grows in the regions of Hebei, Henan, Shandong, and Shanxi in China. Other notable locations include Qin and Jin valleys.
The Qin and Jin date forests are the largest and oldest Jujube sources in China, where Sidr trees grow without any fertilizers and away from pollution. The Chinese Sidr honey has no match when it comes to its purity, nutritional profile, deep flavor, thick consistency, and long shelf life.
Pakistani Sidr Honey
Pakistan is also a leading Sidr honey producer and exporter. This honey mostly comes from the regions of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and some parts of Karachi.
Pakistani Sidr honey is harvested from remote mountainous regions that are away from pollution. The harvesting is done using age-old methods by the local apiarists. The result is a smooth, thick, and light-colored Sidr honey that has unique floral undertones.
Sidr Honey from Oman
Sidr honey from Oman is also growing in popularity, especially in European and Gulf honey markets. This honey hails from the Dhofar mountains of Oman, which feature naturally grown Sidr trees and untouched landscapes.
Omani sidr honey has an amber to golden hue and a highly viscous consistency. This honey, when stored properly, can have a very long shelf life. This honey’s slow crystallization rate and complex spicy flavor make it perfect for countless culinary and medicinal applications.
Conclusion
Sidr honey has long been associated with health, well-being, flavor richness, and luxury. This honey has several variations that come from regions like Persia, Yemen, Pakistan, Oman, and China, to name just a few. You can also find some unique Sidr honey varieties in other regions of the Middle East and South Asia.
The purity, potency, and taste of sidr honey depend heavily on its geographical origins. So, before ordering your Sidr honey, make sure to consider its place of origin. This will make it easier for you to buy only pure, minimally processed, and unadulterated honey that gives you the best flavor and health benefits.
You can visit Geohoney if you are looking to buy pure, raw, monofloral Sidr honey sourced from trusted suppliers to get the best value for your money.
Geohoney
Top 10 Rare Types of Honey You’ve Probably Never Tasted
Every true honey lover knows how exciting it is to discover new and rare honey varieties that you don’t normally find online or in speciality stores. As you might already know, the taste, texture, and color of honey mainly depend on its floral origins, which means there are literally so many types of honey you can find. If the nectar source of a honey only exists in very specific, remote regions, it is probably going to taste a lot different than regular honey. The founder of Geohoney and the CEO of B A Barry Group, Mr Basem Barry, says “Out of 300 different types of honey currently known, each has something unique to offer in terms of its flavor, nutritional contents, and culinary applications.” This is why it is always a great experience when you get to explore honey that you have never had before. This blog lists some of the most uncommon types of honey that you’ve probably never tasted or even seen in your local honey markets. So, without wasting any more time, let’s get right into it. Pitcairn Honey Baobab Honey Litchi Honey Manuka Honey Honeydew Honey Tupelo Honey Mad Honey Kiawe Honey Sourwood Honey Macadamia Honey This rare honey hails from the remote region of the Pitcairn Islands, located in the Southern Pacific Ocean. The flora in this region grows naturally in a very pristine and pollution-free environment. Bees on this island are less aggressive, which makes it much easier honey bee farming and honey harvesting much easier. Honey Bees on the Pitcairn Islands collect nectar from Lata, Mango, Guava, Rose Apple, and a wide variety of other flowers to make this honey. This is what gives this organic honey an intense fruity flavor and aroma. This is another uncommon honey type that comes from the Kayes region of Mali. The Baobab fruit is packed with nutrients and antioxidants, and the honey made from the nectar of this plant is also equally nutritious. This honey comes in a dark amber hue, and it features a very intense aroma and flavor. Baobab honey is rich in fibers and vitamin C. This rare monofloral honey is effective for treating gastric illnesses, wrinkles, and stretch marks. Its regular use can also strengthen your immune system and slow down aging. If you love trying out unique but flavorful types of honey, you will surely appreciate the litchi honey. The major producers of this honey are India, China, and Vietnam. This honey features a light amber to golden color, and it gives out a light fruity or floral flavor. Regular use of litchi honey reduces skin inflammation, regulates blood pressure, and treats acne. This honey is a rich source of proteins, fibers, and antioxidants like polyphenols, which makes it a perfect addition to your daily diet. Manuka Honey is another rare honey variety that comes solely from New Zealand. Made from the nectar of the Manuka tree, this honey possesses an exceptional nutritional profile. This honey is rich in MGO, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The color of this honey ranges from dark cream to dark brown, and it has a very thick and viscous consistency. This honey possesses a sweet taste with mild floral, caramel, or toffee undertones. Regular use of this honey can enhance your oral health, reduce internal or external inflammation, and enhance skin health, which is what makes it a very sought-after commodity among honey lovers. Honeydew is a sugary substance that sap-sucking insects excrete as they feed on the plant sap. The insects like ants and aphids secrete this sticky substance, which honey bees collect and mix with the nectar of other wild flowers. The honeydew honey possesses a dark hue and a mildly sweet flavor. This honey contains higher concentrations of minerals, proteins, and antioxidants. This has a lower glucose content, which increases its shelf life and makes it ideal for diabetic individuals. If you love honey types with low sweetness and high nutritional value, honeydew honey is all you need. This honey hails from the Southeastern regions of the USA, including Georgia and Florida, along the Chipola and Apalachicola rivers. Made from the nectar of the tupelo gum tree, this raw honey has a light gold or amber color and a buttery texture. Its flavor features floral notes with hints of vanilla and citrus. This honey has a high fructose content, which reduces its crystallization rate. This honey is a great natural alternative to sugary syrups due to its delicious flavor and smooth texture. Also known as the Himalayan honey, this amazing substance originates mainly from the remote Himalayan regions of China and Nepal. This honey is made by the giant bees known as Apis laboriosa, who make hives on the high Himalayan cliffs. These bees forage on exotic and rare Himalayan flora, which gives it a reddish-brown hue and a slightly bitter flavor. This honey contains grayanotoxins, which have calm-inducing, hallucinogenic, or intoxicating effects. Mad honey also contains minerals, vitamins B and C, antioxidants, beneficial enzymes, proteins, and healthy fibers that keep you energetic and fit throughout the day. This unique honey variety is made from the nectar of the rare Kiawe trees found in the regions of Hawaii, Colombia, and Peru. This honey has a very light amber or almost clear color, and it features a mildly sweet flavor with hints of caramel and coconut. This honey can crystallize quickly, giving you a solid but spreadable consistency. This honey is very rare as it is made from the kiawe trees that grow in a very limited area and under specific soil and environmental conditions. Sourwood honey is found in the Appalachian Mountains of the USA, and it is known for its subtle, caramel, and slightly tangy flavor. The sourwood trees only bloom for a very short period during early summer. This gives honey bees a very brief window to collect the nectar and make this special honey. This honey has a light amber to golden hue, and it has a clear, creamy, and buttery consistency. This honey contains antioxidants, antibacterial properties, and plenty of nutrients. Another notable feature of sourwood honey is its low glycemic index, which makes it ideal for people who wish to maintain their blood sugar levels. This honey is made from the nectar of macadamia trees that are native to remnant rainforests of Northern New South Wales, Hawaii, Southeastern Queensland, and some other regions of Australia. This honey features a medium to dark amber hue, smooth and velvety texture, and a sweet, mild flavor and aroma with caramel aftertaste. The reason behind this honey’s rarity is the very limited amount of nectar that macadamia blossoms produce during their prime. Honey is probably the only natural sweetener that literally has hundreds of variations. Each honey variety that comes from a specific floral source or region looks and tastes different. True honey lovers are always in search of exotic and rare honey varieties to add to their collection. The honey varieties mentioned in this blog are all very unique and uncommon, and you need to try these at least once to know what makes them so special. These honey types will surely delight your taste buds while taking you one step closer to your health and fitness goals at the same time. You can visit us at Geohoney to explore our wide range of pure and natural monofloral honey varieties to get the best value for your money.Pitcairn Honey
Baobab Honey
Litchi Honey
Manuka Honey
Honeydew Honey
Tupelo Honey
Mad Honey
Kiawe Honey
Sourwood Honey
Macadamia Honey
Conclusion
Geohoney
Iran’s Ancient Honey-Making Methods Still in Use Today
Iranian civilization is among the oldest and most resilient ones to ever exist on this planet. Known previously as Persia, this part of the world is recognized globally for its rich culture, history, and significant contributions in diverse fields.
From stunning architecture to intricate artistic handcrafted carpets and from unique cuisine to rugged mountainous landscape, this Middle Eastern gem has so much to offer.
There is another very special thing that sets this country apart, and that is its ancient honey-making methods that are still in use even today. Iranian beekeeping methods have endured the test of time. The use of ancient techniques that focus on sustainability and honey purity is exactly what sets Irani honey apart.
This blog will take you through an incredible journey into Iran’s ancient beekeeping practices and honey-making methods. So, without any further ado, let’s get right into it.
Historical Significance of Honey in Iranian Culture Nomadic Beekeeping in Iran: Migration of Beehives Traditional Iranian Hives A Focus on Purity and Rawness Ancient Iranian Honey-Making: A Sustainable Approach Factors that Threaten This Age-Old Tradition Preservation Efforts are Underway Iranians have been nurturing hives and bees for more than 2000s years, and there is significant evidence for that. There are early Persian texts and other archaeological findings that point to the fact that people in this region have been using organic honey as a sweetener and a medicine for thousands of years. Avicenna, who was a famous Iranian physician and philosopher about a 1000 years ago, recommended honey in his multiple medical treatises, which highlights its significance in that culture. Iran’s beekeepers are still connected to the age-old honey harvesting and beekeeping practices that are passed down through generations. These methods are all about patience, a respect for the bees and the planet, and a deep understanding of local flora and weather patterns. The next section covers some impressive honey-making methods that Iranians have been using for thousands of years and are still very relevant even today. So, stay with us to learn more. This is a really interesting honey-making practice that beekeepers of Iran have been following for centuries. Expert beekeepers practice seasonal migration of their hives to different areas based on the blooming season of the plants. The practice of seasonal migration of the hives is known as transhumance. This practice allows them to prepare exotic monofloral honey varieties that you do not normally find in stores. The seasonal migration of the hives allows bees to forage a wide range of pesticide-free nectar sources that are in full bloom, which leads to greater honey purity and higher yields. In the autumns and winters, beekeepers move their hives to lower altitude southern regions, while in the summer they move them to the highland areas like the blooming Astragalus fields. In the spring, these people head to orchards or gardens near rivers to set up their hives. The deep knowledge of plant ecology and bee behaviour is essential for proper transhumance, which these beekeepers inherit from the ancestors who have been doing this all their lives. Iranians use natural and locally sourced materials to create sturdy hives for their bees. They employ clay cylinders, woven baskets sealed with mud, and hollow logs to create highly functional, bee-friendly, and ecologically integrated hives that provide a natural environment for the bees to create honey. Regions like Kurdistan, Lorestan, and the Alborz Mountains in Iran are using horizontal log hives to this day. These hives are very easy to manage, and the beekeepers can open them by hand. This allows for maximum honey extraction without disturbing or destroying the bee colony in any way. Irani beekeepers work hard to ensure the bees only forage in pure and untouched landscapes that are not affected by pollution or pesticides. They create honey with amplified therapeutic properties by allowing the bees to forage thyme, saffron, wild pistachio, and similar flora. After extraction, these beekeepers ensure there is minimal filtration and no pasteurization, which leads to a raw flavour with countless health benefits. This honey contains traces of beeswax, propolis, and pollen, which are not common in store-bought honey. The beekeepers of Iran also ensure the raw honey is not mixed with syrups or other additives, which gives you a very natural and authentic honey to enjoy. The traditional Iranian honey-making methods are centered on sustainability and biodiversity. By migrating hives, beekeepers ensure bees forage on a wide range of plants, which helps with pollination. With more pollination, biodiversity flourishes, and many healthy ecosystems are created. Traditional beekeepers ensure bees do not come in contact with harmful pesticides. These experts extract only a small amount of honey and leave enough inside the hives for the bees. This makes sure bee colonies stay nourished, and that ultimately leads to a safer planet for all. The age-old Irani honey-making methods are under threat, and a part of it is due to harmful human activities. Deforestation, climate change, industrialization, and the commercialization of beekeeping are leading to a decline in bee populations worldwide. The rapid urbanization and the movement of younger Iranian generations to the cities are another major factor that threatens the continuity of the ancient honey-making practices in the region. Many manufacturers are launching adulterated, cheap, and impure honey products that are undercutting the market for high-quality Iranian honey, discouraging the local beekeepers even further. Despite the above challenges, there is still hope for these ancient Iranian honey-making methods. There is a lot of local and international interest in preserving and promoting these traditional practices. Many programs focusing on Eco-tourism, organic labelling, and beekeeping education are being developed to make sure the future Iranians and the world know about the rich honey-making heritage of this region. These initiatives aim to provide economic incentives to beekeepers and to renew the sense of pride in rural community lifestyle. Iran’s ancient honey-making methods are centered on sustainability, bee conservation, and cultural preservation. These people have been nurturing hives and ethically harvesting honey using less invasive and non-harmful methods for hundreds of years. The techniques devised by these people are still being used by apiarists both inside and outside Iran, which goes to show how effective these processes actually are. The apiarists in Iran believe in quality over quantity, and every jar of honey that they produce encapsulates their patience, respect for nature and the bees, and cultural heritage. You can visit us at Geohoney to explore our 100% pure, raw, and unprocessed honey varieties, ethically sourced from beekeepers from all over the world.Historical Significance of Honey in Iranian Culture
Nomadic Beekeeping in Iran: Migration of Beehives
Traditional Iranian Hives
A Focus on Purity and Rawness
Ancient Iranian Honey-Making: A Sustainable Approach
Factors that Threaten This Age-Old Tradition
Preservation Efforts are Underway
Conclusion
Geohoney
What Happens If You Take Royal Honey Every Day?
Honey is an adored natural sweetener in almost every culture and part of the world. Its medicinal and culinary uses are diverse, and the credit goes to its amazing flavor and nutritional profile. Having honey every day is believed to have rejuvenating effects on both your physical and mental health. The founder of Geohoney and the CEO of B A Barry Group, Mr Basem Barry, says. “You can have honey daily in moderation and notice visible positive changes such as increased energy, better immunity, and better skin and heart health, to name just a few.” But do you know there is an even healthier and tastier variation of regular honey? We are talking about royal honey, which is regular honey that is enhanced by adding a few healthy ingredients. This blog covers the effects of having royal honey daily on your fitness and health. So, without any further ado, let’s jump right into it. What is Royal Honey? Nutritional Profile of Royal Honey Having Royal Honey Every Day: What Will Happen? Enhanced But Stable Energy Levels Antioxidant Effects Better Digestive Health Enhanced Immunity Managing Blood Sugar Levels Better Heart Health Seasonal Allergy Prevention Reduced Triglyceride Levels Having Honey Daily: Possible Risks and Side Effects Royal honey is a special raw honey variety that is enhanced by adding healthy ingredients like royal jelly, ginseng, and macca root to it. The addition of royal jelly imparts many health benefits to the regular honey. Royal jelly is a nutrient-rich, thick, white substance that worker bees inside the hives excrete from the glands in their heads. It is mainly used to feed larvae and adult queen bees. When mixed with honey, this substance makes it instantly healthier and more flavorful.. Royal jelly is rich in vitamins B6, healthy proteins, and minerals that combine with the healthy ingredients of the honey to give you a natural superfood that is both healthy, flavorful, and highly nutritious. Key Features of Royal Honey There are many unique features of the royal organic honey that set it apart from other basic honey varieties. The following list contains a few of these. This honey comes in colors that range from light yellow to dark amber. You can also find some variations in black hues. The color mainly depends on the type of monofloral honey you add the royal jelly to. Compared to regular honey, royal honey has a thicker and creamier consistency. This honey possesses a strong malty flavor, which can vary based on the floral origin of the honey. The worldwide popularity of royal honey can be attributed to its impressive nutritional profile. Royal honey contains several healthy ingredients that amplify the healthy aspects of the regular honey even further. It contains royal jelly, maca, ginseng, bee larva powder, and eurycoma longifolia, all of which work together to give you the necessary dose of energy and vitality. About 20 grams or 1 tablespoon of royal honey gives you about 61 calories, 17 grams of carbs, 1% of the daily value of Riboflavin, and a trace amount of minerals like copper, iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, etc. Honey is also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy enzymes that guarantee better health. There are many ways in which having royal honey daily in recommended amounts can improve your health, and in this next section, you are going to look at just a few of these. Royal honey is a natural and balanced source of energy, which is clear from its impressive nutritional profile. This substance contains vitamins, minerals, calories, and carbs that keep your body fueled throughout the day. This honey offers a sustained release of energy in your body due to its complex carbohydrate makeup and low glycemic index. The slow release of energy prevents sugar highs and crashes that you experience after consuming regular sugar that is high in sucrose, that are absorbed, digested, and released quickly in your body. Royal honey is a rich source of bioactive compounds such as antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic acids. These compounds neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) in your system, which prevents their buildup and the cell damage caused by them. This, in turn, prevents conditions like premature ageing, type 2 diabetes, and certain heart diseases. The presence of antioxidants also prevents oxidative stress and the harmful effects of free radicals, which reduces the risks of cell functional impairment and blood vessel disorders. Royal honey has superior anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties due to the presence of royal jelly. It also contains prebiotics in higher concentrations, which facilitate the growth of healthy gut bacteria. Having this honey thus creates a very healthy gut biome, which prevents gastrointestinal issues like constipation, diarrhoea, IBS, gastroenteritis, and peptic ulcers. This is another major benefit of adding royal honey to your daily diet. This honey has immune-enhancing properties that strengthen your body’s defenses against internal and external pathogens and illnesses. This honey contains healthy components like antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and antibacterial elements that work together to stimulate white blood cell production and fight bacteria. This allows you to fight both chronic and seasonal illnesses better, which leads to enhanced overall health. Royal honey raises your blood sugar levels to a lesser extent and much slowly than regular sugar. Its regular use can increase adiponectin levels in your body, which is good for blood sugar regulation. People with type 2 diabetes can add this honey to their diet and observe a significant difference in their fasting blood sugar levels. This honey lowers bad LDL cholesterol and raises good HDL cholesterol, which reduces the risks of cardiovascular complications. By preventing fatty deposits in the arteries, this honey reduces the risks of strokes and heart attacks. Royal honey further improves your heart health by regulating your heartbeat, blood fat levels, and blood pressure. Royal honey has proven quite effective in treating and preventing seasonal and chronic allergies. This substance is an effective remedy for seasonal fevers, flu, and colds. This honey also has many benefits for people who suffer from asthma and feel like their conditions worsen with changing seasons. Use of this honey prevents airway inflammation, which helps manage asthma symptoms. Higher triglyceride level is a major culprit behind several cardiovascular illnesses. High triglyceride level also leads to insulin resistance, making the treatment of diabetic patients quite difficult. Royal honey has much lower concentrations of carbs and sugars, which means that by adding it to your daily diet, you can keep your triglyceride levels maintained. You can add royal honey to your daily diet without experiencing any side effects. However, moderation is the key here. Experts recommend you take no more than 2-3 tablespoons of royal honey a day if you are not eating any other forms of sugar. As honey is still a form of sugar and it contains a higher calorie concentration, having it daily in excessive amounts can lead to various risks and side effects. Having royal honey can lead to mild to severe allergic reactions if you are allergic to royal jelly, bee pollen, or honey. If you have diabetes, having this honey in high amounts can raise your blood sugar levels. Giving royal honey to children who are under 12 months old can lead to Botulism poisoning. High fructose content of royal honey, when consumed in large amounts, can lead to digestive issues like bloating, gas, or diarrhoea. Royal honey is dense in calories, which can lead to weight gain over time if you do not watch your intake. Royal honey is as healthy and nutritious as it is flavorful, and this is exactly what makes it a highly sought-after commodity globally. This honey contains potent ingredients like royal jelly, which is itself rich in minerals, vitamins, and healthy enzymes. Having royal honey daily leads to better heart health, higher immunity, lower oxidative stress on your skin, which prevents damage caused by free radicals, and enhanced gut health. So, add this natural sweetener to your daily diet to observe firsthand how it makes you look and feel healthier, youthful, and fit throughout the day. You can visit us at Geohoney if you are looking to buy premium quality, pure, and 100% organically sourced royal honey to enjoy both an incredible flavor and health benefits.What is Royal Honey?
Nutritional Profile of Royal Honey
Having Royal Honey Every Day: What Will Happen?
Enhanced But Stable Energy Levels
Antioxidant Effects
Better Digestive Health
Enhanced Immunity
Managing Blood Sugar Levels
Better Heart Health
Seasonal Allergy Prevention
Reduced Triglyceride Levels
Having Honey Daily: Possible Risks and Side Effects
Conclusion
Geohoney
From Ukraine to Uzbekistan: Eastern Europe's Hidden Honey Gems
Eastern Europe is a region that is known for its historic cities, unparalleled architecture, and diverse landscapes that feature sunflower fields, desert blooms, mesmerizing mountains, steppes, and valleys.
However, there is another really incredible but less talked about treasure that this vast region has to offer. We are talking about organic raw honey that has been a staple in Eastern European medicinal and culinary fabric for centuries.
“Eastern European honey is not a mere sweetener. It is a symbol of local tradition, culture, biodiversity, purity, and ancient craftsmanship that is passed down through generations.”, says the founder of Geohoney and the CEO of B A Barry Group, Mr Basem Barry.
This blog takes you on an incredible journey into the heart of Eastern Europe, from the wildflower and sunflower fields of Ukraine to the mountainous regions of Georgia to the arid plains of Uzbekistan, exploring the hidden honey gems that these countries have to offer. So, keep on reading till the end.
Ukraine - Acacia Honey
Poland – Black Forest Honey
Bulgaria – Lavender Honey
Georgia – Chestnut Honey
Serbia – Wild Flower Honey
Uzbekistan – Desert Herb Honey
Ukraine - Acacia Honey
Ukraine is among the largest producers of honey in Eastern Europe. This region features diverse flora, including huge wildflower meadows and buckwheat fields. However, the country is mainly known for its endless Acacia groves and the acacia honey that comes from them.
Ukraine offers an ideal climate for bees to gather nectar. The beekeepers in the region use traditional honey harvesting methods, which ensure both high quality and yield.
Beekeeping is so common in Ukraine that you can even find local roadside vendors selling jars of pure honey in the regions of Vinnytsia, Poltava, and Zaporizhzhia.
Key Features of Ukraine’s Acacia Honey
This honey comes in a very light and almost clear to golden colors.
It has a high fructose content, which reduces its crystallization rate.
Acacia honey has a light floral flavor and aroma. Its mostly neutral flavor makes it ideal for countless culinary applications.
This honey is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, chrysin, and phenols.
It is also a rich source of Vitamins A, B6, and C, and minerals like calcium and magnesium.
Poland – Black Forest Honey
Beekeeping has been a significant part of the culture in Poland, where natives have been raising wild forest bees since medieval times. Regions like Podlasie and Mazury in Poland still practice traditional beekeeping to create medicinal honey varieties that are mixed with royal jelly and propolis to enhance their effectiveness.
This region is mainly known to produce natural and raw black forest honey that features a very robust flavor and an impressive nutritional profile.
Key Features of Poland’s Black Forest Honey
This honey has a high mineral content, which imparts a rich brownish or dark amber to black hue to it.
This honey has a complex flavor profile, which mainly depends on the type of flora that bees forage in the forests. It contains less sweet, herbal, earthy, woody, and malty notes.
This honey has a smooth and moderately thick consistency.
Black forest honey is rich in carbohydrates, antioxidants, and minerals, which give it super anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and immune-boosting properties.
Bulgaria – Lavender Honey
When talking about Bulgaria, most people immediately think about its massive rose oil industry. However, this region is also known to produce premium-quality honey. Bulgarian honey is made in perfect conditions, which are a combination of abundant herbs, temperate climate, and pristine air.
This region mainly produces high-quality lavender honey, which is a nutrient-dense natural sweetener that gives you both an amazing taste and countless health benefits.
Key Features of Bulgaria’s Lavender Honey
The color of this honey can be described as white, extra clear, or pale amber.
Lavender honey has a sweet, mild, and floral flavor.
This honey is known for its low acidity and less bitter aftertaste.
This honey crystallizes quickly and turns into fine granules of a light brown color.
This honey is a rich source of calories and carbohydrates.
It is effective for reducing stress, strengthening the immune system, and promoting better health of your respiratory system.
Georgia – Chestnut Honey
This is another key region in Eastern Europe that produces pure, raw honey. Beekeeping is a truly ancient aspect of the culture in the region. So much so that archaeologists have unearthed hives that date back thousands of years in this area.
The Kakheti, Adjara, and Svaneti areas are particularly notable, where local beekeepers have been practicing this art for centuries. Georgia is particularly famous for its chestnut honey, which has countless culinary and medicinal uses. This is a relatively less sweet honey variety that can amplify any recipe without altering its original flavor.
Key Features of Georgia’s Chestnut Honey
It comes in deep amber, dark brown, and almost black colors.
This honey has a strong woody or bitter flavor with notes of smoke, licorice, or tannins in some cases.
Its high fructose content slows down its crystallization rate. It crystallizes after one to two years once you open the jar.
This mineral and nutrient-rich substance promotes wound healing, skin health, immune support, and digestive health.
This honey has a smooth, flowy, or runny texture.
Serbia – Wild Flower Honey
Beekeeping holds special significance in Siberian culture. Monks in Siberia’s ancient monasteries in regions like Fruska Gora practice age-old apiary and honey harvesting practices to this very day.
This region also stands out for its contributions to apitherapy, which is a field that deals with using honey to promote healing and well-being.
This region produces the purest wild flower honey, whose every jar gives you a unique flavor and countless nutrients. This honey possesses superior antibacterial and antiviral features, which promote better digestion, quicker wound healing, and seasonal allergy prevention.
Key Features of Siberia’s Wildflower Honey
This honey possesses a light amber, pale yellow, or even dark amber hue based on the wildflower nectar sources.
Each batch of this honey has a unique flavor with balanced sweetness and distinct floral, herbal, woody, or spicy undertones.
This honey has a very thick but easily spreadable consistency.
Wildflower honey also contains beneficial enzymes, amino acids, B vitamins, and minerals like zinc, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
Uzbekistan – Desert Herb Honey
This is another notable region where beekeeping is still thriving. Areas like the Fergana Valley, Tashkent, and Samarkand stand out for beekeeping activities in Uzbekistan. These areas feature exotic desserts and oasis flora, and a dry climate that is ideal for making exquisite organic honey varieties.
This region produces the unique desert herb honey, which is used in green and black teas or mixed with dried fruits and nuts.
Key Features of Uzbekistan’s Desert Herb Honey
This honey features a smooth golden to light amber hue.
Desert Herb honey has a rich, earthy flavor with very subtle floral notes.
This honey has a smooth but less viscous consistency.
This honey is prone to crystallization with changing seasons.
It contains several health-promoting compounds like antioxidants, micronutrients, healthy enzymes, etc.
Conclusion
There are many exotic and unique hidden honey gems that you can find all over the Eastern European region. Countries like Ukraine, Poland, Serbia, all the way to Bulgaria and Uzbekistan, offer you honey varieties that reflect the region’s natural and traditional beauty.
The Eastern European honey is known for its exceptional purity, which arises from its age-old and sustainable beekeeping practices and minimal processing.
So, the next time you wish to try out some unique, flavorful, and pure honey varieties, we suggest you look for Eastern European honey to experience something really extraordinary with every single spoonful that you consume.
You can visit us at Geohoney to check out our wide range of monofloral honey varieties sourced from skilled beekeepers from all over the globe.
Geohoney
5 Most Expensive Honeys and Why They’re Worth It
There are literally so many variations of honey out there that one simply cannot try them all at once. This incredible natural sweetener is available in over 300 different types, which come in a diverse range of flavors, colors, and consistencies that mainly depend on the honey’s geographical and floral origins.
“Honey comes both in easily accessible and affordable as well as very rare, expensive, and exotic variations, and true honey lovers realize how exciting it can be to taste uncommon honey varieties that you do not normally find in the market.”, says the founder of Geohoney and the CEO of B A Barry Group, Mr Basem Barry.
This blog celebrates five of the most expensive raw honey varieties, highlighting what makes them worth every penny. So, without wasting any time, let’s get right into it.
Sidr Honey
Manuka Honey
Elvish Honey
Tualang Honey
Acacia Honey
Sidr Honey
Origins
Sidr honey, especially the Yemeni Sidr honey, is among the most expensive honey varieties, and there are good reasons for that. This honey is native mainly to Yemen and some areas of Saudi Arabia. In Yemen, this honey comes from the remote mountains in the Hadramaut region.
To make this honey, bees forage the Sidr trees, also known as the Lote Tree or the Tree of Life. Sidr honey is believed to possess exceptional healing properties, which is why it has been a key ingredient in ancient medicine for over a millennium.
Key Features
This honey ranges from rich golden to amber color with reddish undertones.
Sidr honey has a very thick, viscous, and creamy texture.
The complex flavor of this honey includes herbal, floral, and bitter notes.
Sidr honey crystallizes slowly compared to regular honey.
What Makes it Special?
There are many things that lead to Sidr honey’s high price, and at the top of the list is its rarity. This honey is only produced in the autumn and winter seasons when Sidr trees are in full bloom in the regions of Yemen. These seasons come in a time between September and November, which gives beekeepers very little window for harvesting this precious substance.
Beekeepers in Yemen still use age-old honey harvesting practices instead of commercial tools, which gives you 100% pure honey. Sidr honey is hailed globally for its impressive nutritional profile, which makes it a perfect addition to your daily diet.
Manuka Honey
Origins
This is another rare and expensive honey variety that comes exclusively from New Zealand. This honey is made from the nectar of the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium), which is believed to have potent therapeutic and antibacterial properties.
Key Features
Manuka honey has a dark cream to dark brown hue.
This honey has a very viscous and thick consistency.
The flavor of Manuka honey can be described as rich, earthy, and slightly bitter.
Manuka honey has a lower water and higher glucose content, which can lead to its faster crystallization.
This honey has a very high MGO content, which gives it superior antibacterial features.
What Makes it Special?
Manuka honey is so expensive due to its exceptional healing prowess. This honey can fight off bacteria, reduce inflammation, suppress coughing, heal minor wounds, and enhance both digestive and oral health.
This honey mainly comes from northern New Zealand, and its limited production and high demand lead to a very high price tag. Manuka flowers bloom only for a period of 2 to 6 weeks, which gives little time to the bees to collect the nectar and to the beekeepers to harvest the honey.
Elvish Honey
Origins
Also known as Red Honey or Anzer Honey, the Elvish honey comes from Turkey’s black sea region, mainly from the remote Anzer Highlands. Bees make this honey from the nectar of rhododendron plants that are found in the remote and challenging terrains inside the caves in the region.
Beekeepers extract this honey two to three times a year from deep inside the caves using labor-intensive harvesting methods.
Key Features
Elvish honey possesses a golden to deep burgundy hue that resembles aged wine.
This honey possesses a thick, smooth, and velvety texture.
The flavor of Elvish honey contains a mix of slightly sweet and bitter notes with hints of vanilla and molasses in some cases.
The unique composition of Elvish honey gives it a very slow crystallization rate.
This honey is rich in minerals like magnesium and potassium.
What Makes it Special?
Elvish honey is extremely rare and special because of the labor-intensive practices that go into its harvesting. Beekeepers have to traverse and climb treacherous terrains and steep slopes to access the hives.
The harsh harvesting conditions, combined with the limited flowering of the rhododendron blossoms, lead to limited production of Elvish honey. This honey possesses exceptional medicinal properties due to its high MGO, antioxidant, and enzyme contents, which further drive up its price.
Tualang Honey
Origins
This expensive organic honey variety hails from the regions of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, where bees collect the nectar from the Tualang tree (Koompassia excelsa) to make this rare substance. Tualang trees grow in very specific climates, and they can be as high as 290 feet
This honey is revered globally for its remarkable antioxidant properties, distinct flavor profile, and high purity.
Key Features
Based on the geographical and floral origins, this honey can have red, yellow, dark brown, or even black color.
This honey has a complex flavor profile that is a mix of bitter, sweet, sour, and floral notes.
This honey possesses a smooth, creamy consistency.
In raw and unfiltered form, this honey can crystallize quickly due to its high glucose and low water content.
What Makes it Special?
This honey has a limited production due to very challenging harvesting conditions. Climbers have to access the hives at heights of about 80 meters or above to collect this pure honey.
This honey is so expensive because it has a higher antioxidant, mineral, and vitamin content. This honey is produced in a pesticide-free and pristine environment, which gives it remarkable therapeutic properties.
Acacia Honey
Origins
Acacia honey is made from the nectar of Robinia pseudoacacia tree blossoms, also known as black locust trees. These trees are native to both America and Europe. Europeans label it as Acacia honey, while honey from America usually comes with the label American acacia or locust honey.
Key Features
The color of the Acacia honey ranges from pale yellow to almost transparent.
This honey possesses a mildly sweet and floral flavor with hints of almond and vanilla.
This honey has a very smooth and runny texture.
Acacia honey has a higher fructose content, which leads to its slower crystallization rate.
This honey has a lower glycemic index, which makes it perfect for people with diabetes.
What Makes it Special?
This honey is so special and costly because the black locust flowers only bloom for 5 to 10 days, giving very little to the bees for collecting the nectar. The harvesting is also done using traditional methods, keeping things like weather and nectar flow in mind.
Acacia honey is a powerhouse of nutrients. It contains antioxidants like phenols, minerals like iron, zinc, magnesium, Vitamins B, C, and A, and healthy enzymes such as glucose oxidase.
The use of this honey prevents seasonal allergies, keeps your skin fresh, reduces blood sugar levels, and regulates your cardiovascular functions, giving you a healthier mind and body.
Conclusion
For a true honey enthusiast, there is no greater joy than discovering exotic new honey varieties that look, taste, and feel different than regular store-bought honey.
The honey varieties mentioned in this blog have no match when it comes to their rarity, exclusivity, and quality, which is exactly why they usually come with a higher price tag.
The high prices of these honey varieties reflect the skill, effort, and dedication of native beekeepers who go to great lengths to bring you these products.
So, the next time you come across these honey variations, make sure to take a moment and appreciate their uniqueness and the impressive work done by both the bees and the beekeepers.
You can visit us at Geohoney to check out our pure organic honey products that are sourced from trusted suppliers from all across the globe.
Geohoney
Why Real Organic Honey Might Be the World’s Most Underrated Superfood
A superfood is generally considered something that is flavorful, nutritious, and healthy at the same time. If you are an extra health-conscious individual who believes in the power of a healthy diet to maintain your health, you might have tried many superfoods like berries, nuts, seafood, and some vegetables. But did you know that there is another extremely nutritious, affordable, and versatile superfood out there? We are talking about real organic honey. “Organic honey stands out as a superfood due to its poignant flavor, countless culinary uses, and a nutritional profile that contains so many healthy components like antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and healthy enzymes to name just a few.”, says the founder of Geohoney and the CEO of B A Barry Group, Mr Basem Barry. This blog covers a few points that show why organic raw honey is the world’s most underrated superfood. So, without any further ado, let’s dive right into it. Nutritional Facts About Honey: What Makes it a Superfood? Reasons Why Real Organic Honey is An Underrated Superfood It Contains Plenty of Antioxidants It is an Effective Antibacterial and Antiviral Agent Honey Naturally Strengthens Your Immunity It is an Excellent Source of Energy Honey is Good for Your Gut Health It Helps Your Fight Stress and Sleep Much Better It is Good for Your Heart Health Honey Suppresses Coughing It Enhances Your Skin Health Its Culinary Uses are Diverse The real reason why organic honey is a perfect superfood is its amazing nutritional profile. Just a single tablespoon or about 21 g of this honey gives you 64 calories 17 grams of carbohydrates 17 grams of sugars (glucose and fructose) 0.1 grams of protein 10.9 milligrams of Potassium milligrams of iron 1.3 milligrams of calcium Trace amounts of other minerals like sodium, zinc, etc. Pura organic honey also contains B vitamins, including B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), and B6. It is also a rich source of antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic acids. Honey also has healthy enzymes like glucose oxidase and invertase that impart antimicrobial features to it. Honey in its unprocessed form contains pollen and propolis that are rich in amino acids and enzymes. Last but not least, honey possesses a glycemic index of about 45-64, which is much lower than refined sugar, making it a perfect addition to your daily healthy diet. It is clear from honey’s nutritional profile that there is no superfood out there that can outshine it. It gives you your necessary dose of energy, health, and sweetness all in one. Here are a few points that further show why honey is the most underrated superfood ever. Your body needs antioxidants as they protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable particles that steal electrons from your body to stabilize. In most cases, free radicals are produced inside your body. However, these can also come from external factors and trigger a chain reaction of damage to your cells, proteins, and DNA. Antioxidants like phenols, phenolic acids, and flavonoids present in honey neutralize these free radicals by donating electrons to them, which prevents your cells and the entire body from potential health risks. Real organic honey has exceptional antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that arise from its acidic or low pH nature, low moisture content, and the presence of hydrogen peroxide. These features make it effective for treating wounds, burns, coughing, and gut infections. The antiviral nature of honey makes it useful for preventing and treating seasonal allergies as well. Organic honey contains immune-boosting phytonutrients, enzymes, and small traces of bee pollen. Bee pollen is rich in amino acids, vitamins, and micronutrients that equip your body to fight both chronic and seasonal illnesses much better. The regular use of this superfood keeps your body fit and prepared to fight any pathogens that dare enter your system. Unlike table sugar, which has a high glycemic index (GI) and a high concentration of glucose and fructose, honey has a much lower GI and a higher fructose content. Glucose is quickly absorbed into your bloodstream, while fructose is first processed by your liver. This makes honey a better choice of sweetener than regular sugar. High glucose content and GI are linked to sugar spikes followed by crashes. This means sugar gives you an instant, temporary energy boost. But with honey, the fructose and glucose are absorbed by your body slowly due to its lower GI. This gives you a sustainable supply of energy for a longer period. Apart from glucose, honey also gives you vitamins, minerals, and some additional nutrients that keep you fueled throughout the day. Honey is a source of healthy enzymes, and its prebiotic nature ensures the beneficial bacteria in your gut stay healthy and nourished. Its regular use creates a healthy gut microbiome, which leads to better digestion, mood regulation, enhanced immunity, inflammation prevention, and lower risks of common gastrointestinal issues like bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Having honey after a long day’s work or before bedtime promotes a feeling of calmness and leads to a much faster and better sleep. Real organic honey stimulates the release of tryptophan, which is a precursor to chemicals like serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin is a natural feel-good chemical that reduces stress, while melatonin is a hormone that regulates your sleep. Thus, the use of honey ensures your body gets these chemicals right when you need them, which leads to a sound sleep and an active and energetic body the following day. Regular use of honey can help you manage fat in your blood, prevent fatty deposits in your arteries, boost the activity of important antioxidants in your heart, and regulate your blood pressure. Honey gives you a cardiovascular system that is working in its best state at all times, which reduces stroke, seizure, and heart attack risks to a great extent. Instead of taking over-the-counter medicine, you can use honey for treating seasonal allergies and coughs and see the results instantly. You can use it raw, add it to warm water, or make a honey tea to get relief from a cough almost instantly. Honey soothes the lining of the throat, suppresses coughs, and gives you relief from a scratchy or sore throat, making it much easier for you to fight common colds. There are many benefits of natural honey for your skin. Honey hydrates, nourishes, and protects your skin when applied topically. You can use it on your minor burns or wounds to keep them protected from infections. Honey-based face masks can exfoliate your skin, balance its pH, and regulate sebum or oil production. The regular use of honey for your skin helps you fight acne, wrinkles, and dark circles, which gives you a radiant and youthful look 24/7. And last but not least, honey is the best superfood because of its diverse culinary applications. There are countless recipes that you can amplify in terms of their taste and healthiness by substituting regular sugar with honey. You can use this natural sweetener in the following ways. You can use it as an ingredient in cakes, muffins, pastries, and other baked goods. You can make coffee, tea, smoothies, and lemonades. You can use it to glaze meat and vegetables. You can add it to salad dressings or vinaigrettes. You can drizzle it over breakfast items like oatmeal, yogurt, fresh fruit, nut bowls, waffles, or pancakes. Real organic honey is the most accessible, affordable, and nutritious superfood out there. It is a powerhouse of nutrients, and you can have it any time of the day to get your necessary boost of energy and wellness. Honey’s nutritional profile and health benefits are both impressive, and there is no other superfood on earth that comes even close when you talk about its flavor and culinary uses. So, the next time you are out there looking for a healthy superfood, give organic honey a go to meet your health and fitness goals without sacrificing sweetness.Nutritional Facts About Honey: What Makes it a Superfood?
Reasons Why Real Organic Honey is An Underrated Superfood
It Contains Plenty of Antioxidants
It is an Effective Antibacterial and Antiviral Agent
Honey Naturally Strengthens Your Immunity
It is an Excellent Source of Energy
Honey is Good for Your Gut Health
It Helps Your Fight Stress and Sleep Much Better
It is Good for Your Heart Health
Honey Suppresses Coughing
It Enhances Your Skin Health
Its Culinary Uses are Diverse
Conclusion
- 1 of 2
Geohoney
Can You Use Honey for PMS or Hormonal Acne?
Honey possesses remarkable medicinal properties due to its impressive nutritional makeup. This natural elixir has been used... read more
Geohoney
Does Royal Honey Work for Women? Here's What You Should Know
Royal Honey has become a trending name in the field of wellness. People are talking about it for its supposed benefits: more... read more
Geohoney
5 Gut-Boosting Benefits of Raw Honey You Didn’t Know
Honey is an extremely delicious and healthy natural sweetener that can prove to be a valuable addition to your regular diet.... read more
Geohoney
The Best Honey from Each Continent: A Global Taste Tour
There is no denying that honey is something that almost everyone likes. You can add it to your favorite cuisines or baked go... read more
Geohoney
The Anti-Aging Power of Honey: What Science Says
The list of benefits of adding honey to your lifestyle and diet is pretty long. It keeps you nourished, helps you fight seas... read more
Geohoney
When Should Men Eat Honey? Science Says This Is the Perfect Time
Regular use of honey, nature’s delicious elixir, can be very beneficial for the overall health and well-being of men. If you... read more
Geohoney
Royal Honey for Women: Myth or Miracle? What You Need to Know
Honey, nature’s sweet wonder, is known all over the world for its amazing nutritional profile and countless health benefits.... read more
Geohoney
Diffrent Types of Honey Found in the World
Diffrent Types of Honey Found in the World Honey is available in hundreds of types, each with a distinct taste and nutritio... read more
Geohoney
Sidr Tree Secrets: The Ancient Plant with Modern Health Benefits
Sidr Tree, also known as the Lote tree, Christ’s Thorn, Jujube, or Nabkh tree is an extremely ancient and wondrous tre... read more
Geohoney
The Agritech Innovations Supporting Global Food Security
As the global population grows at an alarming rate, so do the concerns surrounding the sustainability of the food supply cha... read more
