These words describe one of the world’s healthiest and most renowned sweeteners, honey. Just the word itself makes people happy – and is used commonly in expressions of endearment and love. Nutritionally, honey loves to do sweet things to make your body just as happy on the inside.
It has been around for centuries and there are thousands of varieties. No matter what essence or flower based honey you choose, blueberry, clover, wildflower, buckwheat or orange blossom – just be sure that it is local, pure, unpasteurized or raw. Some people rule it out honey because it is a sugar or because it comes from an animal, but if you choose to savour in its incredible taste and healing properties, just enjoy and use it in moderation, as with all sweeteners.
Why is Honey so good for you?
- Honey helps to heal the stomach, pancreas and lungs – as it tonifies, soothes and nourishes the linings of these organs.
- Even though honey is a sugar, it is loaded with nutrients, enzymes and minerals – so you are getting more than just a sweet flavour.
- Honey contains antibiotic properties that can help to protect against various diseases, ailments and illnesses. From a sore throat to diarrhea – honey can help to build up your immunity and keep your body strong.
- Honey can be used topically to heal wounds (especially Manuka Honey) like abrasions, burns, sores and chapped skin.
How to use honey:
- Be sure to use honey raw or at very low heat temperatures to preserve its natural properties. High heat can destroy its natural enzymes and minerals.
- Honey can be stirred into herbal tea, spooned on hot cereal or smeared on sprouted bread.
- Honey can be added to dips, spreads, sauces and dressings.
- Since honey retains moisture – when it is used for baking instead of sugar – your baked goods will stay fresh longer.
Buying and Storing:
- Honey is available in liquid form but is also available in the comb or creamed.
- See your local grocery or health food store for different varieties. If you are able to get your honey fresh from a farmer’s market or honey farm directly, that is always the best!
- Store honey at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate as this speeds crystallization, which thickens honey and turns it cloudy and grainy. (To liquefy– remove the lid place the honey container in a saucepan with water and heat slowly until crystals dissolve).
One of my favourite ways to use honey is raw by putting it into a salad dressing. See one of my favourite summer dressings below!
Raw Waldorf Salad
Ingredients
1 cup of arugula, spinach or mixed greens
1 large head of red leaf lettuce (or two cups arugula)
1⁄4 cup peeled jicama or carrots
2 stalks celery, diced
1 apple, diced
1 cup sunflower sprouts or mung bean sprouts
1 avocado, peeled and chopped
1⁄2 cup walnuts, chopped
1 tablespoon hemp seeds
Dressing:
1⁄4 cup hemp oil
2 tablespoons raw tahini (or 1⁄2 cup if no hemp oil)
2 tablespoons Filsingers apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Nude Bee honey
2 tablespoon Bragg’s Aminos
2 tablespoons to 1⁄4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
Filtered water (add slowly, only if needed without hemp oil)
Directions
1. Combine the dressing ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. 2. Pour over salad ingredients and toss until well coated.
Delicious Knowledge by Marni
When making a salad it’s important to think of colour, texture and flavour to make it interesting and enticing, and this salad has it all. Change up the veggies based on season, maybe use pears instead of apples, spinach instead of arugula, or try olive oil instead of hemp oil. There are endless possibilities. There is enough sustaining energy in this salad to make a complete spring or summer lunch or dinner.
In health,
