WHAT'S THE BUZZ

Unveiling the Ecological Quandary: Glyphosate's Impact on Bee Populations and Ecosystem Health

Decoding Nature's Elixir: A Scientific Journey into the Health Dynamics of Organic Honey

Ingredients used in ancient times are making a comeback and taking the world by storm. Let's take honey, for instance. Has your social media feed been flooded with Texas honey recommendations? Are all your friends raving about how wildflower honey saved their complexion? Every day, more and more companies seem to be introducing new products with this simple ingredient. We're not just talking about the liquid honey you put into your tea. Honey is being used in skincare, allergy, digestion, and cold products. You may be wondering if honey in grocery stores can truly improve health or if it's just another fad. The good news is that health and honey seem to be closely tied. So, if you're looking for a solution to your allergies, skin, and overall health, here's what you need to know. Why Honey? The use of honey by humans can be traced back to over 8,000 years ago. It seems that since humans have discovered how to use stone, they have been using local honey for their health and traditional medicine. Honey bees don't just make a sweet treat; they make a nutritious substance that contains many benefits for your health. Some of the good things that you'll find inside this ingredient include: • Antioxidants • Antibacterial Properties • Antifungal Benefits • Vitamins (pantothenic acid, niacin, riboflavin, and ascorbic acid) • Minerals (calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc) We'll get into what this means for your health later on. But just looking at what's inside your average Texas honey, it's clear that this sweet liquid is more than just a sugary snack. Perhaps people 8,000 years ago didn't know what was inside exactly, but they saw the positive effects it could have on health. As people in our time turn away from using prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines to solve every problem, people are rediscovering the wonders of nature's gold. Going back to the basics of nature's products can also be beneficial for those who have built up an immunity to antibiotics. The history of health and honey combined with modern evidence and its contents show that its benefits aren't just old wives' tales. Texas honey truly has the power to improve your life and health. The Health Benefits of Honey Whether a bit of Texas honey in your tea helps a sore throat or a skin product with raw honey has been your go-to for years, you may have noticed some correlation between this special ingredient and your health. Before raw honey is treated and pasteurized, it's brimming with nutrients to help you. But even the honey in grocery stores that is manufactured traditionally will still retain many beneficial components. Depending on what you want it to treat, you may want to look for different forms of it. Keep in mind that each form has its health benefits. Let's take a look at the connection between health and honey. What is it good for and how does it improve our health? Perhaps this special ingredient can't solve all your problems, but it can certainly do you a lot of good. And depending on your situation, it could be the perfect cure. Skin Everyone wants more beautiful skin. With skincare being a billion-dollar industry, people are spending more than ever to be comfortable in their skin and keep it looking healthy, fresh, and young. But who knew that the solution to replacing countless creams and serums could be found in Texas honey. Because it is made up of all sorts of natural plant matter, enzymes, and healthy live bacteria, it interacts well with your skin when applied topically. Many skincare products may contain small or even large amounts of the ingredient. However, you can also apply raw honey directly to your face. Part of what makes this ingredient so great for skin health is that it has anti-inflammatory properties. Due to these, it will help calm any irritation to the skin while soothing it. And because it is a humectant , the ingredient will help your cells retain moisture - great for skin health! So using something natural that will promote moisture retention can do wonders. Applications Texas honey can help your skin by treating and soothing the symptoms of conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. It can even lessen the appearance of wrinkles. And because it balances bacteria on your skin, it can improve acne. If you struggle with skin conditions, or you just want to improve the overall appearance of your skin and ensure it gets plenty of support, try Texas honey. Apply it directly to your face or look for products with this ingredient. Once you have the honey of your choice, spread a thin layer across the area of the skin you want to treat. Let it dry. It should only take about 10 minutes to get all the benefits. Now simply rinse the ingredient away with warm water. Gently rub it into your skin as you wash it away. Finish with a moisturizer or lotion if desired. Nutrition You'll always find honey in grocery stores, and for many, it's a staple in their kitchen. Whether it's a little something sweet to add to tea or the topping of your favorite dessert, everyone uses honey. But did you know it's not just yummy, it's nutritious? Unlike you're processed sweeteners, this is a completely natural substance. Coming from the nectar of plants and flowers, it carries many of nature's nutrients. Because of that, it can have seriously great benefits for your health when eaten. Although raw honey is mostly made up of sugar, it contains so many vitamins and minerals making it a healthier alternative to other sweet additions. Perhaps the biggest benefit is that it contains antioxidants. Antioxidants have been linked to lowering the risk of diseases and health problems such as cancers, heart attacks, and strokes. By destroying free radicals and harmful cells in your body, you avoid high levels of oxidation that lead to health problems. And the anti-inflammatory properties aren't limited to your skin and topical applications. Anti-inflammatory foods promote overall health and longevity. Applications With its antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, vitamins, and minerals, this golden ingredient will improve your overall health. For those concerned about certain conditions such as heart health, regularly consuming local honey can help you avoid future complications. And everyone can benefit from stopping free radicals in their tracks. This not only improves your health but eases the aging process. While we are still learning more about how free radicals harm our long-term health, even honey in grocery stores can help you keep them away. It's easy to incorporate this ingredient into your diet. Just a teaspoon or two a day is all your need to get the health benefits. Add it to your yogurt, toast, or eat it with fruit. Get as creative as you'd like and enjoy the delicious taste of health and honey. Wounds With so many beneficial components, perhaps it's easy to imagine skin and nutritional health and honey's effects. But the miracles don't stop there. Since ancient times, local honey has been a source of healing both the inside and the outside. It doesn't just promote healthy skin. It can heal wounded skin. Honey is filled with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It's also antibacterial. According to studies , it's just as good if not better than your more traditional medicinal means of treating wounds. First, due to the antibacterial nature of Texas honey, it can help protect a wound from infection and keep it clean. Then, it will help the wound heal by stopping harmful inflammation. Protecting your wound from bacteria is essential for healing, and local honey can help you heal faster than what you may typically use. Applications Throughout history, people have been using honey for just about all wounds and seeing positive if not miraculous results. Local honey has been shown to treat all sorts of wounds such as ulcers, boils, pilonidal sinus, burns, cuts, and more. If you can apply this ingredient to your wound, chances are it will help either by keeping inflammation at bay or stopping any possibility of infection. If you're unsure about using honey for your wound, talk to your doctor. As long as you don't have a severe pollen allergy, chances are it won't do any harm. Apply the honey first to a wound dressing or bandage. Place a dry bandage on top of the soaked bandage to avoid any stickiness. Regularly change the dressing once the bandage is saturated. It's best to use some sort of filtered organic product rather than a raw one. This ensures you don't get any unwanted materials in your wound. Diabetes For those dealing with monitoring sugar and insulin levels, diabetes and honey may not seem like a good match. However, when used in proper, safe amounts, diabetes and honey are a match made in heaven. Local honey is a great place to start if you're looking for a sweetener in moderate quantities that can help your health. It has the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties everyone needs. However, those with diabetes are often more affected by inflammation. Texas honey can improve the level of inflammation as well as hemoglobin levels. Applications There are other foods with antioxidants that are not as sugary as honey. So for those with diabetes looking for a sweet treat with health benefits, local honey is a great ingredient. Just add a bit to your routine while maintaining proper sugar levels and enjoy the anti-inflammatory benefits for your overall health. It's important to monitor sugar levels as it is still high in sugar and carbohydrates. We recommend organic honey to avoid added sugars. Digestion Science has yet to produce conclusive results on digestion health and this special ingredient. However, honey has long been used to help with digestion. And so far, studies have been able to back up this claim. Perhaps it's not the perfect cure for any digestive ailments, but it provides the help that many people need. This is likely due to the enzymes found in it, including diastases, invertases, and proteases. These enzymes help break down food, flushing out unwanted toxins from the body. And with its anti-inflammatory properties and healthy bacteria, it will only improve your gut health. Applications For those who regularly struggle with indigestion or ulcers, introducing local honey into your daily health routine could be a great way to promote proper digestion. Hot water or tea with filtered or raw honey and a bit of lemon could be just what your stomach needs to take on the day. Sore Throat Whether you've been sick or just overworking your voice, you may experience pain in your throat. Honey is a classic remedy for sore throats and often the first thing that people reach for. But why is that? Although the scientific jury is still out on exactly why Texas honey heals sore throats, many believe it comes down to its wound healing properties. The same properties, such as its antibacterial characteristics that heal a burn, can heal what's causing the pain in your throat. Rather than applying the honey directly to the wound, consume it - this should do the trick. Applications There are many reasons for a sore throat. Thankfully, research shows that local honey can help with all these causes. These include: • Colds • Laryngitis • Tonsillitis • Glandular fever, • Strep • Allergies • Exposure to cigarette smoke This isn't just any old home remedy. On the contrary, many doctors and experts recommend honey as the first treatment of a sore throat. This is especially true for children who may suffer from adverse effects from over-the-counter cough medications. Simply add a small spoonful's worth of it to a cup of tea or hot water for the best results. Allergies Find yourself coming down with terrible allergies every year around springtime? Then it may be time to try and see how your allergies and honey mix. While studies conflict on the efficacy of allergies and honey, there's a chance it may help, and there are virtually no negative side effects if it doesn't work for you. There are several reasons that local honey may help relieve allergies. The primary reason is that local honey is made up of the local flowers, crops, and the pollen they produce. So by getting a big dose of pollen directly to your system through local honey, you can desensitize your system to the local pollen, much like how an allergy shot works. While this aspect of allergies and honey continues to be debated, the other side of this is proven and likely to help. This goes back to the positive effects of honey on your throat. If you're finding yourself coughing through every spring, it can help soothe the symptoms of allergies. Applications To expose your system to the local pollen, you'll want to buy local honey. Organic and raw are typically recommended so that you get the most exposure possible. Add a bit into your diet, and see if your allergies are eased. To relieve your throat pains, add some of this golden ingredient to your tea or coffee. Types of Honey to Look For You now know all about the benefits of health and honey - although there's still so much to explore and discover. But now, you want to get some Texas honey for yourself and see what it can do for you. However, as you begin to shop local honey, you may be surprised to find just how many options there are at your fingertips. Texas honey isn't just one type itself. This product comes from all over. Each hive will offer you slightly different flavors and even colors. Beekeepers practice different techniques for treating their product before it gets into customers' hands. Each type will mean a different product for you with potentially different health benefits and ways to enjoy. Before buying the first honey in grocery stores that you see, let's go over the different types of honey at your hands. This will help you find the right one for you. Natural Honey In the world of honey labels, the term natural doesn't mean too much. By natural, the manufacturer may just be implying that the product initially came from a real hive of bees. But it doesn't say much about whether things were added to create the final product. When it comes to beekeeping, natural may refer to the techniques to leave hives intact. However, without context, natural doesn't tell you much about what you're buying and is best to be ignored. Pure Honey Unlike natural, pure tells you that what's inside your product truly comes from raw honey initially and nothing else. This means no added sugars, corn syrup, or similar additives. For those interested in trying local honey, this is a great place to start. Once the raw honey is extracted, the “pure” form is typically made by heating the stuff. This is to kill microorganisms and filter out unwanted components. Because it is heated and parts are extracted, you'll often see a lighter color. This will also be a milder flavor. If you've only ever had honey in grocery stores, this may be a nice familiar step into local offerings. Raw Honey You might say that buying raw honey is enjoying it as nature intended—no heating the product, filtering, and additives. The benefit of this form is you get everything: the nuanced flavors and all the vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. If you're in this for health and honey, going raw may deliver the most benefits. Another benefit of raw honey is that beekeepers under this label typically treat their bees more ethically than others. That's because the healthier the bees, the more raw honey they can collect from the hives. It will also be of better quality. Wondering if it's safe to eat raw honey? A lot of people have concerns about eating anything “raw”. However, just because this ingredient is raw, it doesn't mean it's unsafe. On the contrary, raw honey is always ready to be eaten. No need to cook it before you eat or apply it to your skin. Just treat it as you would honey in grocery stores. Unfiltered Honey When treating honey, there are two different ways of treating the product: straining and filtering. While they sound similar, there are key differences that define this type of Texas honey. All products are strained, even raw honey. This removes debris, bee parts, and wax. However, filtering is far more intense. This processing step means purifying the product and removing air bubbles or tiny bits of grains like pollen. All raw honey is unfiltered. However, not all unfiltered honey is raw. Although unfiltered honey will not undergo a filtering process, it may be heated to be put in a bottle or used in other products. This means you get the health benefits of raw honey, but perhaps in an easier-to-use form. Wildflower Honey Want to get the most variety in flavor? Buy wildflower honey. This means that bees go collecting from wildflowers. With so many varieties of flowers and crops around, you'll end up with different types of nectar making up your wildflower honey. If you want local honey, try the wildflower version first. Organic Honey While some labels may seem vague and fluid, organic is not one of them. Anything labeled organic honey must pass the rules and regulations of the USDA's organic requirements . What does that mean for organic honey? It means that the bees can only collect nectar and pollen from organic plants. The bees absolutely can't be treated with any potentially harmful chemicals such as miticides. Buying organic honey ensures you're not consuming any pesticides that could harm your health in the future, undoing what you want to accomplish from the product in the first place. Organic honey is not mutually exclusive to the other types. This label doesn't mean that a Texas honey isn't manufactured or is raw. Different forms of it can be one type and organic. So keep an eye out for organic honey labels if this is important to you. Reading the labels will ensure you get the best product possible. Vegan Honey Vegans are committed to forgoing any products that involve harm or the exploitation of animals. For most, that means giving up this ingredient we love so much. However, this doesn't mean that vegans can't enjoy its wonderful tastes and textures. For some, it's enough to seek out local beekeepers who maintain more ethical practices. But if that's not enough, there is also vegan honey. The vegan versions won't come from a hive or any bees at all. Instead, these products will use concoctions of other ingredients. While this may deliver the sweet taste and texture that vegans are looking for, it won't deliver the health benefits of the real thing. However, for any vegans who just want that taste, choosing vegan Texas honey could be the perfect alternative. Impact of the Environment For many people today, it's not enough to know about a product and its potential impact on health. People also want to know how a product affects the planet's health. By being informed, consumers can decide how to purchase products ethically. If caring for the environment's health is important to you, you'll be happy to know that there are several ways that local honey production can work in tandem with nature if not even help. Here are some things you should know. Low Carbon Footprint Some things we eat produce an awful amount of carbon. Practices such as factory farming have come under intense pressure as we learn more about just how bad excessive production of carbon is for the environment. The good news is that local honey has a very low carbon footprint. To put things in perspective, producing over 2 pounds of Texas honey will generally produce the same amount of carbon as driving a car a couple of miles. Of course, the carbon footprint may be higher depending on the transportation and production involved. For the lowest footprint, buy local honey. Check out your local Farmer's Market for the best shopping in your community. Low Water Requirements So much of the world's limited access to usable water goes toward watering crops. But not with this product. Of course, water is necessary for sustaining bees. However, the water required to sustain a hive of bees is far smaller than it would be, for example, to grow sugar cane. As sweeteners go, the production involved can be extremely minimalist for the lowest impact on the environment. Check out your Farmer's Market. You can often find beekeepers who are dedicated to wasting as little resources as possible to produce their local honey. Beekeeping Practices So the product itself has a low carbon footprint and water requirements. But what impact does beekeeping itself have on the environment? Bees are crucial for sustaining life on earth as they pollinate our flowers and crops. By keeping bees, there is interference with nature. Thankfully, this interference isn't too disruptive. On the contrary, there are benefits to keeping the practice alive and well today. Promotes Pollination Beekeepers can encourage pollination in two ways: agriculturally and in the wild. By loaning bees out to farmers, crops get pollinated, and bees find food for the hive. But equally important is the pollination of wildflowers. This provides food to bees while pollinating the earth. And only with pollination do we have plants growing and food to eat. While bees are not the only means of pollination, they are an important part of the pollination system. And it's best to avoid a world without these helpful creatures. Maintain Nature's Balance Although bees are crucial to sustaining life on earth, they are also in danger. For a variety of reasons but primarily habitat loss, bees are losing places to go. However, beekeeping ensures a safe place for bees to build their hives and maintain a community. Bees are not typically a welcome part of the neighborhood. As urban sprawl continues, humans are taking up more space and kicking nature's creatures out. And with that comes taking down beehives. Beekeepers actively work against this by protecting hives from humans. On the flip side of this, they also protect bees that may become food for other animals. It may be an uncomfortable fact, but bees are part of the food chain. And for other animals to live, bees may just get eaten. Without bees, their predators may not survive. So while beekeepers protect hives, they also preserve the delicate ecosystem on earth. The Basics If you only know this ingredient from a little bear-shaped bottle, you may not completely understand the process and what gives this special ingredient so much value in both taste and health benefits. Now that we know how Texas honey helps us let's take a closer look at how we get this seemingly miraculous piece of nature. Honey Bees When you see a yellow and black insect flying around you, do you run away? Well, it may be time to say thank you instead. Honey bees, not to be confused with yellow jackets, hornets, and aggressive stinging insects , are an essential part of the world we live in. The world couldn't survive without them as they help flowers and crops grow. Bees travel from flower to flower, crop to crop, collecting nectar and pollen. As they collect nectar, the necessary ingredient for their survival, they pollinate flowers and crops. Once they have enough nectar in their stomachs, they return to their hive. The nectar is then used to create raw honey. This is done by packing away the nectar into tight, hexagonal-shaped beeswax cells. Bees then create a breeze with their wings, solidifying the nectar into the golden stuff we know and love. What That Means for Your Texas Honey Because honey is made from the nectar bees collect and bees visit thousands of flowers and crops a day, you can imagine all the incredible flavors found in different nectar. Just as a rose smells differently from a lily, the nectar changes too. This means that no hive will produce the same flavors and aromas as another hive. This is heavily influenced by the specific environment of the hive, such as where it's located and even when the bees are pollinating. How We Harvest from Honey Bees Those busy bees have worked hard making their sweet gold. Now it's time for beekeepers to do their job to get the honey. There are a variety of methods, and each beekeeper may have a different method. The traditional first step is to use smoke so that the bees are common during extraction. Beekeepers then remove the combs and the raw honey from each cell. This can be done by scraping away the liquid or using a machine. The machine will spin very quickly, using physics to remove the raw honey. Once removed, beekeepers will typically warm the raw honey to get it to a more liquid state to more easily strain it of wax and any unwanted materials. Of course, this step may be skipped for unfiltered honey lovers. Harvesting That Doesn't Harm Bees Bees do not solely rely on honey for food. They will mostly feed on nectar. However, raw honey is a backup food supply for bees. This means that in times of trouble, bees rely on their own Texas honey for nourishment. Due to this and a desire for humane treatment of bees, some people are averse to honey products. But thankfully, there are more ethical ways that beekeepers can harvest honey that is kinder to these little creatures. Some ethical beekeeping methods include balanced, natural, and biodynamic. The practices vary in difficulty and, therefore, price. But none of them will include smoking out the bees or creating a food shortage for bees. Their goal is to only collect Texas honey when the hive no longer needs it. For example, they may only take some when the hive has an excess. They might not even use any artificial means of promoting hive growth and only collect from naturally occurring hives that have been abandoned. If you want to enjoy the health benefits of Texas honey without any of the guilt, you can look for labels that indicate less traditional methods. But be aware that prices will often be much higher due to the difficulty of the practices and lack of predictability. Frequently Asked Questions Are There Any Risks from Honey? No matter whether applied topically or eaten for your health, there are very few risks associated with using honey in your daily life. The only health side effect that you should seriously consider is allergies. However, this is rare. Most people are not allergic to Texas honey itself. However, depending on the severity of people's allergies to pollen and depending on the type of product, they may experience negative side effects. For most people, this can be avoided by opting for filtered products. But if you're concerned, speak to your doctor first. Can Honey Help My Dog? Honey is a safe ingredient to give your dog. And just as health and honey go hand in hand for humans, the same holds true for dogs. Many people may give their dogs a regular taste of local honey to keep allergies at bay and improve their health. And just like humans, it's great for treating wounds, even on dogs. If you notice something odd on your dog, or they've gotten themselves a scratch or injury, apply honey. Of course, you'll need to cover it in gauze to avoid your dog helping themselves to a snack. Do monitor how much your dog gets, as too much sugar can harm your dog's health. But a little can do a lot of good and is an enjoyable treat for your canine buddy. Does Honey Have an Expiration Date? Honey has antibacterial properties, meaning that it doesn't allow harmful bacteria to grow. This not only means that it's great for treating wounds for humans but also won't go bad. That's right - your local honey never spoils. It may change in color or texture, but even then, it's safe to eat. Why Does My Honey Look/Taste Different? There are two reasons yours may look or taste different: 1. It has changed over time on the shelf, changing the texture, or 2. You purchased a local honey product that is a different varietal than what you're used to. For the first, it's important to know that while the texture may change, it's still safe to eat. For the second, remember that while manufactured products may have additives to make each product the same, local versions will be influenced by the local flowers and crops that a bee visited. With different nectar and pollen come different flavors and colors. So enjoy the difference. Can I Use Honey after It Crystallizes? Your honey will never spoil. However, it may crystallize. When that happens, it's still safe to eat; it may just be a little more difficult than simply pouring. All you need to do is grab a spoon. If you're looking for a liquid texture, place the jar in a pot of hot water or microwave what's left. This will melt it into a liquid, although be careful not to boil or scorch it. If you want to put it in your tea, you can just put the crystallized version directly in hot tea without worrying about turning it into a liquid first. Why Is Honey Filtered? The filtration process also has benefits, just like the raw version. By filtering, the product will stay liquid longer (which many people want). It is also better for the health of those who have a severe allergy to pollen. Conclusion - The World of Texas Honey If all you know is one brand of honey, then it's time for you to explore a new world. Try different varieties of honey for yourself, incorporate them into your daily life, and see the health benefits for yourself. No matter whether you want to expand your skincare routine or want to learn how to find ethical beekeepers, use this guide to find the perfect Texas honey product for your lifestyle. The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Did you know there are about 320 different types of honey? Virtually all of them have been used medicinally as anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, and antibacterial cures. Yet, the uses of honey as an alternative and therapeutic medicine have remained largely scrutinized in the history of modern medicine. Regardless, many recent studies have come to find that this natural remedy has healthy, therapeutic properties and continues to be a relevant treatment in the 21st century.  Read on to learn about the hidden uses of honey and how you can use this natural ingredient in food and drinks for a health boost. What are the Benefits of Honey? It turns out that honey is one of the greatest natural multi-vitamins on the planet. Some people say that honey is the nutritive household item closest to a “cure all” type of modern medicine, beating out soup or herbal tea. That's because of all the nutrients its sweet substance provides. Not only does honey naturally contain vitamins A, B, B2, B6, and C, but it also contains plenty of: Iron Zinc Amino acids Folic acids Antioxidant properties Properties also include many amino acids and biomolecules, like: Glutamic acids Proteins Arginine Cysteine All of these prevent coronary diseases and other biological disorders. What are the Main Uses? Common Cold Aid Honey can be used in modern medicine in many ways, but it's most popular as a way to prevent coughing with its antioxidants and antimicrobials. A bad cough is a symptom of the common cold that most people have. For children and adults, honey can be used to treat the symptoms of a sore throat that causes coughing. Additionally, its vitamins and enzymes eat away at layers of mucus that attack the throat with harmful bacteria, effectively eliminating many common cold symptoms. For both children and adults, this eliminates the dependence on drugs that can cause drowsiness. Lower Risk of Diseases As a substance whose properties include antioxidants like Vitamin C, honey prevents the oxidation of cells in the body. This is a key part of preventing inflammatory disorders and coronary artery diseases. The antioxidants preserve the body and keep it from worsening in condition to the state of neurological unwellness and even cancer. Effectively, the membranes of red blood cells strengthen over time due to exposure to antioxidants and vitamins that are found in honey. Decrease of Bacteria Honey has been traditionally used in modern medicine to clean wounds and kill microbial organisms that could cause damage to your body when in a weakened state. Because of the essential vitamins, as well as the enzymes in honey, the output of bacterial decay when used to treat microbial issues is tremendous. Future Uses in Modern Medicine While the more potent and long-term effects of honey are scrutinized in the medical community, there is still a lot of data to suggest that using this natural remedy heals wounds. Also, due to the high potency of the iron, zinc, and protein in honey, it has also been theorized that honey is boosts fertility Based on ancient traditions of the Egyptians and recent research, it's possible that this sugary substance can strengthen the fertility of sub-fertile men during procreation. It's possible that medical professionals will start to take this data seriously and integrate honey into medical treatments within the next decade. Integrate Honey Into Your Wellness Honey isn't just a tasty sweetener for tea; it's a substance that can be used to treat many symptoms of pain and discomfort. As researchers collect more data about honey's powerful capabilities, it's likely we will see this natural immune booster in more medical treatments. And, if not, you can rest easy knowing it's always a reach away in your kitchen cabinet.

Local Honey

Why Honey Crystallizes You go to your pantry and grab a jar of honey. Upon opening it, you realize that it isn't the smooth golden substance you were expecting. It's paler with white flecks and has a lumpy/firm texture. Many people think these signs indicate spoilage. But don't throw away the jar! You simply have crystallized honey on your hands. It's perfectly safe to eat and just as delicious (if not more!). Curious as to how this crystallization process happens? All raw honey naturally crystallizes, meaning it's just a matter of time before yours takes on a new form. Read on to learn what factors speed up the process! Temperature In the hive , honey crystallizes if the temperature drops below 50ºF. The same will happen if your pantry gets this cold. If you don't enjoy the texture of crystallized honey, monitor the temperature of your cupboard. Moving your jar to a warmer location will slow down the natural process. Ratio of Glucose to Fructose Raw honey is a super-saturated solution of glucose and fructose. Glucose is the substance that hardens, so if there is more glucose than fructose in your jar, you can expect the crystallization process to happen faster. Flavors with high glucose levels include clover and alfalfa, whereas flavors like maple and blackberry don't contain as much glucose. Pollen Many name brands filter out pollen to appease consumers. However, pollen is a sign of a good jar and leads to faster crystallization. The Bottom Line — Enjoy Nature's Treat As this post has explained, the crystallization of honey is natural. Factors like cold temperatures, high amounts of glucose, and the presence of pollen can speed up the process. Regardless, you'll get a treat that is just as safe as it is tasty.

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHAT HONEY BEES DO IN THE WINTER? Well, I can tell you what they don't do… they don't pack a bag and head to Florida. The world of honey bees breaks down into three social classes: worker bees (all female), drones (male bees whose only job is to mate with the queen), and the almighty queen (who can live up to 5 years and her only job is to lay eggs). Worker Bees start to prepare for winter when working their hardest in the Spring and Summer. And the only reason they work so hard is to make sure they have honey to survive the winter. When temperatures start heading to 50 degrees and below, it's time to go to the hive. While collecting honey is one of the essential jobs honey bees have, there is another job just as important as storing their precious honey. That is to protect, serve, and provide for the queen and the hive. Doing this (I will explain the crucial work of nurse bees and all the work they do in another blog) involves the worker bees kicking out the male drones (who eat way too much anyway) in late Autumn because they don't have enough food for everyone. Quite frankly, the hive sees them as worthless, so out they go. As we learned, honey is mandatory to survive during the winter. Also, making sure there is enough food and keeping their queen warm and snuggly is very important. She will, after all, go back to her duties colonizing the hive come spring. So, her court of female worker bees will surround the queen by shimmering and shaking and doing all they can to keep that hive warm for her "Majesty the Queen." The colder it gets, the more intense the worker bees will dance to stay warm. Everyone working together for the health of the hive. The honey bees will form a cluster and are continually moving from the outside to the inside, ensuring that no one gets cold. Interesting fact, winter worker bees, which differ from summer worker bees, are a little bit plumper and can bring a bit more heat to the hive, allowing them to live longer than the average 4-6 weeks. This diverse cluster, when working correctly, is a well-oiled machine. A perk while working on the inside of the beehive is you get to feed off the stored honey. Yum! As we all know, all work and no play makes a honeybee burn out. So, when it is a nice day, the honey bees will fly away for a short distance to take a break, do a little exercise, and get rid of some body waste, but they always fly right back again; why? It is all about the hive, keeping the queen and her brood warm. But, there is a downside to taking this mini-vacation. If the worker bee comes back and its body temperature has gotten too cold, it will be out of luck and exiled from the hive. There is so much more that we know about the nature of honey bee hives, but we can discuss them in future blogs. Until then, here are some interesting facts, according to Texas A&M University Honey Bee information site: HONEY BEE FACTS (MOST FROM THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HONEY BEE INFORMATION SITE ) Bees have 5 eyes. Bees being insects have 6 legs. Male bees in the beehive are called drones. Bees have the ability to fly about 20 mph. Female bees in the beehive are called worker bees except for the queen. The queen can lay as many as 2,000 eggs per day. Bees will die if they lose their stinger. Bees have been around for around 30 million years! Bees carry pollen in the corbicula back to the hive. The average beehive holds around 50,000 bees. Forager bees must collect nectar from around 2 million flowers to make 1 pound of honey. The average forager bee makes about 1/12 of a teaspoon of honey in her lifetime. The average per capita honey consumption in the US is 1.3 pounds. Bees have 2 pairs of wings. The primary form of communication for honey bees is through chemicals called pheromones. Bees are essential because they pollinate approximately 130 agricultural crops in the US. Bee pollination adds about 14 billion dollars annually to improved crop yield and quality.