Orange-heather honey

Tasting the honey of the orange tree we will find ourselves in front of a feast of flavours and aromas. In our first contact with orange honey we will discover all the aromas of the orange blossom in a single spoonful of honey. Its taste is particularly sweet, refreshing and full-bodied, strongly reminiscent of orange, which makes it particularly pleasant for children. Its colour is bright yellow and bright and shiny like the sun’s rays falling on the orange blossoms. As honey, it crystallises very quickly within 1 to 3 months, so it should be consumed immediately and stored in a dry and cool place.

Orange honey – Nutritional value

Orange honey is rich in carbohydrates, mainly glucose, fructose and sucrose. It also contains trace elements and minerals such as copper, zinc, potassium and calcium. It has a high content of vitamins, in particular C and B vitamins. Like all types of honey, orange honey is rich in antioxidants, which belong to the polyphenols and flavonoids. Antioxidants have a protective effect against free radicals. Finally, the high nutritional value of orange honey is complemented by proteins, amino acids and enzymes.

In orange honey we will find important properties such as the positive effect it has on the good functioning of the heart and the circulatory system in general. It shows antibacterial and antimicrobial action which helps our immune system to fight pathogenic microorganisms and the digestive system to cope with gastritis.

Heather honey characteristics

The heather or heather has characteristics and properties, which are passed on to honey, promoting good health of the human body. Rich in alkaloids, tannin and carotene, it has been used throughout Europe as a medicine and is highly valued for its therapeutic properties. In Greece there are four species of plants of the Ericaceae family from the flowers of which heather honey is produced. Erica becomes a small shrub and grows mainly near coastal areas, having the ability to cover entire slopes. When it is in bloom, nature fills with its pink and purple flowers, giving a spectacle to anyone who happens to be in the area. In Greece you will find the heather that blooms in autumn and the one that blooms in spring.

Autumn’s irritant honey has a characteristic reddish – coppery colour and a rich caramel taste which leaves a hint of bitterness.Its aroma is full of the scents of the autumn woods and the last rays of sunlight before winter comes.It has a high glucose content and therefore crystallises very quickly, within 1-3 months.Heather is one of the last plants to flower in autumn, providing bees with the last precious pollen of the year.The production of nectar and pollen depends on rainfall, when we have a lot of rain the production increases.

Heather honey – Nutritional value

Heather honey has a very high nutritional value and is rich in minerals, proteins, amino acids, enzymes and vitamins. Among the minerals in high concentration are potassium, calcium and magnesium.The protein content is about 2%, which is particularly high compared to other types of honey.In addition, it is rich in antioxidants, mainly phenols, which have a protective effect against free radicals, which improves our health and prevents our body from ageing.

Heather honey, like all types of honey, has important antimicrobial properties, helping in the proper functioning of the digestive and urinary tract. It soothes the symptoms of flu and sore throat, and is also expectorant. In addition, it has been known since ancient times for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, especially for the urinary tract. Finally, it has sedative properties helping to reduce the symptoms of insomnia and exhaustion.

Another reason why more and more consumers prefer heather honey is that it is free of pesticides and fertilizers.