>> PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT << PORTUGAL’S HONEY Honey has always been associated with the gods
In ancient times, honey was considered elitist
Honey can refer to bee honey or (sugar) cane honey
Honey production was once mysterious and supernatural
Honey is a product of flower nectar and digestive enzymes of bees
In Portugal, sugar cane honey is only produced on Madeira Island The flavor and color of honey varies widely, depending on the flowers in which the bees collect nectar
Mix honey with coconut oil to condition and moisturize your hair and scalp and to prevent dry and chapped lips
Honey contains over 180 substances, some of which our bodies use very differently than other carbohydrates. It is not “just another sugar.” Honey is proven to have antibacterial and antifungal
Monofloral (or unifloral) honeys come from a single species of flowering bloom, each with their own unique flavor In Europe there exists more than 100 botanical species that can give monofloral honeys Cold (refrigerated) honey degrades slower than warm honey and freezing temperatures are actually your best defense against deterioration
The first possible honey recipes at the time of Portugal's formation were published by Ibn Razin Tujibi (1238-1266)
Developed, in part, with noted Portuguese food historian Virgílio Nogueiro Gomes
Honey is used to make chutneys and other preserves, syrups or liquors
Honey is used in the preparation of almost all foods, from soups to desserts, including fish and meat
Portuguese children were prepared a syrup for sore throats, consisting of raw slices of carrot covered with honey. This preparation was left for at least a full day, then a tasty liquid appeared, which did not seem like a medicine and was abused by spoonfuls. A 2020 study showed honeybee venom rapidly destroyed triple-negative breast cancer
Like the terroir of fine wines or the earthy flavors of regional olive oils, there are nine Portuguese honey-collecting regions that enjoy DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) – also known as PDO – status (as noted by the designation mark). Each of these regions produce honeys with distinctive flavors, scents, viscosity, and color. OCT /NOV/D EC 2020 | RELISH PORTUGAL | 31
