The Many Uses of Honey

“My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste” Proverbs 24:13



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Ontario's honey is produced yearly from July to September and can be purchased directly from Ontario beekeepers via roadside stands in the summer and stores, or the internet throughout the year.

Ontario's distinctive tasting honey is derived from floral sources such as clover, alfalfa, buckwheat, goldenrod, basswood and summer flowers.

Types of Honey
Ontario honey is sold by weight and comes in various forms such as:

LIQUID HONEY is extracted from the comb and strained for clarity. All liquid honey will naturally granulate and may be used in that state or be re-liquefied by placing the container in warm water until all crystals are gone. This sweet food can be used in many recipes or eaten right off the spoon.

CREAMED HONEY or whipped honey is produced by crystallizing liquid honey under controlled conditions. This smooth and opaque honey spreads especially well on bread or crackers.

COMB HONEY is as it comes "packaged by the bees" still in the original beeswax combs. The comb and honey can be chewed together and the comb can be swallowed. Chunk honey is honey combs packed in wide-mouth containers filled with golden liquid honey.

PASTEURIZED HONEY has been heat-treated to destroy yeasts which can cause honey to ferment. Pasteurized honey tends not to crystallize because the heat treatment melts dextrose crystals that can promote granulation.

Grades of Honey
Liquid and creamed honey are graded according to quality. Grades are based on clarity, on colour and on standards of moisture content. The grade that consumers should look for is No. 1, which has low moisture content, and therefore, excellent keeping qualities.

Floral Sources and Flavours
Ontario Honey comes in various colours and flavours. The colour and flavour of a batch of honey will depend on what flowers were available to the bees at the time when they were gathering the nectar.

Honey made from only one flower source has a distinctive flavour and colour. Beekeepers often keep beehives where the bees have access to only one type of flower in order for the bees to create these wonderfully flavoured honeys. Some examples of Ontario flower honeys are clover, alfalfa buckwheat, basswood, golden rod and summer flowers.

The nectar source of these flowering plants also affects the colour of the honey. Lighter coloured honeys will have a milder taste whereas darker coloured honeys will have a stronger flavour.

White Honey is gathered from clovers, basswood and canola.

Golden Honey, with its own distinctive flavour, comes from goldenrod and other fall flowers.

Amber (or dark) Honey, which is the strongest flavour, is primarily gathered from the buckwheat flower.

Nutrition
Honey, nature's unrefined sweetener is produced by the bees from nectar gathered from flowering plants. Honey is mostly made up of two simple sugars, laevulose (fruit sugar) and dextrose (glucose). Honey is a healthy naturally thick fluid, consisting of 17% water and contains traces of maltose, sucrose, vitamins, minerals, organic acids, ask and enzymes. As honey's sugars are mainly fruit sugar and glucose, it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. Honey's quick absorption makes it an excellent source of energy or a quick pick-me-up that can be readily added to various drinks and snack foods.

Storing Honey
Store honey at room temperature in a dry place. Honey is hydroscopic and can easily reabsorb moisture and aromas from the air. Always keep honey covered tightly to retain its distinct flavour and aroma, and to protect it from moisture absorption.

If storage area is very warm (above 80 degrees F.), creamed honey will retain its texture better if refrigerated. Honey may be stored in the freezer, if well sealed, without any change in flavour or texture.

Baking with Honey
Mild flavoured honey is best for baking or cooking. Add honey to batter in a fine stream, beating constantly. Baked goods containing honey brown more quickly, therefore, the temperature should be reduced by 25°F degrees to prevent over-browning and flavour change. Baked goods also remain fresh and moist for a longer period of time when honey is used, for example, Christmas cakes or fruit loaves.

Substituting Honey for Sugar
Use the same amount of honey and cut the liquid by one quarter, for example:
1 cup sugar + 1 cup milk = 1 cup honey + 3/4 cup milk
Replace sugar with three quarters of honey, for example:
1 cup sugar = 3/4 cup honey

Honey will slide out of measuring cups or spoons if oil is measured first or if the measures are rinsed with hot water.

Ways to Use Honey
The main uses of honey are in cooking, baking, as a spread on breads and as sweetener on everything from beverages to the creation of honey wine called mead.
View our growing list of honey recipes as well as 1001 Other Uses for Ontario Honey at ontariohoney.ca !

Canning and Preserving with Honey

Canning with Honey

Mild flavoured Ontario honey may be used as a substitute for sugar when canning fruit.
Light Syrup = 1 cup Ontario Honey + 3 cups boiling water
Medium Syrup = 1 cup Ontario Honey + 2 cup boiling water

Freezing with Honey
Fruit can be successfully frozen in a mild flavoured honey syrup. To enhance the fruit's natural flavour and colour, only the mildest flavoured honey should be used. The prepared fruit is placed directly into freezer containers and covered with one of the following appropriate well chilled syrups.

Light Syrup = 1 cup Ontario honey + 3 cups very hot water
Medium Syrup = 2 cups Ontario honey + 3 cups very hot water


Leave head space for expansion. Crumple a piece of waxed paper and leave on top to keep the fruit under the syrup. Seal, date and freeze.

Fruit may also be frozen, without the use of syrup, by drizzling honey over the prepared fruit which has been previously placed in freezer containers.

Jams and Jellies with Honey
Ontario honey may be substituted for sugar in most jam and jelly recipes. If a recipe calls for 4 cups sugar, use 2 cups honey. Cook the jam or jelly slightly longer than time stated in recipe using sugar. When substituting honey, use a commercial liquid or powdered pectin. The consistency of the jam or jelly will be somewhat softer.


Honey, aside from being a tasty snack, can be used for a variety of home and health-related applications. With its natural formulation, it is used as a treatment for some illnesses and a vitamin supplement. It is also known to moisturize and disinfect the skin, making it an unconventional moisturizer, antiseptic and antibacterial solution. For years, vegans have used honey to promote good health. Now it’s your turn to reap the rewards in using the bee’s healthy byproduct. Here are 15 unconventional uses for honey.

1. Skin Moisturizer - Honey, when mixed with eggs and some flour, is an effective skin moisturizer. Best of all, it is gently formulated, so it can be used by people with sensitive skin. Mix four tablespoons of honey with a couple of egg whites and a few tablespoons of flour, depending on your desired consistency. Stir the mixture until it thickens. When the mixture is ready, you can use it as a hand and body <span>lotion</span> or a moisturizing face mask, eliminating the effects of dry skin.
2. Antiseptic - Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical used for cleaning wounds and helping them heal quickly. Honey happens to contain a good amount of the chemical. It only needs to be released by diluting the substance in water or body fluids. When applied on an open wound, the glucose, contained by honey, is diluted and gradually releases hydrogen peroxide. The substance facilitates your wound’s faster healing. Due to its viscous consistency, it also prevents wounds from sticking to the dressing and the appearance of scars.
3. Acne Remover - Honey might be a gentle skin moisturizer but it is certainly tough on acne. With constant exposure to the bee fluid, pimples eventually wither and fade. Apply a small amount of honey on the pimply regions of your face. Cover them with adhesive bandages. Soon, your zit attack will be nothing more than a distant memory.
4. Energy Booster - Why buy palpitation-inducing energy drinks when you already have honey? Mix honey with some water then drink the solution. Honey’s glucose content will be absorbed by the brain and in the bloodstream, reducing fatigue in the process. You’ll be healthy and quite happy just by consuming the simple solution.
5. Immune System Booster - Health buffs are known to drink a teaspoon of honey daily, along with their morning vitamins. Though still not scientifically proven, the daily consumption of honey is said to strengthen your immune system. You can give it a shot, you’ve got nothing to lose anyway.
6. Enhances Vitamin A - Vitamin A is the nutrient that fosters better <span>eyesight</span>, especially when consumed in significant quantities. If you mix items that are rich in Vitamin A with honey, the effects are slightly increased.
7. Improves Blood Flow - Honey, being rich in glucose, is known to improve the blood flow through the fortification of blood’s formation. Glucose provides energy in the bloodstream, which is distributed throughout the body. As a result, the blood produced has the proper consistency, flowing smoothly through the blood vessels. Glucose is believed to prevent capillary damage due to its ability to improve your blood flow.
8. Treatment for Sore Throat - Some people believe that honey is an even better treatment for coughs and colds than over-the-counter medicine. To create the sore throat-relieving serum, squeeze the juice from a lemon and mix it with some honey. Stir the mixture until both ingredients blend. Drink the solution. After a few moments, you will realize that your sore throat has been cured, or at least reduced. Just continue to make more rounds until you are finally free from colds. 
9. Colon Damage Prevention - Colitis, a <span>disease</span> that damages the colon, induces much discomfort for the afflicted. You can minimize the effects of the disease if you drink some honey daily. The antioxidants found in honey is said to strengthen and improve the resistance of the colon. In addition, it is used in folk medicine as a means for curing colon-related conditions.
10. Parasite Remover - Honey, when mixed with vinegar and water, can remove worms and other parasites in your body. The combination of vinegar’s acidity and honey’s therapeutic components is more than enough to kill or expel bodily intruders. When you suspect that you have worms in your body, drink ample amounts of the solution regularly. The parasites might build a resistance if you don’t manage to get rid of them all as soon as possible. (More tips on how to get rid of parasites)
11. Remedy for Burns - A burn is not only painful, the marks also last for a good number of days before healing up. By applying honey on your burn, the hydrogen peroxide released cleans the wound and soothes the inflammation. As a result, the burn marks will heal in a few days with less pain. Use honey as a dressing for maximum results.
12. Antibacterial Solution - Bacteria and germs won’t survive when covered in honey, given its acidic pH balance and viscous base. The microorganisms will be trapped in the sticky acidic base, which is too abrasive for their exteriors, killing them off eventually. Apply honey on a wound, scratches or an inflamed region, in conjunction with an antiseptic. You’ll be astounded at how fast your injury heals after.
13. Relaxant for Anxiety and Nervousness - Anxiety and nervousness are the enemies of a healthy mind. Once both conditions swarm your thoughts, your actions are tantamount to produce negative results. Free yourself from any of the two states of mind by eating porridge mixed with honey. Honey’s nutrients produce a calming effect, especially when taken in significant amounts. No wonder some consider it a part of the breakfast of champions. Honey can also be mixed with a suitable beverage for a good night’s sleep. 
14. Cancer and Heart Disease Prevention - Heart disease and cancer are diseases that have claimed the lives of millions of people. Both conditions have a multitude of causes, some of which are hard to identify. You must have some sort of protection from these diseases and that protection comes in the form of honey. Honey’s antioxidants prevent the formation of cancer cells and preserve the quality of the produced blood, preventing heart disease in the process. Though, engaging in acts that promote cancer, such as <span>smoking</span> and excessive drinking, will still trigger the diseases, so be watchful.
15. Diabetic Ulcer Remedy - Curing ulcer entirely is largely done by modern medical techniques. Though, you can speed up the healing process if you use honey as a topical solution. It’s ability to heal wounds will certainly come in handy when other ointments are not advised to use.

Honey is a medical resource used before modern medicine became established. It may not replace many of the technological methods currently practiced in hospitals, but it can certainly match some of the medicine prescribed by physicians. The bee fluid, as it turns out, is a miracle drug that cures quite a number of ailments and diseases. Use it and get good health for a fairly low price. After learning the many benefits you can get from honey, you should culture bees to get honey from it for free, learn how to keep bees.

If you are trying to lose weight honey can be a beneficial additive to your diet.

Unlike refined sugar, honey contains vitamins and minerals. Refined sugars are void of vitamins and minerals. The body must utilize its store of valuable nutrients to digest refined sugar. This process depletes the supply of minerals essential to dissolve cholesterol and fats. Honey helps metabolize cholesterol and fatty acid preventing obesity. Make a diet drink by adding honey and lemon to a glass of water.

Cleopatra Queen of Egypt was no stranger to the skin enhancing properties of honey. She regularly took milk and honey baths to maintain her youthful appearance. Honey as a natural beauty product has unlimited possibilities. It can be used as a facial mask, hair conditioner, skin moisturizer and more. It is has natural humectants with the ability to replenish the moisture level in skin without adding oil.

Honey is a popular anti aging skin care ingredient in many commercial moisturizers. Using honey as a facial mask will exfoliate, clarify and unclog pores. Honey is a wonderful deep conditioning treatment for dry hair. After shampooing, smooth honey through your hair from root to tip. Be sure to rinse it out completely. Your hair will be left soft, bouncy and full of shine.

There are very few foods in the world that can rival honey as an all natural health aid. It is antibacterial, antiviral and will keep your immune system strong. Used on cuts and burns it will promote healing and deter scarring. Honey is also an age old beauty product that will keep you looking young and beautiful. It never expires and can be found in every grocery store.

Sources:
http://www.ontariobee.com/index.php?action=display&cat=27
http://lifehackery.com/2009/02/02/15-unconventional-uses-for-honey/
http://naturalhealthezine.com/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-raw-honey/