Stayia Farm Honeycomb

Stayia Farm Honeycomb 

is a true delicacy of nature. The hexagonal cells that create the comb are made by bees from beeswax. 550 bees have to visit 2 million flower blossoms to create 1 pound of honey, and then must consume 6 pounds of honey to generate 1 pound of beeswax. Beeswax is an amazing substance that is entirely edible and contains a variety of healing and allergy-soothing properties. Into each beeswax cell, bees deposit the flower nectar they have gathered from thousands of flowers. The bees then stand over the cell and fan their wings to evaporate the water from the nectar, leaving behind a rich, syrupy, golden substance that we know as honey. The cell is capped with a thin layer of beeswax and reserved as food supply for the colony. 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF EATING HONEYCOMB

Honeycombs are hexagonal wax cells built by honey bees within their nests to contain their larvae and stores of honey and pollen. Typically, beekeepers remove the entire honeycomb to harvest the raw honey and then replace it because it takes time and energy for bees to construct them. Fresh, new honeycomb is sometimes sold intact to eat. The benefits from eating honeycomb are related to the honey and bee pollen, much more so than the bees wax. If you are allergic to bee stings or bee products, then you should be very cautious with honeycomb and consult with your doctor.

Benefits of Honey

Honey acts as an antimicrobial agent because it contains an enzyme that produces small amounts of hydrogen peroxide, which is deadly to mainly pathogenic microorganism, according to “Biochemical, Physiological and Molecular Aspects of Human Nutrition." As such, honey can relieve some forms of gastritis and may be able to combat stomach ulcers caused by the bacteria H. pylori. Raw honey also acts a strong antioxidant, which scavenge harmful free-radicals linked to tissue damage, aging and even cancer. According to “Prescription for Nutritional Healing,” darker colored honeys are usually stronger antioxidants than lighter types. Honey is also a good, readily absorbed source of glucose and a spoonful or two can be useful for diabetics who are hypoglycemic.

Benefits of Bee Pollen

Bee pollen consists of pollen from a variety of plant species mixed with plant nectar and saliva from worker bees. Pollen, nectar and saliva collect on the legs of bees as they pollinated flowers, which is then collected by devices near the opening of bee hives. Despite not sounding too appetizing, bee pollen is packed full of nutrition and many consider it a “super-food.” According to “Biochemistry of Human Nutrition,” bee pollen contains about 35 percent complete protein, numerous fatty acids, soluble fiber, high concentrations of B-complex vitamins and many digestive enzymes. Bee pollen is consumed to boost energy, aid digestion and to help reduce the symptoms of hay-fever caused by air-born allergens, although very little scientific research has examined its affect on people. Bee pollen also contains propolis, a resin from plants that retards the growth of fungi, bacteria and viruses.

Bee Larvae

Bee larvae are developing bees and sometimes they do not live to become part of the hive. Consequently, honeycomb may contain undeveloped larvae or parts of bees, such as legs or wings, mixed with the honey and pollen, according to “Contemporary Nutrition." Parts of bees certainly add to the protein content of eating honeycomb or raw honey, although it may not be pleasant to think about. Most beekeepers who sell honeycomb are careful to remove any obvious remnants of bee larvae. If you are allergic to bee stings, consuming honeycomb may cause a negative reaction in you, although bee pollen naturally reduces histamine production and may provide some protection.

Bees Wax

The major component of honeycomb is bees wax, which is used as structural support. Bees wax has no nutritional content and widely believed to be inert, but some nutritional experts contend that it may display mild anti-inflammatory properties, as cited in “Nutritional Sciences." Regardless, eating large amounts of waxy material may slow digestion and lead to constipation, so its best to start with small amounts and notice how your body responds to it.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ORGANIC HONEY?

Winnie the Pooh may have been trying to teach a lesson when he wanted honey every time he got a "rumbly in his tumbly." From weight loss to skin clearing to pain relief, the benefits of honey are vast. When harvested organically, it becomes a healthy, medicinal treat that surpasses in taste any doctor-ordered prescription.

ORGANIC VS. NON-ORGANIC

Organic honey production involves stringent guidelines to protect the honey from contamination by pesticides and antibiotics. Not only do these antibiotics and pesticides alter the taste of pure honey, but they also are believed to cause cancer and aplastic anemia when consumed n large doses by humans. Other than these facts, organic and non-organic honey are equal in beneficial properties.

WORKOUT SUPPLEMENT

Chocked full of carbohydrates--17g per tablespoon--honey can provide a sustaining energy source for your workout. According to the National Honey Board, if you consume pure honey prior to a workout, it will get absorbed in your system and provide you with energy throughout the exercise. Adding it to the water bottle that you use during the activity will delay fatigue. Combine it with protein within 30 minutes after your workout and you will maintain comfortable blood sugar levels, decrease delayed onset muscle soreness, and replenish glycogen stores that were depleted during exercise.

SKIN AID

Honey is found in many store-bought beauty products and it can be added to the ones you have at home. As a humectant, it moisturizes the skin to keep it soft and smooth. Mixing honey with milk enhances products' antimicrobial and cleansing benefits. It leaves the skin glowing and may even improve acne when mixed with cinnamon to form a paste. It may be topically applied on a regular basis.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

According to Organic Facts, mixing honey with ginger may reduce respiratory problems, asthma and indigestion. Alone and with other mixtures, honey has been credited with relieving cough and sore throat, aiding sleep, boosting the immune system and treating stomach ulcers, bladder infections and arthritis. Applied topically it can decrease burns, heal infections, relieve toothaches and improve eczema. It is also a safe sweetener choice for diabetics.

WEIGHT LOSS

The Global Healing Center website reports that mixing honey with lemon can help melt away fat. Because it is cholesterol-free, you do not have to worry about it elevating your cholesterol levels. Mixing it with milk for a morning drink will boost your stamina to give you the energy you need to get more work accomplished, thereby burning more calories.

Six amazing health benefits of chilli peppers with honey

Vasilissa Wildforest Honey with red chili peppers is great to have in the kitchen as a treat or to use in marinades, dips, salad  dressings or as a hot drink.

1. Chillis are great for fighting colds

Chillis can boost your immune function with its high levels of in vitamin C (at least twice as high as any citrus fruit!). They are also effective at reducing congestion by opening up your nasal passages.

2.  Chillis make you feel happy

Endorphins are released in our bodies after exercise, love, excitement, orgasms and pain, and produce a feeling of pleasure. Capsaicin is an oil found within chillis, and is responsible for the burning sensation that is experienced. The pain from the burning sensation releases endorphins .

3. Chillis help stabilise blood sugar levels

Research has shown that eating chillis reduced the amount of insulin needed to lower blood sugar after a meal by 60%. This is particularly great news for diabetes sufferers. Stabilising sugar levels can also help with reducing appetite.

4. Chillis are great for your heart

Chillis boost blood circulation, thin blood and reduce artery clogging triglycerides. These combined can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke, and reduce the risk of complications in those already diagnosed.

5. Chillis increase your metabolism

Capsaicin is a ‘thermogenic’ compound, which means that it generates heat and increases metabolic rate. Increased metabolism can aid in the burning of fat! Research has shown that chillis can increase metabolic rate by up to 23% for 3 hours after a meal.

6. Chilli can relief pain

The endorphins released due to the capsaicin have a pain relieving effect. It has also been shown to reduce inflammatory proteins in those with auto-immune disorders.

Vasilissa Greek Wildforest Honey with Lavender blossom

Vasilissa Greek organic honey is a precious and aromatic blend of valuable nectar from various spring flowers growing on the sunny slopes of the Dyrfis mountain slopes in Evia island, combined with whole organic lavender blossoms. A combination that is beneficial when you are feeling restless, exhausted or have trouble sleeping.

Organic honey with lavender blossom:
98% organic wildforest and blossom honey, 2% organic lavender blossoms.

Vasilissa Honey with Large Tears of Mastic Chios

The greek pine honey meets the Chios mastic and we get the ideal combination of two highly natural products. Those who are fans of unique tastes will appreciate its delicious smell and viscid texture, while at the same time enjoy its high nutritional value. The collection period starts at the end of summer and lasts till early automn and it takes place in the island of Evia.
It is of high nutritional value because of its high concentration in minerals and vitamins. Chios mastic is famous for its antibacterial, antioxidant and anti- inflammatory role and contributes to proper function and better health of the digestive system.

Benefits of "Vasilissa" organic honey

Like other organic foods, organic form of honey also offers many advantages. Here is a short list of benefits of organic form of honey.

Free of antibiotics and pesticides : Pesticides that are sprayed on crops and the antibiotics used in bee keeping are harmful to humans. They cause hazardous diseases such as aplastic anemia and cancer. The veterinary antibiotics that are used to protect the bees from diseases are highly dangerous to humans. Organic honey that is extracted under strict guidelines of apiculture is free of these chemicals and totally safe to use.

Tastier than conventional honey : Like other organic foods organic honey also tastes better than the conventional honey. It could be due to higher concentration of nutrients and lack of contaminants such as pesticides and antibiotics.

Best source of energy : The pure form of honey that is rich in calories is best source of energy. Organic honey gets absorbed completely into the body and gives you the required energy. Hence, consumption of spoon of honey just before workouts will prevent fatigue. Combining honey with protein food will reduce the intensity of delayed muscle pain that develops after strenuous workouts. It will even replenish the lost glycogen stores.

Good for skin : Organic honey, as with any good honey, has the ability to absorb moisture helps to enjoy a healthy glowing skin. It absorbs moisture and prevents the skin from becoming dry. Honey and cinnamon combo serves as a best remedy for acne. Raw form of honey is also used as a topical application to treat burns and wounds. The high sugar content absorbs moisture from the wounded portion and makes it incompatible for bacterial growth. Hence, it not only prevents bacterial infections but also fastens the healing process.

Contains antimicrobial properties : Raw organic honey has anti-microbial properties and helps to treat bacterial infections such as sore throat. It even boosts the immune system’s ability to fight against infections and offers quick relief. Raw honey also treats bladder infections.

Alternative sweetener for diabetics : the ability of the organic honey to get absorbed in to the body immediately and to utilize the absorbed calories for longer duration helps to maintain blood sugar levels. Hence, honey is a safe and best sweetener for diabetics.

Treats other hard to treat medical conditions : Diseases such as arthritis and high cholesterol levels are hard to fight. The honey cinnamon combo treats these medical conditions efficiently. Massage of paste of cinnamon and honey offers immediate relief from arthritic pain. This duo also helps in strengthening arteries and veins in old age. Regular intake of honey and cinnamon prevents heart attacks.

Idle sweetener for baking and cooking : The perfect taste of organic honey that is free of preservatives, pesticides and antibiotics gives delicious flavor to the foods in which it is used. It even makes baked products soft with excellent taste. It is a best addition to tea and salads.

Benefits in infertility : Intake of this honey helps to solve the problem of impotence in men by  increasing the sperm count. It even treats infertility problems in women.

Rich source of nutrients and antioxidants :  Unprocessed honey is rich in nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. It also contains good amounts of antioxidants than the conventional variety. It is because in organic farming plants concentrate on producing more of antioxidants than on growth. Hence, the nectar of the flowers also contains more of these antioxidants that are good for our health. Antioxidants help in elimination of free radicals that are hazardous to health.

Safe to the environment : Organic variety of honey is not only beneficial to us it is also safe to the environment. The strict standards of organic farming prevent use of harmful pesticides and other chemicals to control pests and to promote growth. Hence, the environment remains fresh and it even protects the bee strains from harmful antibiotics. A vast change in environment due to various human activities is causing disappearance of few honey bee varieties. This in turn is causing scarcity of certain rare forms of honey such as White honey. Hence, choosing organic variety is also safe to the environment and bee population.

Why should we prefer the Greek honey? What makes it so special?

Morphological and climatic conditions in Greece with the all year round sunlight, favour the development of a great variety of flora, many species of flowers and herbs, creating thus a unique natural environment, where the societies of bees can be active and prosperous. The combination of various conifers that thrive in our country, the huge variety of flowers that exist here, play the most important role in creating the special organic characteristics of the greek honey, characteristics which have been scientifically proven. A factor contributing to this, is the nomadic mode of practicing apiculture in Greece, which although toil-some, produces wonderful results.
Greek apiarists move their beehives from one end of the country to the other, seeking areas of blossoming and optimizing the production and collection of this wonderful substance.
Greek honey does not originate only from single flower cultivations, as very often is the case with other countries, and this is one of its special qualities.
Moreover, due to the warm and dry Greek climate, as well as due to the nectar collection and its process by the bees, Greek honey has low moisture content, thing which adds to its thick texture.
This is not the case with other countries' honeys, which are
quite fluid because of their high moisture contents.The variety of honeys produced in Greece is wide, and each of these honeys has its own special value. The vast majority of the Greek honey production is made of honey dew mainly from pine trees, but also fir trees, oak trees etc, all of which have high nutritional value because of their high content of natural elements. 
Greek honey is one of very few products which, in our day and age, combine quality with tradition. It is produced by people who love and respect apiculture. Greek apiculture is mainly practiced as a family tradition and the "craft" is inherited from generation to generation. 
But it doesn't stop being developed and modernized.
Greek apiarists are continuously getting educated and more informed in order to optimize their apiculture management and their production techniques.
The apicultural standardization businesses are conducting new researches and investments, in order to be updated and thus adapted to the international standards concerning food safety, by securing optimal production conditions. Greek honey quality protection and its constant improvement is a responsibility and care that we all share.  

Η Vasilissa ταξιδεύει στις ΗΠΑ...

Με μεγάλη επιτυχία και πέραν από κάθε προσδοκία, η Stayia Farm

συνεχίζει τον εξαγωγικό της χαρακτήρα και στις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες της Αμερικής.

Η σειρά Vasilissa της Stayia Farm με τις 11 δημοφιλής, καινοτόμες προσμίξεις, ταξιδεύουν εδώ και ένα χρόνο σε πάνω από 8 ευρωπαϊκές χώρες. Η έξυπνη ιδέα του θυμαρίσιου μελιού με τα 24 καράτια φύλλων βρώσιμου χρυσού, βρίσκει θαυμαστές και γευστικούς οπαδούς σε πολλά ευρωπαϊκά κράτη και στις ΗΠΑ.

Τα μελισσοκομικά προϊόντα λατρεύτηκαν από το ξένο κοινό και έδωσαν δύναμη στους ανθρώπους της Stayia Farm να ανοίξουν τους ορίζοντες τους και να ξεκινήσουν τις εξαγωγές στις ΗΠΑ.

Η μικρή οικοτεχνία με σταθερά βήματα, προάγει με τον εξαγωγικό της χαρακτήρα, τα ελληνικά προϊόντα και τις ελληνικές εξαγωγές.

Επόμενο σκαλοπάτι στο μακρύ ταξίδι των καινοτόμων μελισσοκομικών προϊόντων Vasilissa, είναι ο εγχώριος διαγωνισμός made in Greece και οι δυο εκθέσεις τροφίμων σε Ελβετία και Ν. Υόρκη, όπου θα λάβει μέρος.

Vasilissa Gold Honey

Honey is often referred to as "liquid gold."
So to emphasize the point, Stayia Farm's beekeepers have added shimmering flecks of edible 24K gold leaf to their finest varieties, encased in tall, slim, graceful bottles to heighten the effect. Stunning to the eye, sublime to the tongue...

www.stayiafarm.com

Vasilissa Honey with Cinnamon

It is found that a mixture of Honey and Cinnamon cures most of the diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Ayurvedic as well as Yunani medicine have been using honey as a vital medicine for centuries. Scientists of today also accept honey as a very effective medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases. Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients

.

HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, chappati, or other bread, instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also those who already had an attack, if they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack.

Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heartbeat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as age the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalizes the arteries and veins.

INSECT BITES: Take one part honey to two parts of lukewarm water and add a small teaspoon of cinnamon powder, make a paste and massage it on the itching part of the body slowly. It is noticed that the pain recedes within a minute or two.

ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients may take daily, morning and night, one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured.

In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week out of the 200 people so treated practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.

HAIR LOSS: Those suffering from hair loss or baldness, may apply a paste of hot olive oil, one tablespoon of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder before bath and keep it for approx. 15 min. and then wash the hair. It was found to be effective even if kept on for 5 minutes.

BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.

TOOTHACHE: Make a paste of one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and five teaspoons of honey and apply on the aching tooth. This may be applied 3 times a day till the tooth stops aching.

CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder
mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient, was found to
reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10% within 2 hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken 3 times a day, any Chronic cholesterol is cured. As per information received in the said journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for 3 days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold and clear the sinuses.

INFERTILITY: Yunani and Ayurvedic Medicine have been using honey for thousands of years to strengthen the semen of men. If impotent men regularly take two tablespoon of honey before going to sleep, their problem will be solved.

In China, Japan and Far-East countries, women, who do not conceive and need to strengthen the uterus, have been taking cinnamon powder for centuries. Women who
cannot conceive may take a pinch of cinnamon powder in half teaspoon of honey
and apply it on the gums frequently throughout the day, so that it slowly mixes with the saliva and enters the body.

A couple in Maryland, USA, had no children for 14 years and had lost hope of having a child of their own. When told about this process, husband and wife started taking honey and cinnamon as stated above; the wife conceived after a few months and had twins at full term.

UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomachache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root.

GAS: According to the studies done in India & Japan, it is revealed that if honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food, relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ingredient, which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly arrests the ravages of old age. Take 4 spoons of honey, 1 spoon of cinnamon powder and 3 cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, 3 to 4 times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age.

Life spans also increases and even a 100 year old, starts performing the chores of a 20-year-old.

PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of Honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS: Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.

CANCER: Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month 3 times a day.

FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon power in equal parts, are more alert and flexible.

Dr. Milton who has done research says that a half tablespoon honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3.00 p.m. when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week.

BAD BREATH: People of South America, first thing in the morning gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water. So their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS: Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder taken in equal parts restore hearing.

10 Health Benefits of "Vasilissa Honey"

Health Benefits:

1. Prevent cancer and heart disease:

Honey contains flavonoids, antioxidants which help reduce the risk of some cancers and heart disease.

2. Reduce ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders.

Recent research shows that honey treatment may help disorders such as ulcers and bacterial gastroenteritis. This may be related to the 3rd benefit…

3. Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-fungal:

“All honey is antibacterial, because the bees add an enzyme that makes hydrogen peroxide,” said Peter Molan, director of the Honey Research Unit at the University of Waikato in New Zealand.

4. Increase athletic performance.

Ancient Olympic athletes would eat honey and dried figs to enhance their performance. This has now been verified with modern studies, showing that it is superior in maintaining glycogen levels and improving recovery time than other sweeteners.

5. Reduce cough and throat irritation:

Honey helps with coughs, particularly buckwheat honey. In a study of 110 children, a single dose of buckwheat honey was just as effective as a single dose of dextromethorphan in relieving nocturnal cough and allowing proper sleep.

6. Balance the 5 elements: 

Honey has been used in ayurvedic medicine in India for at least 4000 years and is considered to affect all three of the body’s primitive material imbalances positively. It is also said to be useful useful in improving eyesight, weight loss, curing impotence and premature ejaculation, urinary tract disorders, bronchial asthma, diarrhea, and nausea.

Honey is referred as “Yogavahi” since it has a quality of penetrating the deepest tissues of the body. When honey is used with other herbal preparations, it enhances the medicinal qualities of those preparations and also helps them to reach the deeper tissues.

7. Blood sugar regulation:

Even though honey contains simple sugars, it is NOT the same as white sugar or artificial sweeteners. Its exact combination of fructose and glucose actually helps the body regulate blood sugar levels. Some honeys have a low hypoglycemic index, so they don’t jolt your blood sugar.

8. Heal wounds and burns:

External application of honey has been shown to be as effective as conventional treatment with silver sulfadiazene. It is speculated that the drying effect of the simple sugars and honey’s anti-bacterial nature combine to create this effect.

9. Probiotic:

Some varieties of honey possess large amounts of friendly bacteria. This includes up to 6 species of lactobacilli and 4 species of bifidobacteria. This may explain many of the “mysterious therapeutic properties of honey.”

10. Beautiful skin:

Its anti-bacterial qualities are particularly useful for the skin, and, when used with the other ingredients, can also be moisturizing and nourishing! 

Vasilissa is Greek!

Honey is considered one of the most valuable, nutritious and healthiest foods. Having it in our daily diet gives us vitality and contributes to a healthier and longer life. Hippocrates, the father of medicine as well as other important people of the past suggested honey as a medical treatment for various purposes.

This is a view widely expanded around the world and scientifically verified.

Greece has a long tradition in apiculture and has more beehives per acre than any other country in Europe. Greek honey is very distinctive and is considered to be some of the finest honey in the world. This is largely due to the rich variety of Greek flora and unlimited summer sun as well as the minor human intervention to nature.

The biodiversity of the Greek countryside means that there are multiple types of Greek honey, each with its own particular properties and flavors.

"Vasilissa" το μέλι που ξεχωρίζει όπου κι αν βρεθεί...

www.stayiafarm.com

Η Stayia Farm παρουσιάζει τη νέα διαφημιστική καμπάνια 

για τα μελισσοκομικά προϊόντα 

"Vasilissa"

 

"Vasilissa" το μέλι που ξεχωρίζει όπου κι αν βρεθεί...

Νέα σειρά 11 μελιών, με καινοτόμες προσμίξεις από την Stayia Farm

 

Stayia Farm

www.stayiafarm.com

www.facebook.com/stayiafarm

http://stayiafarm.blogspot.gr/ 

 

 

 

Greek Honey

Greek Honey, just carrying the moniker “Nectar of the Gods”, for over 3,000 years is a pretty good calling card!
Many of you have traveled to Greece and/or perhaps have tasted Greek honey, so you are familiar with it’s colors, variety, and tastes. If not, don’t be left out. If you love honey, then you will want to know about Greek honey.
Greek Honey is special in all of Europe because:
* Greece has more bee hives “per acre” than any other country in Europe.
* The best honey in Greece comes from “Thyme” (Thimari in Greek), by far the best honey in the world and a favorite among honey connoisseurs.
* The honey from Greece is considered to be some of the finest honey in the world.  Variables such as unlimited summer sun, the biodiversity of the Greek countryside plus the rich variety of Greek flora which includes over 850 species found nowhere else in the world!  Earth scientists and botanists consider Greece a country with the richest flora in the Mediterranean basin, (more than 7,500 different species of herbs, plants, wild flowers and trees).  Thus, with this magnificent array of nature’s blessings, the bees give us multiple types of Greek honey which is its claim to popularity and fame. Now, maybe you are starting to understand the pride in the country’s honey and its top position in the world market.
History and why Honey has been valued by the Greeks:
The history and use of Greek honey is impressive. Since ancient times honey, has been used both as a food and a source of medicinal therapy.  Some of the legendary greats of Greece such as the “Father of Medicine”, Hippocrates, wrote, "Honey and pollen cause warmth, clean sores and ulcers, soften hard ulcers of lips, heal carbuncles and running sores."  Aristotle, philosopher and student of Socrates, believed that honey prolonged life. There was “honey therapy” used at the most famed health spa in ancient times , the Asklepieion.

Rosemary farm

Early in the morning we started planting!

Bee Labor or Industrial Product: How to Distinguish Natural Honey

What Are the Benefits of Honey in Weight Loss?

It might be easy to discount the idea of a honey diet amongst the plethora of fad diets that proliferate the internet. However, the use of ultra-nutritious honey as a balancing agent in a weight-reduction diet has its basis in serious science (not to mention the fact that it's been used for weight support in Ayurvedic practice since ancient times).

1. Features

   • When undertaking a weight-reduction diet, you limit the amount of food you eat, so the nutritional "punch" that each ounce of food packs becomes more important to overall heath. Honey is a healthy substitute for refined sugar, as it's a natural source for a wide variety of micronutrients, including amino acids, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, copper, potassium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and zinc. The amounts are proportionally small, but these micronutrients add up in a balanced diet.

   Effects

   • Healthy digestion is absolutely necessary for effective and lasting weight loss, and honey is a potent digestive. One of the reasons this is true is honey's natural support of the digestive tract's Bifidobacteria (one of the body's most important types of "good bacteria"). Honey is classified as a "prebiotic." This term means that honey contains several substances that increase the population of the bacteria and allow it to thrive in the system, balancing out the "bad bacteria" that slow digestion and keep weight in the stomach.

   Considerations

   • The sugars in honey are technically simple sugars, which weight-watchers have historically been advised against, because of the spike these sugars tend to cause in blood sugar. However, studies have shown that the sugar combination in honey produces a lower glucose response than refined sugars and flours. This means that honey in moderate amounts gives a satisfying sweetness to a balanced diet, instead of causing the blood sugar to spike sharply and dissipate quickly (leaving a desire for more sugar in its wake.)

   Theories/Speculation

   • Though calorie-free, chemical sweeteners (such as saccharine and aspartame) have been linked to overeating in scientific studies, scientists have theorized that this is because chemical sweeteners interfere with the body's ability to "count its own calories," or determine the balance of how much energy it's taking in and expending. Honey satisfies the body's natural need for sweetness, while providing about 1.5 times the sweetness of refined sugar, allowing the dieter to reduce the amount used, while not impeding the body's ability to balance itself.

   Expert Insight

   • A New Zealand study compared the weights of three different groups of rats over time. One group was fed no sugar calories at all, the second group was fed a diet from which 8 percent of the total calories came from non-honey sugar sources, and the third group was fed a diet in which 10 percent of the calories came from honey. The honey-fed rats gained as much weight as the rats that were fed no sugar calories whatsoever, while the sugar-fed rats gained significantly more weight than the other two groups.

How to Check Pure Honey

Much of the honey you see on store shelves is not pure honey. Even honey that is labeled as "pure" or "100% honey" can include additives. The most common additives are water and syrup made from jiggery (also known as palm sugar) --- an unrefined sugar often used in India. Many testing methods to determine the purity of honey involve using chemicals not commonly found at home, but you can check honey purity with little more than water.

 

 

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Glass
• Spoon

1. • 1
     Pour several inches of cool water into your glass.
   • 2
     Scoop out approximately 1 tsp. of honey from its jar with a spoon. Pour this honey into the glass of cool water and stir gently for several seconds, then leave the glass alone for several minutes.
   • 3
     Examine the glass after several minutes. If the honey is still resting on the bottom of the glass as it was when you left it, the honey is probably pure. If, however, it has dissolved significantly into the water, it is probably not pure honey.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use several other methods to test the purity of honey. Try drizzling some honey over blotting paper and leaving it for several minutes; if the paper absorbs the honey, it is not pure. Another option is to dip a cotton swab or piece of rolled paper in honey, then hold the honeyed end in a flame for a moment to try to light it. If the honey burns cleanly and quietly, it is pure. If it sputters or does not burn, it is not pure.

Resources

• Read this Article in UK English
• The National Honey Board: Home

How to Use Raw Honey

Raw honey is honey that has not been pasteurized or filtered. Its cloudy appearance is due to crystals, bits of wax and bee pollen. Raw honey can be used like processed honey as a sweetener for a sweeter substitute for sugar. In addition to its food value, raw honey has powerful medicinal properties that fight inflammation, infection and allergic responses.

 

 

 

 

 

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Spoon
• Gauze

1. Wound Healing

   • 1
     Clean the wound. The method of cleaning does not matter; it just has to be clear of debris and infectious material.
   • 2
     Soften the honey. Vigorous stirring will soften the honey. If you are spreading the honey over a large area, you may want to make it even thinner. Do this by gently heating the honey until it is runnier. Do not overheat, as the healing properties of the honey can be destroyed. Alternatively, you can add a little mineral oil or petroleum jelly to the honey.
   • 3
     Apply the honey liberally to the wound.
   • 4
     Cover the wound with a gauze dressing.
   • 5
     Change the dressing at least once every one to three days, adding more honey if necessary.

   Allergy Treatment

   • 1
     Purchase locally-produced honey. Local honey contains pollen that boosts the immune response and combats allergies to the plants that produce the pollen.
   • 2
     Ingest a tablespoon of raw honey to combat seasonal allergies.
   • 3
     Repeat daily prior to and throughout allergy season.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not feed raw honey to an infant under one year of age. Spores in raw honey may cause botulism in children that young.

Resources

How to Make a Honey Comb Section

Beekeeping is increasing in popularity as many people are interested in harvesting their own honey for home use. Large commercial beekeepers use extractors to separate the honey from the waxy comb, but if you only have one or two hives you may want to keep some of the honeycomb whole when you harvest. These honeycomb sections make attractive and interesting gifts that let you share your delicious honey and promote beekeeping as a hobby.

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Protective bee gear
• Comb slicing pan
• Knife
• Storage containers

1. • 1
     Remove the wooden frame from the hive and place it in the pan.
   • 2
     Cut around the inside of the frame with a knife to remove the honeycomb.
   • 3
     Cut the comb into sections of any size using a knife. Place smaller pieces in jars that are then filled with honey. Put larger squares in flat containers with tight-sealing lids.
   • 4
     Remove the comb sections from storage when you are ready to use the honey. Cut the caps off the honeycomb cells with a sharp knife and allow the honey to drain out.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a thin wax foundation for comb honey in the hive to get high quality honeycomb sections.

How to Harvest Honey Without an Extractor

Many man-made beehives are rectangular boxes that can have 10 or more aluminum frames for bees to create their combs. These combs are usually covered with wax once the bee has filled it with honey. Some bee keepers use machinery to extract the honey from the comb, but there is another way to harvest honey. After crushing these combs and removing the wax, the honey can be procured without the need for heavy machinery.










Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Hive
• 10 Frames
• Bee brush
• Smoker
• Knife (6 inch chef knife)
• 1 Sheet pan (18 by 24 inches)
• Wooden pestle
• Straining Bucket (5 gallon)
• Cheese cloth (10 sheets)
• 10 wide mouth jars (1 liter)
• Protective Gear (coveralls, helmet, netting and gloves)

1. • 1
     Smoke the hive and remove the honey comb frames. A smoker is a tin or plastic canister that emits smoke, which helps to calm the bees as the keeper is tampering with the hive. Once each comb is removed from the hive, the bees are shaken and brushed off with a bee brush or stiff broad brush in front of the hive so they can return to the hive.
   • 2
     Cut the honey comb off of the frame with a chef knife. Leave about an inch of the comb all around, so that the bees can have a good starting point to rebuild the comb. Break the comb in half, fit it onto the sheet pan and return the frame to the hive. Repeat this with all the other saturated combs in the hive, disregarding the ones that are not ready. One hive can render close to 3 gallons of honey combs filled with honey.
   • 3
     Crush the combs with a wooden pestle, which will break apart the wax that is covering each comb, freeing the honey that is inside. Scoop the mashed comb and honey into a straining bucket. This specially designed container has a spout at the bottom, with a filter that keeps the debris, which is the mashed comb and wax, inside of the bucket.
   • 4
     Prep wide mouth jars by placing one sheet of cheese cloth over the top, pressing the cloth about 1 inch inside of the jar, before secure it with a rubber band. The cheese cloth will help to catch any fine particles that the straining bucket missed. Pour the honey slowly from the straining bucket through the spout into the jar. Be sure not to overflow the cheese cloth during this process. When the bottle is filled, remove the cloth and secure it with a lid, before moving on to the next bottle.
   • 5
     Store the bottles of honey at room temperature. Three gallons of honey and comb should yield about 10 one-liter bottles of fresh honey.

Tips & Warnings

• Honey pours slowly, so the dual straining process might take up to 10 minutes per bottle.
• When dealing with bees, protective gear can help prevent injury. A bee keeping suit, complete with coveralls, hat, netting and gloves is the normal gear worn during honey harvesting