As discussed in the previous article, in the light of Bayaan Mubarak of Huzur-e-Aala TUS delivered in Ashara Mubaraka 1437H Houston regarding popular honeys around the world. Last article comprised of the honey which is considered by many as the best honey in the world; Sidr Honey.
This article will discuss second of those honeys; Beech Honeydew Honey.
Beech Honeydew: Origin
Honeydew honey is known to be one of the most unique, most intriguingly exotic honeys in the world. Honeydew honey (also known as forest honey) comes from the beech forests of New Zealand. These forests attract aphids (also known as plant lice), which eat the sap on the bark for protein building blocks, amino acids and then secrete sugar-like substance on the trees which sparkles in the sunlight, hence the name “honeydew”. The Red Beech and The Black Beech are inhabited by two species of plant lice Ultracoelostoma Assimile – which inhabits the trunks and larger branches of beech trees – and Ultracoelostoma Brittini – which prefers the upper portion of tree – which produce honeydew. The bees love the honeydew and feed on it to culminate into an absolutely spectacular and 100% organic end product, making it uniquely different from regular honey made from the flower blossom nectar most of us know. It has a dark colour, a really deep malt flavour and is a little richer in minerals than the rest. It is New Zealand’s premium export item and is highly prized in Europe.
Beech Honeydew Honey: Health Benefits
This honey contains a higher antioxidant, antibacterial activity level, mineral content and greater nutritional and therapeutic benefits than most regular flower honey.
Antioxidants:
New Zealand Beech Honeydew is similar to other honeydews in having higher levels of antioxidants than most other flower honeys. In a study at Lincoln University, Beech Honeydew had the highest levels of polyphenolics, one of the most significant classes of antioxidant compounds.
Antioxidants are chemicals (both naturally occurring and man-made) that can prevent or slow cell damage.
Antibacterial Activity:
Honeydew honey contains higher phenolic content responsible for the anti-bacterial activity.
Anything that destroys bacteria or suppresses their growth or their ability to reproduce is called Anti-bacterial.
Disease Fighting Capacity:
Beech Honeydew Honey has a higher amino acid composition and disease fighting antioxidant capacity.