Honey

History & Origins

Humans have been collecting honey for at least 8,000 years, as shown by ancient cave paintings in Spain that show honey collectors climbing ropes to reach bee nests!

Honey never spoils because it’s natural and keeps bacteria away! In fact, the oldest jar of honey ever found was discovered in Georgia, and it’s about 5,500 years old — still good to eat!

Ancient Egyptians used honey as currency, just like we use money today — they would trade jars of honey for goods and services!

In ancient Greece, people believed honey was the food of the gods and fell from heaven as morning dew!

The first evidence of beekeeping comes from ancient Egypt around 2400 BC, where they kept bees in clay pots!

Vikings believed that honey gave them special powers and would drink it mixed with water before going into battle!

The word “honeymoon” comes from an ancient tradition where newlyweds would drink honey wine for a whole month after their wedding!

Ancient Olympic athletes would eat honey and figs to boost their energy before competing in the games!

Native Americans discovered that hollow logs made perfect natural beehives, and they would mark these “bee trees” as their property!

The first artificial beehive was invented in 1851 by Lorenzo Langstroth, and beekeepers still use his design today!

Scientists have found 3,000-year-old honey in Egyptian tombs that is still perfectly good to eat!

Science & Making

Honey starts as flower nectar, which is 80% water, but bees reduce it to just 17-20% water to make honey!

Honey is a supersaturated solution, which means it contains more sugar than water can typically hold!

Ingredients & Nutrition

Pure honey contains over 300 different compounds, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants!

One tablespoon of honey contains about 64 calories and gives you quick energy because it’s made mostly of natural sugars!

Honey contains small amounts of vitamins B6, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and certain amino acids!

Dark honey typically contains more minerals and antioxidants than light-colored honey!

Honey is naturally antibacterial and can help soothe sore throats and coughs!

Raw honey contains tiny amounts of pollen, which some people believe helps with seasonal allergies!

Honey is about 80% natural sugars and 20% water, making it sweeter than table sugar!

Honey never needs to be refrigerated and can stay fresh forever if stored properly!

Global Varieties

There are more than 300 different types of honey in the United States alone!

Manuka honey from New Zealand is considered one of the most special (and expensive) types of honey in the world!

Buckwheat honey is almost black in color and has a strong, molasses-like taste!

In Yemen, people make white honey that comes from bees that feed on sidr trees!

Sourwood honey from the Appalachian Mountains tastes like caramel and has a lovely golden color!

Lavender honey from France is light golden and smells like flowers.

Greek thyme honey is considered one of the tastiest honeys in the world and comes from bees that visit wild thyme flowers!

In Nepal, some brave honey collectors climb tall cliffs to gather honey from giant himalayan bees!

Turkish pine honey isn’t made from flower nectar but from sweet secretions of special insects living on pine trees!

Orange blossom honey from Florida has a subtle citrus taste and light amber color!

Modern & Popular Culture

The world’s most expensive honey costs $6,800 per kg and comes from special caves in Turkey!

National Honey Month is celebrated every September in the United States!

The honey industry contributes more than $19 billion to the U.S. economy every year!

Winnie the Pooh, the famous honey-loving bear, was inspired by a real black bear at the London Zoo!

In 2017, Ayhan Azak from Turkey ate about 5 pounds of honey in just three minutes, setting a new record at the Second Honey Festival in Finike.

Honey is used in many beauty products because it’s great for your skin!

There are special honey sommeliers who taste and grade different types of honey!

Cooking & Uses

Honey is sweeter than table sugar, so you can use less of it when baking!

Unlike sugar, honey helps keep baked goods moist longer because it’s a natural humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture.

When you add honey to a recipe, you should reduce the liquid by 1/4 cup for every cup of honey used!

To measure honey easily, coat your measuring cup with oil first — the honey will slide right out!

Crystallized honey isn’t spoiled – you can restore it by placing the jar in warm water!

Honey can be used as a natural preservative in foods because bacteria can’t grow in it!

Different types of honey can change the taste of your recipe — light honey for subtle flavor, dark honey for stronger taste!

Honey can be whipped to make it creamy and spreadable, just like butter!

When cooking with honey, use low heat because high temperatures can change its flavor and color!

When cooking with honey, use low heat because high temperatures can change its flavor and color!

Honey can help soothe a sore throat because it forms a protective coating!

A spoonful of honey before bed might help you sleep better!