If you are someone who has a sweet tooth, you know how difficult it can be to satiate it with healthy foods. Often, it is easiest and most convenient to grab a bar of chocolate or a cup of pudding to curb your cravings. While fruit is obviously the most nutritious choice, it can be difficult to eat three to four pieces of fruit a day on a continuous basis. Orange blossom honey is a great option for anyone looking to knock out their sweet tooth craving in an easy and healthy way. Orange blossom honey benefits the body in many ways, and it can be easily incorporated into a lot of meals and drinks.
What is Orange Blossom Honey?
So what is orange blossom honey exactly? Like the name suggests, orange blossom honey is honey that is derived from a citrus source. Many people falsely assume that orange blossom honey is made by combining oranges and honey; however, it is actually the leaf of the orange tree that makes this honey what it is.
The orange tree blossoms in the spring, and this is when bees work to produce this tasty variety of honey. It has a very agreeable and delicate aroma, and is often also used in perfumes, teas, bridal bouquets, and wreaths. It can even be found in some beers! The color of orange blossom honey typically ranges from a light amber to a golden brown. This honey is very popular, and most supermarkets and grocery stores carry name brand versions as well as raw orange blossom honey versions from local farms.
What is orange blossom honey best used for?
As said before, orange blossoms are incorporated into a lot of aspects of life. The honey, however, is most commonly used as a spread on biscuits, cakes, and bread. The fruit flavor it produces also make it an excellent topping for yogurt, oatmeal, ice cream and fruits. Many bakeries even sell orange blossom honey flavored brownies and cookies, as they offer a nice alternative to the typical every day flavors.
For those who have a knack for cooking, a drizzle of this honey makes a great finishing touch on steaks and other meat dishes. Google “orange blossom honey recipes” and you will find thousands of recipes for cheesecakes, frostings, and dipping sauces. One of the greatest orange blossom honey benefits is that it can be incorporated into a wide variety of dishes, both savory and sweet.
What are some orange blossom honey benefits?
There is a wide array of orange blossom honey benefits, and actually, you do not need to consume the honey to reap all of its benefits. Here are some of them:
- This variety of honey is loaded with natural antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy, anti-carcinogenic and immune boosting properties.
- Zinc, boron, manganese, magnesium, calcium, selenium, copper, potassium and sodium are all healthy minerals found in this honey.
- It has healing properties, and is an easy and safe choice for a minor wound and burn treatment.
- It contains anti-bacterial properties that can be used to fight a range of pathogens. It can soothe a sore throat and treat a cough.
- It can help to regulate blood sugar levels, as it is low on the glycemic index.
- It can help athletes improve their recovery time due to its ability to help the body maintain its glycogen levels.
- It can be paired with other ingredients to make organic beauty products to help moisturize the skin and hair.
Clearly, orange blossom honey benefits the body both internally and externally. Incorporating this product into your daily life will certainly do some good.
Are there any potential side effects?
Although it is low on the glycemic index and contains only natural sugars, those with diabetes should still be careful with the quantity in which they consume this honey. Also, those watching their weight should also be cautious, as a tablespoon of orange honey comes in at about 60 calories.
Another thing to be wary of is the type of orange blossom honey you purchase, as unfortunately not all kinds of honey are created equal. It is always best to purchase raw orange blossom honey, as generic brands often strip honey of their medicinal and topical benefits as they often pasteurize and clarify the honey to make it cheaper.
Raw orange blossom honey will be a little more expensive, probably coming in at closer to eight dollars a jar, but it lasts a long time, and it retains all of its nutritional benefits.
A neat trick to tell if your honey is raw or not is to fill up a glass of water and add about a tablespoon of honey to it. Processed honey will dissolve in the water while raw honey will sink to the bottom!
Lastly and most importantly, if you know you are allergic to bees or citrus products, then, unfortunately, you need to avoid this honey completely.
How do you consume orange blossom honey?
As discussed earlier, this honey can be consumed in a variety of ways and incorporated into a wide range of dishes and desserts. One of the best ways to experience the orange blossom honey benefits is to add it to your favorite tea.
Teas have many healing properties of their own, so adding honey to it will only double the beneficial effects on your body. It can also be safely consumed as is, so don’t be afraid to dig a spoonful out of the jar if your sweet tooth hits and you need a quick fix! There are even orange blossom honey supplements available on the market for those who want it in a convenient, pill form.
Orange blossom honey is an excellent and healthy addition to your diet. There are so many simple ways to consume it and utilize it in everyday life.
This honey can be purchased online, at grocery stores and often at local farmer’s markets- it is that common! Do your research though and always make sure you are purchasing the purest kind possible to reap the maximum amount of benefits it has to offer.
After using this product for awhile, you will probably wonder how you were ever able to live without it!
- It can soothe a sore throat and treat a cough.
- It can help to regulate blood sugar levels, as it is low on the glycemic index.
- It can help athletes improve their recovery time due to its ability to help the body maintain its glycogen levels.
- It can be paired with other ingredients to make organic beauty products to help moisturize the skin and hair.
