Organic Honey / Pefkothymaromelo Kritis PDO
Honey, golden and sweet, has always been held in high regard. The Bible refers to heaven as the "Land of Milk and Honey." In ancient times, honey was considered the food of the gods and the symbol of wealth and happiness. It was used as a form of sustenance and offered in sacrifice.In the Middle Ages, honey was the basis for the production of mead, an alcoholic beverage. Because of its antiseptic qualities, physicians found it a perfect covering for wounds before the advent of bandages.
Even Napoleon was enchanted by it, choosing the honeybee for his personal crest.
Beekeeping is one of oldest forms of animal husbandry. Early beekeepers encouraged the establishment of bee colonies in cylinders of bark, reed, straw, and mud. However, when the honeycomb was removed from the cylinders, the colony was destroyed.
Honeybees were brought to North America in the mid-1600s. Although there were bees on the continent, they were not honeybees. Early settlers took note of the bees' penchant for hollow logs. They developed a "bee gum," by placing sticks crosswise over the opening of the logs to support the honeycombs. This not only allowed for the comb to be removed from one end, but also kept the comb intact so that the colony could use it again.
Honey is a natural sweetener produced by bees and extracted through plant‘s nectar. The major components of honey include carbohydrates, water, nitrogenous substances, and minerals. Honey is considered to be a potential replacement for table sugar. The market for honey is anticipated to increase during the forecast period based on increasing health
consciousness among the consumers and rising demand for an alternative to table sugar.
EUROPEAN ORGANIC HONEY:
Producing European organic honey involves a careful and sustainable approach that prioritizes the well-being of both the honeybees and the environment. Here's an overview of how organic honey is typically produced:
Location and Habitat:
European Organic honey production begins with selecting suitable locations that provide a diverse range of pesticide-free flowering plants for honeybees to forage. These areas are often far from conventional agricultural fields to minimize exposure to synthetic chemicals.
Beekeeping Practices:
European Organic beekeepers adhere to strict guidelines that prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides, antibiotics, and genetically modified organisms. Instead, they focus on natural methods to manage hive health and prevent diseases, such as using essential oils and organic treatments when necessary.
Hive Construction:
Organic hives are built using natural materials that promote the well-being of the bees. This includes using untreated wood for hive components and providing adequate ventilation and insulation.
Foraging and Pollination:
Honeybees are allowed to forage freely in the surrounding area, collecting nectar from a variety of wildflowers and plants. This diversity of food sources contributes to the unique flavors and characteristics of organic honey.
Nectar Collection and Honey Production:
Bees collect nectar from flowers and bring it back to the hive, where it is converted into honey through the process of regurgitation and evaporation. Organic beekeepers ensure that the bees' natural behavior and hive structure are respected throughout this process.
Harvesting and Extraction:
Once the bees have capped the honey cells, indicating that the moisture content is low enough, beekeepers carefully harvest the honey. Extraction methods vary but often involve using centrifugal force to separate the honey from the comb. Organic beekeepers use equipment that is free from chemical residues.
Processing and Packaging:
The extracted honey is minimally processed to retain its natural qualities. It is strained to remove any debris while preserving the pollen content. Organic honey is typically packaged in containers made of materials that are free from harmful chemicals and designed to maintain the honey's quality.
Certification and Standards:
European Organic honey production is regulated by certification bodies that ensure compliance with organic standards. These standards cover various aspects of beekeeping, including hive management, forage sources, and bee health practices. Producers must undergo regular inspections to maintain their organic certification.
Environmental Stewardship:
European Organic beekeeping practices prioritize the overall health of the ecosystem. Organic beekeepers often engage in habitat preservation and restoration efforts to enhance the forage options available to bees and other pollinators.
Producing organic honey involves a holistic approach that respects the natural behaviors of honeybees and fosters a healthy environment. The result is a premium product that reflects the symbiotic relationship between bees and their surroundings while promoting sustainability and the well-being of both consumers and the planet.
