Ivy Honey: The Undiscovered Manuka Honey of the UK!
Honey is undoubtedly one of the most popular sweeteners around the world. It has a plethora of health benefits, including antimicrobial properties that can help boost your immune system, soothe coughs or sore throats, and even aid in wound healing. While many varieties of honey are readily available, one underrated type that hasn't gained as much attention as Manuka honey is Ivy honey from the UK. If you haven't heard of it yet, then this blog is for you! We'll share with you everything you need to know about Ivy honey, the undiscovered Manuka of the UK.
What is Ivy Honey?
Ivy honey is a type of honey that is harvested from the bees that feed on ivy flowers. Ivy is a common plant in the UK, and its flowers bloom during the autumn season. This makes Ivy honey a seasonal and rare product, making it more valuable than other types of honey in the UK. Ivy honey has a dark amber color and a distinctive taste compared to other honey variations. It has a robust and complex flavor, with a slightly bitter aftertaste that lingers in your mouth.
Health Benefits of Ivy Honey
Like Manuka honey, Ivy honey also contains antimicrobial properties that can help fight infections, inflammation, and viruses. It's also high in antioxidants that can help protect your body's cells against free radicals that can damage them. Ivy honey has been known to have antitussive properties, making it a popular natural cough suppressant. It's an excellent alternative to over-the-counter cough medicines that often come with side effects.
How to Use Ivy Honey
There are various ways you can incorporate Ivy honey into your daily routine. You can add it to your tea or coffee as a natural sweetener, drizzle it over your pancakes or waffles, or use it in your salad dressings for an added depth of flavor. Ivy honey is also great for glazing meats, including chicken, pork, or salmon, and is a perfect ingredient in marinades.
Harvesting Ivy Honey
At K&N Honey we sometimes harvest Ivy honey, but due to its seasonal nature and extraction difficulties, it's not always that easy to produce. However, on occasions we do manage a crop in the autumn, when the weather is right and the bees are still flying.
Conclusion:
Ivy honey is a delicious and nutritious honey variation that deserves more recognition beyond the UK's borders. Its rich flavor and health benefits make it an excellent alternative to the more pricey Manuka honey. Whether you're looking for a natural remedy to cure your health issues or in search of a unique flavor to add to your dishes, Ivy honey is worth trying. So the next time you're in the UK, don't forget to grab a bottle of Ivy honey and experience the undiscovered Manuka of the UK.