Often dubbed the world’s perfect food, honey flows abundantly through hives in Chester County, Pa. It tastes great, and it also has medicinal qualities for allergy symptoms. Not all honeys are created equal, though. A few quick tips can help distinguish our local liquid gold from the synthetic knock-offs that are commercially abundant. Take a further look as Jeannette Bezinque gives us a more intimate look into the world of honey.
Top Tips For Selecting the Right Honey
When choosing honey, experts from the Chester County Beekeepers Association recommend selecting wildflower honey produced with organic practices. Did you know that clover flowers are one of the first foods for honey bees? These and other native plants are so important for the bee populations. Taking simple steps like planting milkweed and avoiding the use of pesticides on lawns can dramatically help the environment.
The distance from your home to the local hive matters. In fact, selecting a hive within 6 miles of the home can ensure that the same histamines the honey delivers guard your itchy eyes and nose from the very agitators in your own backyard. Even better, beginning a backyard beekeeping hobby has never been easier. You can join the Chester County Beekeepers Association for advice on becoming the next local producer of honey. Whether you share or not is up to you.
Ultimate 6 Healthy Facts You Should Know About Local Honey
1. Real honey can mend almost any allergy symptom (sore throat, runny nose, acne) and infuse the system with histamines for future prevention of ailments.
Try this recipe for soothing a sore throat:
- 1 C hot water
- 1 tea packet (we recommend pure blend)
- 1 Tbsp honey
- Juice of half a lemon
2. A tablespoon per day of local, raw honey is a recommended preventive measure for allergy relief.
3. Honey is the basis for myriad delicious recipes like honey mustard, honey barbecue, granola, bread, butter or salad dressing. Check Pinterest for your next meal inspiration.
4. Add honey to your favorite recipes as a substitute for sugar.
5. Honey has many uses outside of the kitchen, too. The antibacterial qualities make it a great salve for wounds, or you can wash from head to toe with a variety of beauty recipes. (Yes, you can even make your own facial toner.)
6. More than 75% of honey sold in grocery stores is synthetic and processed to remove the pollen that makes honey nutritious.
Your next jar of honey is closer than you think. Pick up a pint or quart at the Downingtown Farmers Market from Two Gander Farm. Here is a list of local shops that carry honey in Chester County:
- Highland Orchards, 1000 Marshallton Thorndale Road, West Chester, PA
- Barnard’s Orchard, 1079 Wawaset Road, Kennett Square, PA
- Northbrook Marketplace, 1805 Unionville-Wawaset Road, West Chester, PA
- Hershey’s Market, 959 S. Octorara Trail, Rt 10, Parkesburg, PA
- Photography: Jeannette Bezinque
- Photography: Chester County Beekeepers Association
