Everything you wanted to know about honey but was too afraid to ask

Loved for both its taste and its soothing properties, honey has enchanted many cultures around the world for centuries. Spinneys talks to Elias Abdo from the German honey brand Langnese about the sticky stuff

Spinneys

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Here’s a good quiz question for the next time the conversation falls into a lull. What country has the highest consumption per capita of honey? The correct answer is Germany.

The country’s love affair with honey goes back to the 11th century when German lords insisted that peasants pay them in the golden foodstuff. Honey is the only food humans consume that is produced by an insect.

Provided it is kept in an airtight bottle it never spoils as it contains low moisture levels and is naturally acidic, making it difficult for spoiling bacteria to grow. What’s more, there’s a special enzyme found in the stomach of a bee that breaks down into chemicals, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and other organisms.

Indeed, some of the oldest honey has been found in tombs of the Egyptians, dating back several thousand years. It’s perhaps no wonder, then, that Europe’s premium honey brand is German, with a history going back to the 1920s. Elias Abdo from Langnese honey told us more.

Nothing is added to Langnese's honey products

What’s the difference between fluid and creamy honey?

The consistency of honey mainly depends on the composition of the natural sugars it contains and their ratio to the volume. If a honey has a lot of fructose, it stays fluid for longer. However, if it contains more glucose, it will crystallise early after harvesting, which makes it creamy.

What’s so special about Langnese honey production?

Langnese honey is an untreated food, as made by the bees and is filled into the jars just as it is, without adding or removing anything. It is not pasteurised or heat-treated. The German Honey Ordinance stipulates this and as a brand, we naturally observe the law.

How many varieties does Langnese produce?

We have a very large variety that can differ between regions. In some countries consumers prefer creamy honey while, in others, dark tangy honeys are the most consumed. We adapt our assortment to these preferences.

Used as a sweetener in tea, honey is good for the throat

What type of honey is popular in the Middle East?

We have a wide range in the Middle East, starting from the pure bee honey, which is a polyfloral honey and our bestseller worldwide. Black Forest is a very dark and tangy honey that has a special character; Royal Jelly in mountain flower honey is also loved in the region. The food of queen bees, Royal Jelly is rich in vitamins, amino acids, and minerals. Another honey that is becoming more popular is manuka honey from New Zealand. We mix it with our Black Forest product to combine the best offering for well-being and indulgence.

Can you suggest ways to upcycle the jars?

Many of our consumers tell us they re-use the Langnese jars in their kitchen for spices, oil or homemade jams.

Royal Jelly is produced by the queen bee and is a prized delicacy

Is honey healthier than sugar and other sweeteners?

Honey is 80% sugar, although it primarily consists of natural, nutritious glucose and fructose. These are absorbed easily into the blood and quickly converted into energy. Unlike conventional, refined household sugar, honey also contains some proteins, minerals and small amounts of vitamins. In particular, the enzymes and inhibins [an antibacterial substance] found in honey makes it a particularly nutritious sweetener.