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Honey has been a staple sweetener and medicinal substance for thousands of years. It's a natural sweetener that is more beneficial to health than processed sugar. Honey contains many essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that make it a powerful food for promoting wellness.
While all honey provides health benefits, consuming local honey offers even more advantages. In this article, we will explore the health benefits of honey, the incentives to buy local and our ultimate favourite Canadian honey.
Health benefits of honey?
Antioxidants: Honey is rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and fight off disease.
Antibacterial and antifungal properties: Honey has been used for centuries as a natural antibiotic and antifungal agent. It can help fight off infections and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
Wound healing: Honey has been shown to promote wound healing due to its antibacterial properties. It can also help reduce inflammation and pain.
Soothes coughs and sore throats: Honey can help alleviate coughs and sore throats due to its antibacterial properties and ability to coat the throat.
Natural energy booster: Honey is a natural source of carbohydrates, making it a great energy booster before and after workouts.
Why buy local honey?
Supports Local Farmers: By purchasing local honey, you are supporting local farmers and their families.
Better for the Environment: Buying local honey reduces transportation emissions and helps protect the environment.
Seasonal Varieties: Local honey varieties change with the seasons, providing a unique and flavorful experience for your taste buds.
Allergies: Consuming local honey may help alleviate allergies. The theory is that consuming small amounts of local pollen can help build up a tolerance to allergens over time.
Transparent sourcing: When you buy local honey, you can easily trace its source and ensure that it is ethically and sustainably produced.
Top Picks: Canadian Honey's
For us living in Canada, buying local honey means buying honey produced in Canada by local bees. Here are our favourite ones so far:
Note: you'll see that throughout the article we provide price ranges instead of a specific price since prices tend to fluctuate and change within different stores.
Type: Raw, unprocessed, unfiltered
Why we love it: Gramma's honey patented technology allows for a honey that never passes any source of heat, is never filtered and remains soft forever. It is super spreadable and delicious. My kids love it on toast.
Bonus: I love the fact that it comes in a squirtable bottle (it makes it easier to keep honey clean of dirty knives and licked spoons).
Price range: $14 - $16 for a 750g bottle
Where to buy: Save-on-foods, Choices
Type: Pure, raw, unpasteurized, and unfiltered.
Why we love it: We love Elias honey because it is buttery and rich, making it perfect as a spread. Also, its subtle flavour makes a delicious touch to tea and coffee.
Bonus: It comes in a glass container which means we can reuse it at home to make honey garlic to boost our immune system. Win-win.
Price range: $15-18 for 375g
Where to buy: Whole Foods Market, Choices Market
Type: Unpasteurized
Why we love it: We love it because "it is produced from a variety of remote wildflowers, trees, and berries." Besides, when it comes down to recipes, we sometimes prefer a more liquid honey that offers delicious flavour and also has retained much of its nutritional value due to minimal processing.
Bonus: This honey comes from Greendale, Chilliwack (just a short ride from downtown Vancouver), which means less emissions if you are situated on the Lower Mainland.
Price range: $12–14 for 500g
Where to buy: Whole Foods Market, Choices Market
Type: Unpasteurized
Why we love it: BC Buzz's Clover Honey is made from hives located in the Nicola Valley region of British Columbia and is a widely available option that can be found in many grocery stores across British Columbia. Its mild, sweet flavour with hints of vanilla and cinnamon makes it a versatile choice for different culinary uses.
Bonus: Perfect for recipes
Price range: $20 - $22 for 1kg
Where to buy: Most local grocery stores and supermarkets in British Columbia.
Type: Pure, raw, and unpasteurized.
Why we love it: We love Van honey because it is creamy and its sweet flavour lingers smoothly on the palate. If you are into hot chocolate, this creamy honey is a perfect match. We Love Van Company, collects honey from different areas of BC, including Fraser Valley, Saanich, Comox Valley, Delta, Pitt Meadows, Chilliwack, Okanagan, and Armstrong areas.
Bonus: It is organic, which means it is pesticide-free. Contrary to Elias Honey, which is also organic, We Love Van Honey is a bit more affordable, which is definitely a perk.
Price range: $13-$16 for 500g
Where to buy: Choices Market
Type: Pure and unpasteurized.
Why we love it: I got this honey as a birthday gift (thank you, Diana), and I just loved it! I have been going from sweetening my coffee with sugar to drinking it black to sweetening it with honey and putting on it hints of cinnamon and cardamom. Well, this creamy and rich honey is the perfect match for my coffee, but not only that, it is also good on spreads and recipes alike thanks to its subtle spicy flavour.
Bonus: It has no artificial colours or flavours; it is made with organic cinnamon; and it has a Kosher level.
Price range: Around $17 for 500g
Where to buy: Dr. Bee stores and online
Important Health Notes
While honey offers numerous health benefits, it's important to be aware of specific guidelines:
Honey is not recommended for children under the age of 12 months.
Raw honey is not advised for pregnant mothers. For more information, consult Health Canada's guidelines for pregnant women.
Conclusion
Honey is a delightful way to be healthy while also supporting the Canadian economy and environment by purchasing locally.
Whether you prefer classic or unique flavours, consider the facts that make honey a fascinating treat.
