Each honey variety has unique properties, has its admirers and fans. We pay special attention to the first, which is collected in the early melliferous months, - May honey.
There are legends about the healing properties of this honey variety. Its ancient name - monastery honey, is rarely used now. It was called so because the first honey collected was decided to be consecrated in the church. Under this name, different types of honey collected in the first honey month - May are often combined.
What plants serve as the basis for may honey?
According to some experts, May honey is one of the most useful beekeeping products, since nectar is collected by bees from young plants at the very beginning of flowering. Plants give the most useful substances. In April-May, fruit and berry crops begin to bloom: apple, cherry, hawthorn, currant, bird cherry. They become the basis for collecting nectar. Berries and medicinal herbs are popular among honey bees: lingonberries, strawberries, sage, acacia, hyacinth, peony, daffodil. Therefore, they say that the most useful honey is May.
Honey composition
One of the most popular bee products is May honey. Why is this variety valued? The list of active substances is amazing. It contains about 300 various substances and elements. The basis is carbohydrates, an extensive composition of minerals, trace elements, vitamins, enzymes. In addition, honey contains protein substances, yeast-like organisms, organic acids, growth and coloring matter. There are flavonoids in May honey, thanks to which it has pronounced antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
What is the most healthy honey? Of course, May. It contains the whole bouquet of spring primroses, medicinal herbs, flowering fruit trees - all the power and benefits of spring, the time of awakening of nature.
How to distinguish may honey from other varieties of sweet treats?
The main symptom is that this type of honey first appears on sale at honey markets, but not in May, but in early June. This feature is explained by the ancient name that honey received when the reckoning was carried out according to the old style, and May began later.
Real honey experts do not recommend consuming this type of honey immediately after collection. He should be infused for 3-5 months. Only after this period the product acquires the desired consistency, unusual menthol flavor, unique flavor.
May honey is very fragrant, contains the widest range of minerals and one of the sweetest.
What color should May May have?
The color of May honey is from almost transparent to light yellow. As it ripens, the color may become more saturated. A light, light green tint may be present, which is considered acceptable.
We taste honey
A distinctive property of ripened May honey is an interesting menthol taste, an unobtrusive waxy taste. Experienced beekeepers insist this product for 3-5 months. Keep in mind that this variety of goodies is one of the sweetest.
What smells like the first honey?
The aroma of May honey is his calling card, for which worshipers adore him. The ripened product has notes of mint and noble wax, while no astringency and bitterness should be present.
How does honey change during storage?
During storage, high-quality honey undergoes crystallization, do not be afraid of it, acquiring honey in later months. On the contrary, you should beware of the situation when they try to sell you liquid May honey in September. This variety contains a large number of sugars, which contribute to crystallization after 3-4 months. Just at this time, a sweet treat is ripening.
May honey: properties
- This honey is very effective for the prevention and treatment of colds and viral diseases, strengthening immunity.
- Perfectly replenishes the balance of vitamins and minerals due to the rich composition of trace elements and natural components.
- It is an excellent prophylactic in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia.
- Improves mood and sleep, it is recommended for depression, anxiety, stress, chronic insomnia. May honey activates the processes of the production of hormones of happiness and joy in the human brain - endorphins.
- When consumed, many people have noted its effectiveness in activating the brain and relieving pain. It is proved that May honey makes up the body’s resources and saves you from overwork.
- Folk recipes include May honey in compositions for treating organs of the gastrointestinal tract, for example, the liver. Some experts argue that the beneficial effect is due to the wide composition of natural acids, which have a beneficial effect on the digestive system.
- It is a dietary product that is approved for use even by people with diabetes due to its high fructose content.
- Due to the presence of flavonoids in the composition, it is an excellent prophylactic for cardiovascular diseases, strengthens the heart muscle. It is used for blood diseases, improves its quality composition and properties.
- It is used externally as an antiseptic. Application to the skin promotes rapid scarring of wounds, honey is part of wound healing complexes. The active components of spring honey contribute to the rapid scarring of tissues.
- It is part of home and industrial cosmetics.
- May honey is very popular in combination with medicines based on medicinal herbs, for example, ginseng. In this combination it is used as a biostimulant, a source of vitality and well-being, many doctors prescribe it for older people.
- The beneficial effect of this variety of goodies on the organs of vision is noted.
Who should use may honey with caution?
There are few contraindications for use:
- Intolerance and severe allergic reaction to honey and bee products.
- Children's age up to three years.
May honey price
How much is May honey? The price of this kind of honey for 1 kilogram varies around 550 rubles. Beekeepers pump it out in late spring, when people pay great attention to their health, and try to strengthen their bodies after winter. May honey for diabetics is of particular value due to the presence of fructose in the composition. It is these reasons that determine the price policy of beekeepers.
You can buy a bee product in the market or in a trusted online store. Now selling this product online is very popular, companies produce whole gift sets.
Be healthy!