Among the whole variety of honey varieties, black maple is the least common. Many did not even hear such a name, not to mention to taste it. Meanwhile, it has unique healing properties and is considered very useful for the body. What is black-maple honey, what are its taste qualities, what are the beneficial properties and contraindications? We consider in detail each of these issues in our article.
Origin of honey
The maple plant is known to all. Maple trees are ubiquitous, but they are of no interest to beekeepers. A valuable honey plant are the flowers of the Tatar maple, or black maple. This plant is quite rare. These trees grow in the south of Russia and in the central regions of the country, as well as in Eastern Europe, Ukraine and the Caucasus. Chernoklen reaches a height of eight meters, and the period of active flowering begins in early May.
The whole difficulty of collecting honey from the Tatar maple is that flowering occurs in the spring, when the bees have not yet entered the active period of collecting honey. That is why in its pure
form, black-maple
honey is very rare. Most often it is collected together with other varieties: acacia and forest.
Black maple honey: photo, description
Black maple belongs to the dark varieties of honey. It has a rich dark brown color with a reddish tint that can be clearly seen in the light. The aroma of this honey is very reminiscent of the smell of caramel, but it tastes less sweet compared to other varieties, has a tart flavor and leaves a light almond aftertaste.
By consistency, black-maple honey is quite thick, but it does not begin to crystallize soon. Only a year later, the first sugar crystals begin to form in the product structure .
Composition of black maple honey
Black maple honey contains glucose (30%), fructose (50%) and maltose (5%). In addition, the composition of this product includes more than 300 minerals, 10 of 13 known vitamins, as well as various organic acids. All useful substances contained in honey are absorbed by the body in full.
Black maple honey: useful properties and contraindications
The unique properties of blackened honey have a therapeutic effect on the body, helping to cope with many diseases of various nature. A rare, healthy, moderately sweet treat, which is allowed for use even by diabetics, is far from all the qualities possessed by black-maple honey.
Useful properties of this product are as follows:
- black-maple honey is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals that destroy the body’s cells, increases its resistance to cancer;
- the product has a low glycemic index, so it can be included in the diet for weight loss;
- It has a tonic effect on the body, restores vitality after heavy physical exertion;
- honey has a calming effect on the nervous system, helps to cope with depression, improves immunity;
- normalizes the work of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, urinary system;
- in combination with carrot juice, honey has a positive effect on vision;
- acts as an anti-inflammatory and antiemetic agent.
The regular use of this beekeeping product has a restorative effect on the whole organism.
However, black-maple honey, despite all the positive properties, still has one serious contraindication to use. This beekeeping product is the strongest allergen. For this reason, Tatar maple honey is strictly contraindicated for people suffering from allergies.
Recommendations for use for adults and children
To heal the body, increase immunity and cope with existing diseases, black maple honey must be consumed daily, starting with half a teaspoon per day. For adults, the rate of honey consumption is 2-3 teaspoons per day, and for children under three years old, it is better to refuse honey altogether to avoid allergies.
Since this is a very rare variety of honey, it should not be used in culinary recipes, where the products are heat-treated. Black-maple honey, whose properties are largely unique, loses most of them when the temperature rises to 60 degrees. It is better to use it in its pure form or add it to the composition of natural juices, in salad dressing, and also use as an impregnation for cakes.
Storage conditions
Like honey of any other grade, black-maple also has no expiration date. It is equally useful in the year of its collection, and even after a couple of years. However, in order to preserve the unique healing properties of this product, it is necessary to provide it with the correct storage conditions.
First of all, honey should be poured into glass jars. It must be stored in a dark, dry place at a temperature of 10-15 degrees above zero. A jar of honey can be taken out to the balcony for storage. It doesn’t matter if the temperature drops below the recommended value. In a frozen state, honey will retain its healing properties better than with increasing temperature. Warming up the frozen product should take place in natural conditions, and not on the stove.