THE MEDICINAL VALUE OF
THIS ANCIENT OLD PRODUCT
CYPRUS APICULTURE
Honey was a prized possession in the ancient world. Several civilisations revered it as a traditional medicinal food. Some even regarded the amber nectar as a symbol of fertility, prosperity, and good fortune. During this time, Cyprus was at the forefront of honey production, where it was used as a natural and nutritious sweetener. Cyprus today enjoys a long tradition of Apiculture, which has enabled honey to become an integral part of Cypriot cuisine.
A GENERAL MEDICINE FOR VARIOUS AILMENTS
Made popular by its sweet taste, ancient civilisations embraced honey as a valuable gift of nature. Cave paintings, dating back some 8000 years, depict people using what seems to be honey for its medicinal value. Hippocrates first documented its use in Greece in 2400 BC, where he singled it out honey for its healing properties. He went on to recommend it as a general medicine for various minor ailments of the time. There is also evidence that ancient Egyptians used honey for oral hygiene, and ancient Indians, it seems, were also aware of the medicinal properties of honey, considering it a precious healing ingredient.
RAW ORGANIC HONEY
There are several different types of honey and its consistency varies depending on the variety of local pollen. Other factors such as the weather and geographical conditions also determine colour, taste, purity, sugar levels and nutritional value. All kinds of honey, however, consist of glucose, enzymes, fructose and organic acids. They are also all rich in various minerals, proteins, and vitamins. Raw organic honey contains traces of wax, yeast, and pollen, which makes it rich in enzymes. This is also the type of honey that easily crystallises, creating a honeycomb. The process of pasteurisation destroys some of the active ingredients, and this process stops the honey from crystallising.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Honey does indeed promote overall health and well-being. Numerous studies prove that its properties are beneficial to human health. Honey helps to boost the immune system and is an excellent natural source of energy. It also consists of a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and it also contains anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Honey is also a prebiotic, so it helps the gastrointestinal tract. The fructose content of honey also accelerates the metabolism of alcohol in the body, thus making it a good treatment for hangovers.
A HIGH QUALITY PRODUCT
The island’s warm climate, diverse flora, and rich biodiversity create the perfect conditions for bees to thrive. The island, as a result, produces a high-quality product with a high rate of purity. Cypriot beekeepers are committed to producing several unique and special versions of organic honey. They use sustainable methods and often follow traditional beekeeping practices. This ensures the health and well-being of their bees. The dedication of Cyprus beekeepers to this age-old industry has helped to earn Cyprus Honey a reputation for being one of the best in the world.
CYPRUS HONEY
Cyprus honey is a prized commodity that is truly special. This unique, high-quality product has an exceptional taste and offers general health benefits to all who consume it. Cyprus honey has rich and distinct flavours that make the product stand far above other types of honey. This is all due to the magic of the Cyprus honeybees and the varied flora that exists on the island. Cyprus honeybees feed on the pollen of a diverse range of flora, which includes various seasonal flowers, fruit trees and aromatic herbs. This all helps to create the unique taste and texture of Cyprus honey. Seasonal shifts also help to create variants of Cyprus honey. Honeybees often accumulate pollen from different seasonal flora, which in turn creates different variants of quality honey. Overall, both locals and visitors alike enjoy Cyprus honey either on its own or used when it is used in Cyprus’s famous pastries. It remains as one of the island’s true treasures. Cyprus honey continues to captivate and delight all who have the opportunity to taste and enjoy it.
THE MAGIC OF HONEY IN ANCIENT TIMES
THE AMBER NECTAR OF CYPRUS
Held in a very high esteem, honey in age-old Cyprus, was much more than a simple food item. It held considerable significance in ancient times, both culturally and practically, and was used extensively for health remedies and in religious ceremonies. It also became a burgeoning export, which boosted the local economy of the island throughout the ages.
Here are some key points highlighting its importance
Economic Importance: Beekeeping was an established agricultural practice in ancient Cyprus, contributing to local economies. Honey was traded and valued, sometimes even used as currency.
Cultural Practices: Honey was featured in various cultural practices, including celebrations and festivals. It was a common wedding gift and played a role in marking significant life events.
Nutritional Value: Honey was a vital source of nutrition, and was one of the few natural sweeteners available in ancient times. It is still a common ingredient in Cypriot cuisine and is used extensively in desserts and to enhance several sauces. Honey is also used to enhance some wines and as a sweetener in hot beverages. Honey was also considered a superfood and to be a good source of energy so was often consumed by athletes.
Medicinal Use: Cypriots of old utilised honey for its medicinal properties. It was used in various remedies and was used as a gelling agent for open wounds. Honey was also employed as a cough medicine and was also used as a cure for most digestive issues. Unbeknown to the ancient Cypriots, most of these remedies often yielded good results because of the honey’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities.
Religious and Mythological Symbolism: Honey was often associated with divinity and mythology. It was considered by the ancient people of Cyprus to be a food of the gods, with references to both ambrosia and nectar. Honey often played a role in rituals and offerings to deities.
THE NATIVE BEE POPULATION IN CYPRUS UNDER THREAT
Honey is a revered Cypriot product of quality, but a recent decline in honey production from native Cypriot bees has prompted several preliminary studies to take place all over the island. These studies indicate that there is a risk, indicating that the main reason for this is a sharp decline in the native bee population across Cyprus. The studies also conclude that the number of bees imported from other countries, such as Italy, Turkey and Israel, is increasing at the expense of the native Cypriot bee. The studies also concluded, however, that whilst the presence of foreign bees is significant, there is still no clear picture yet as to the extent of the problem.
A series of more extensive studies, which aim to examine the issue in greater depth and determine exactly why this is happening, are now underway. Experts, in the meantime, are calling for immediate action to take place before it is too late. Most of these experts generally agree that in order for the Cypriot bee population to recover within a decade, it is necessary to breed Cypriot queen bees and place them in apiaries to replace the imported ones as soon as possible.
