In 3Bee, honey is the symbol of the hard work of pollination performed by bees and the realisation of their contribution to the ecosystem.

Citrus honey: properties and benefits

At 3Bee, honey is a symbol of the hard work of pollination done by bees and the realisation of their contribution to the ecosystem. Our projects support biodiversity and through our growers ensure a healthy environment for pollinators.

Citrus honey is a type of honey that is produced by bees feeding on the nectar of citrus blossom, such as oranges, lemons, mandarins, grapefruits and others. This honey has a sweet, fruity flavour with a slight citrus aftertaste. Citrus honey is rich in nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and has been associated with several health benefits. For instance, it is believed to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and may help strengthen the immune system. In addition, studies have suggested that citrus honey may help reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Citrus honey is often used in cooking to sweeten drinks and sweet preparations, but it can also be used as an ingredient in sauces, marinades and savoury dishes. In addition, it can be used to soothe sore throats and dry coughs.

What is citrus honey used for?

Orange honey is a type of honey produced by bees feeding on the nectar of orange blossoms. This honey has an intense, fruity aroma with a mild, sweet flavour. Nutritionally, orange honey is rich in beneficial substances for the body, including vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. In particular, it is a source of vitamin C, which can help strengthen the immune system and protect cells from oxidative stress. It also contains potassium, calcium, iron and zinc, which are important for maintaining healthy bones, muscles and tissues. Orange honey has also been associated with some therapeutic properties. For instance, it is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce coughs and sore throats. In addition, some studies have suggested that orange honey may help reduce blood cholesterol levels and improve cardiac health.

What properties does orange honey have?

<clr>3Bee</clr> is the Nature Tech company that develops <clr>technologies</clr> for the <a href="https://blog.3bee.com/en/what-is-biodiversity" target="_blank">protection of biodiversity</a>. <clr>3Bee Hive-Tech</clr> is 3Bee's first system for analysing the health and 'starvation' status of <clr>honeybees</clr>, <clr>environmental pests par excellence</clr>. Over time, we have developed other technologies to study and <clr>monitor all the <a href="https://blog.3bee.com/en/why-pollinators-are-important" target="_blank">pollinating insects</a></clr> and created <clr>more than 200 <a href="https://blog.3bee.com/en/3Bee-oases-technology-for-biodiversity-monitoring" target="_blank">Oases of Biodiversity</a></clr> with thousands of <clr>nectariferous plants</clr> to provide them with nourishment. In this way, we want to create a virtuous circle: our beekeepers are transformed by necessity into <clr>Oasis growers and promoters of environmental biodiversity</clr>. <clr>We do not encourage massive production and intensive breeding</clr>, which have a negative impact on biodiversity and pollinators. We do, however, recognise the value of <clr>honey</clr> as a valuable <clr>symbol</clr> of the <clr>biodiversity</clr> of an environment and a <clr>tool</clr> for disseminating the commitment and protection of an area, to be <clr>consumed sparingly and with respect</clr> for the life cycle of these insects.

3Bee's approach to biodiversity protection

3Bee approach

Citrus <clr>honey</clr> is made from the nectar collected from the flowers of plants belonging to the genus Citrus. To it belong the <clr>orange</clr>, <clr>lime</clr>, <clr>mandarin</clr>, <clr>bergamot</clr>, <clr>cedar</clr> and <clr>grapefruit</clr>, although in Italy only the first four are cultivated. Members of the Rutaceae family, they are native to south-east Asia and are cultivated between 0 and 600 metres above sea level. They appear as shrubs and evergreen plants, generally between 2 and 6 metres tall. Their flowers, often remembered for their extremely pleasant scent, bloom in spring. As early as April, therefore, it is possible to see them blossom, attracting the many bees that collect their nectar.

Citrus honey: what is it and where does it come from?

Citrus

As soon as it is produced, when still in its liquid state, <clr>citrus honey</clr> has a very light <clr>colour</clr>, taking on hues ranging from transparent to straw yellow. After <clr>crystallisation</clr>, however, it tends to white or light beige. This process, which is completely natural and spontaneous, allows crystals of various sizes to form, depending on storage conditions. On an olfactory level, it has the characteristic floral scent reminiscent of the flowers from which it is produced, but which fades as time passes, turning towards more fruity notes. The taste, very sweet, with a pleasant acidic hint, echoes the characteristics of its typical aroma.

Citrus fruit honey: characteristics and taste

Features

Even <clr>citrus honey</clr> shares the <clr>numerous beneficial properties</clr> that characterise the 'superfood' honey: <clr>antioxidant</clr> and <clr>anti-inflammatory</clr>, it is a valuable source of energy (not only for athletes) and can be used as a cough suppressant and to combat colds and flu symptoms. Citrus honey, however, also has its own peculiarities. It has a relaxing and calming effect and is often recommended for alleviating states of anxiety and combating headaches and insomnia. It is also believed to stimulate the appetite, as well as aid digestion after an excessively large meal. Finally, it is attributed with <clr>purifying properties</clr>, especially if consumed before meals.

Citrus Honey: Properties and Benefits

Properties

Its sweet flavour makes it very palatable, which is why it is often used in the <clr>preparation of savoury</clr> dishes, such as roasts, and desserts, especially fried. It is highly recommended for consumption in combination with cheeses such as mozzarella, scamorza and caciocavallo. It is also often used as a sweetener in teas and herbal teas. As we know, however, it is <clr>better not to overheat honey</clr>, otherwise all its many beneficial properties will be lost.

Citrus honey: Uses in cooking

Uses

Citrus <clr>honey</clr> is very popular and appreciated in Italy, but it is very important to buy a product whose origin you know. It is not always easy, however. By choosing to <a href="https://www.3bee.com/adotta-alveare" target="_blank"><clr>adopt a beehive</clr></a> 3Bee you can <clr>monitor</clr> the one of your choice <clr>directly from your mobile phone</clr>, check its honey production and follow the beekeeper step by step in his apiary operations. At the end of the season you will receive the honey produced by 'your' bees directly to your home. Want to find out which hives are still available?

Citrus honey: where to find it?

Adotta

The information contained in this blog is about <clr>the importance of honey as the fruit of the tireless work of bees</clr> that transforms the collected nectar (including extra-floral nectar and honeydew) into a precious food product that encompasses the biodiversity with all the countless facets present in the hive's surroundings. On an environmental level, honey is the symbol of the <clr>pollination activity of the bee</clr>, which flies from flower to flower to collect the nectar and, in so doing, transports the pollen, becoming the vector for the pollination and reproduction of tens of thousands of plant species. Honey is still a little-known product, often devalued in its quality or sold as a panacea for all ills. Like all foods, however, it must be consumed with moderation and care as it contains a high content of simple sugars. But it is not in its basic values that its most important quality lies.

The importance of honey

Importance

The objective of this blog is to promote and disseminate a deeper understanding of the crucial role of bees in the preservation of our ecosystem and the continuation of scientific research directed towards the identification of more sustainable <clr>agricultural practices</clr> aiming at the regeneration of entire areas. The choice of honey goes far beyond what is written on the label. The <clr>true value of honey</clr> is linked to its method of production, whether it is respectful of bees and the ecosystems they inhabit. Favouring non-intensive beekeeping practices and promoting the best actions to support the health of the hive are the cornerstones of our activity. The <clr>beekeeper for us is not a breeder, but a true "Grower"</clr>: he cultivates, cares for and nurtures true oases of biodiversity, paying attention not only to bees, but also to ecosystems and their balance.

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