Lavender Honey: Properties and Characteristics

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

In the collective imagination, when one speaks of lavender, the huge expanses that colour Provence immediately come to mind. This plant with its characteristic colour and scent is mainly cultivated to obtain its precious essential oil, although in some places it is still possible to collect honey. Lavender honey is not easy to produce because large lavender crops are required to make a monoflora. The generic term 'lavender honey' refers to all honeys produced from different types of lavender. The most common in Europe are Lavandula stoechas (wild lavender), Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula latifolia and Lavandino. In Italy, the only species from which honey can be obtained is the first, the wild one. That from angustifolia is only relevant in those areas of Liguria and Piedmont that border France.

Lavender honey has well-defined characteristics. In its liquid form, it has a colour ranging from straw yellow to amber. However, this type of honey has a strong tendency to crystallise, which occurs quite rapidly and leads to the formation of medium to small crystals, also changing its colour (beige-white). The smell and taste are quite distinctive, described as rather intense, with a floral and fruity aroma.

Besides having specific characteristics, lavender honey also boasts many benefits that it shares in part with the plant from which it is derived. First of all, it is an excellent calmulant for the nervous system and helps relieve stress and tension, both physically and psychologically. For this reason, it is recommended in cases of anxiety, insomnia and stress headaches. In fact, according to a Spanish study, this honey is the richest in tyrosine, an amino acid used in the treatment and prevention of certain pathological conditions involving the brain, including depression, anxiety and stress. Another very important property is its antifungal activity, especially against the fungus Candida krusei, according to studies conducted by Spanish and Portuguese researchers. It has a certain concentration of antioxidants and has a healing function.

To fully enjoy all the beneficial properties of honey, it is essential to choose a raw honey, not subjected to any kind of industrial processing. Moreover, it is advisable to consume it 'natural' and, if used to sweeten drinks and herbal teas, it is best to add it once the temperature is low enough to avoid depriving the honey of all its properties. Choosing the right honey is, therefore, very important. Always try to choose Italian products, perhaps from your trusted beekeeper. If, in addition to wishing to consume a quality product, you would also like to delve deeper into the world of bees, 3Bee gives you the possibility of adopting a beehive and not only receiving the honey produced from it at home, but also monitoring it in real time from your PC or smartphone thanks to our Hive-Tech devices!