Rapeseed honey: characteristics and properties

Spring is approaching, the days are getting longer and the first flowers are beginning to bloom. The awakening of nature also affects our beloved bees, who set off in search of new nectar and food after hibernation. One particularly popular variety in Germany is rapeseed honey. Rapeseed flowers from April to June, depending on the weather and climate. The flowers are particularly rich in nectar and pollen, which is why a large honey harvest is possible from the nectar of rapeseed flowers, a bright yellow flowering plant from the Brassicaceae family. It must be extracted as soon as it is produced, as it crystallises quickly in the combs and makes extraction impossible. Rapeseed is also grown for the production of animal feed, edible oils and biodiesel. Some varieties are sold as vegetables, especially in Asian shops.

Rapeseed honey is a type of blossom honey and is very popular in Germany, where rapeseed is grown on a large scale. It is a plant that grows mainly in the Nordic countries. The fact that it is so popular, especially with children, is also due to its particularly sweet flavour. It has a light colour that can range from yellow to beige to white. The consistency is slightly creamy and it has the special property of crystallising very quickly. Thanks to the finely mixed crystals, rape honey "melts" on the tongue, so to speak, and turns a simple honey into a natural delight. As this honey contains a lot of glucose, it crystallises faster than almost all other types of honey and becomes firm and hard. However, simply stir the honey vigorously to give it a creamy consistency again. Another tip is to make it liquid and creamy again in a water bath at a maximum of 40 degrees to avoid any loss of quality.

Rapeseed honey has excellent properties for our organism. On the one hand, its high glucose content makes it the ideal food for athletes. Schoolchildren, who need to concentrate better, can also benefit from the effects of rapeseed honey. Honey is therefore an excellent breakfast ingredient. The energy from the sugar is quickly absorbed by the body so that it can be utilised again quickly. Another effect of rapeseed honey is that it has a calming effect. On the other hand, however, it is one of the honeys with the least antioxidant effect, in contrast to buckwheat or honeydew honey. As rapeseed honey does not have a strong flavour of its own, it can be used in a variety of ways, e.g. to sweeten desserts such as cakes, to season salads or in combination with musli and yoghurt. Finally, it helps with sore throats and soothes coughs.

However, to enjoy the full benefits of honey, it is important to consume only raw honey that has not been processed or altered in any way. Treatments such as pasteurisation, for example, destroy all the elements that make this food so special and valuable. Always consume honey whose origin you know and make sure it comes from the country indicated! Get a 3Bee bee sponsorship and discover the beekeepers and their different honey productions in Germany.