A History of Honey
Honey and Humans
Since people walked the Earth, there have been bees. Early humans relied (just as we still do today) on bees to fertilise the flowers of forest and field, so giving us crops to eat. Our ancestors also recognised that bees produce a delicious, naturally sweet product in their hives - Honey!
Sacred and Ancient
Spanish cave paintings at Chauvet and wall paintings in the earliest settlements at Catalhuyuk in Turkey, depict bees and beekeeping. Always a source of mystical wonder, honey was worshipped by the Pharoahs as the king and queen of natural foods: the ancient Egyptians used it as a royal sweetener and in their most important religious rituals. At least 4000 years ago, Egyptian kings were mummified with, and buried next to, pots of sacred honey.The Ancient Greeks were probably the first civilisation to keep hives for the purpose of honey production, believing it essential to a healthy diet. They offered honey as a tribute to the Gods and called it Ambrosia – “Food of the Gods”. They were also the first to work out how to ferment honey into an alcoholic drink. This they called 'Nectar of the Gods'. The Bible makes several references to honey: remember “The Land of Milk and Honey” which the Israelites searched for after fleeing Egypt.
The Honeymoon Starts
Great Britain has been famous for its honey for many years and indeed, Mead, an alcoholic 'wine' made by fermenting honey was our national drink for around 2000 years. There are constant references to honeymaking in English literature, and indeed, the term “honeymoon” probably derives from the English custom of the bride and groom eating honey and drinking only mead in their first few weeks of marriage.
Everybody Loves Honey
The impact of cheaper refined sugar for use as a sweetener caused the importance of honey to diminish and its production declined. However, with the recognition of honey’s pure natural qualities, its brilliant versatility and a new and plentiful supply of deliciously different honey from abroad, interest and consumption of honey is again on the increase. In the U.K., the annual market for honey is worth about £ 70 million or about 15.5 million kilos. Around half the households in the country purchase honey, the majority in glass jars but a growing minority - around 20% - in convenient Squeezable bottles. Honey is enjoyed in many different ways: as a spread, a topping, an ingredient in cooking, a sweetener and for maintaining good health. Delicious, naturally sweet, healthy and with its infinite variety of flavours, honey is a boon to the nation, and a friend to all the family.
