The Symbolic Value of Honey Across Cultures

Many cultures across the world celebrate the arrival of Spring, from Navroz on March 21 to Passover and Easter, both celebrated during the first two weeks of April. In all of these cultures honey been associated with sweetness, pleasure, truth, and knowledge. While it has always been enjoyed as a sweet treat, in ancient times, honey was used for wide-ranging medicinal purposes such as wound healing and skin beautification, and was often gifted between royalty and Heads of State around the world.

Honey's Sweetness and Joy: a Timeless Tradition.

In ancient Greece, honey was revered as an elixir of life - it was seen and believed to have incredible healing properties. The Greeks also used honey as a food offering to the gods, and it was a staple in their diet. The importance of honey in Greek culture is reflected in the myth of Aristaeus, the god of Cheesemaking, Beekeeping and Honey, and the one. who was believed to have taught humans how to cultivate bees and harvest honey. No wonder why pure, natural Greek Honey is so delicious!

In Kemet, better known as ancient Egypt, honey was highly prized. Considered Liquid Gold, it was used in medicine and also to embalm the dead in sacred burial rituals Since honey is naturally antibacterial and doesn’t spoil, it was often used used as a form of currency and was even used to pay taxes.

Spring-Inspired Honey Recipes to Try at Home

As we have seen, honey has a rich history and a strong symbolic value that has been recognized by many cultures and religions throughout time - but what we want to celebrate is how versatile honey is when used as an ingredient for making these incredible Spring-inspired treats:

• Honey glazed ham: A classic Easter dish, a baked ham with a honey glaze is sure to impress your guests. Mix together Wildflower Honey, mustard, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar to make the glaze, and baste the ham with it while it bakes in the oven. The result is a sweet and savory ham that is perfect for Easter dinner.
• Honey-roasted carrots: Carrots are a delicious side dish for any meal, and roasting them in Clover Cold Pressed Honey elevates their flavour to the next level. Simply toss the carrots with olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until they are tender and caramelized.
• Honey butter hot cross buns: Hot cross buns are a traditional sweet treat, and adding honey butter to the recipe makes them even more delicious. Mix softened butter with Cold Pressed Blueberry Honey, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, and spread it on the warm buns after they come out of the oven.
• Honey glazed lamb: Lamb is another classic, delicious spring-time main, and a honey glaze can really elevate it to a Master Chef level! Mix together Buckwheat Honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, and rosemary to make the glaze, and brush it onto the lamb as it cooks in the oven. The result is a tender and flavorful lamb that is perfect for Easter.
• Honeycomb candy: For a super sweet treat, try making honeycomb candy. This crunchy and sweet candy is made with just Liquid Honey, sugar, and baking soda, and is perfect for snacking on during the day or as a dessert.

These are just a few ideas for spring-inspired recipes that feature honey. Whether you are hosting a large gathering or having a small family dinner, incorporating honey into your delicious, home-cooked meals is a great way to add flavour and symbolism to your meal. 

Above all else, we wish you a wonderful and invigorating spring season, and we hope that our honey will bring sweetness and joy to your life, just as it has for countless generations before us!