Mountain honey, a variety of honey prized for its countless benefits, stands out as a product with versatile virtues. This article reveals everything about this delicious honey!
The origins
Mountain honey, generally harvested at altitudes exceeding 1000 meters, is attractive for its diversity. In France, the five key regions for this production are the Alps, the Jura, the Massif Central, the Vosges, and the Pyrenees. The term "high mountain" is reserved for honeys harvested above 1200 meters above sea level.
Each mountainous region offers a specific biotope, thus offering bees a variety of nectars. Although certain common traits characterize the different mountain honeys, each one retains its singularity. These honeys are grouped under different names, such as "mountain honey" and "high mountain honey", guarantees of quality for tastings near the fireplace on cold winter evenings. Our Mountain honey reflects the diversity of the flora of our French reliefs. It offers a very aromatic and floral taste, slightly fruity.
The mountain terroir
In France, mountain ranges abound, offering distinct terroirs for foraging bees. Thus, mountain honey is divided into five major terroirs, each with a unique flora.
- In the Pyrenees, on the French-Spanish border, bees collect nectar from raspberries, blueberries, rhododendrons and meadows.
- Vosges honey comes mainly from fir, acacia and white clover flowers.
- The Jura offers a honey that is richer in taste, with notes of wild raspberry, rosehip, thistle, and fir.
- The Massif Central is distinguished by flavors of cherry, holly, clover, chestnut, and heather.
- The Alps, for their part, are distinguished by the majority presence of fir trees.
Above 1200 metres in altitude in the Alps and the Pyrenees, the honey is called "high mountain honey", with different characteristics.
Mountain honey
Also called forest honey, mountain honey is praised for its medicinal properties, particularly in winter. Of superior quality thanks to its natural origin, its production results from the foraging of bees in areas with varied ecological biotopes.
Mountain honey, often multi-floral, gets its characteristic odor from the dominant flower foraged by the bees. Darker and thicker than other honeys, it offers an intense flavor, making it a product of choice.
The benefits of mountain honey
Mountain honey , produced by bees foraging in mountainous regions, is recognized as a premium honey due to its rich flavor and nutritional composition. It offers a variety of health benefits:
- Strengthening the immune system : thanks to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, it helps strengthen our immune system.
- Improved digestion : it relieves digestive disorders thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Cold and Flu Symptom Relief : Its antibacterial and antiviral properties help relieve symptoms.
- Promotes healthy skin : It moisturizes, soothes the skin, and promotes the healing of minor wounds and burns.
- Improved heart health : It helps reduce cholesterol levels and improve cardiovascular health.
- Natural source of energy : thanks to its content of carbohydrates and natural sugars.
The production process of mountain honey
The beekeeper generally sets up his hives from late May to mid-August, possibly moving them to higher altitudes to take advantage of new sources of nectar or honeydew. The harvest often takes place at the end of summer, thus accumulating a diversity of species representative of the season and the mountainous terroir.
The composition of honey depends greatly on the intervention of the beekeeper and his know-how, because the foraging bees move within a radius of 3 km around their colony.
The virtues of mountain honey in daily life
Mountain honey is not limited to its intense taste. It is also an ally in everyday life.
- In the process of weight loss: by substituting sugar with honey, it promotes the transformation of fat into energy, thus contributing to weight loss.
- In cosmetics: thanks to its hygroscopic characteristic, it promotes the development of tissues, helping to maintain the youthfulness of the skin.
- As butter (cold): thanks to its texture, it can be used to reduce the amount of cholesterol in the body.
- In the medical field: Mountain honey, with its antimicrobial properties, is an immune booster. It is used to treat sore throats, relieve coughs, treat respiratory problems, and slow the progression of cancer cells.
The winter period brings its share of ailments such as flu, cold and cough. Mountain honey, with a small amount of eucalyptus essential oil added, proves to be an effective solution to protect against these disorders.
The uses of mountain honey
This honey, poly-floral and crystallizing quickly, offers a palette of flavors and diverse colors depending on the wild flowers foraged by the bees. Its thick texture makes it perfect for various uses.
Milder honeys pair well with pastries, desserts, or fruit salads. Woodier honeys lend themselves to a variety of culinary uses, from seasoning vegetables to accompanying meats.
In short, Mountain honey is:
- Source of nutrition: rich in sugars, minerals, and other essential nutrients.
- Antioxidant: protects the body against free radicals and prevents damage from oxidative stress.
- Anti-inflammatory: relieves inflammation and pain.
- Improved digestion: stimulates the production of gastric juice and promotes intestinal regularity.
- Immune System Boost: Provides essential nutrients and stimulates white blood cell production.
1. Mountain honey grog recipe
There’s nothing like a hot toddy to turn cold winter days into a comforting experience. Follow our recipe for Mountain Honey Hot Toddy! Perfect for winter evenings and relaxing moments by the fire.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Difficulty level: easy
Ingredients for 1 person:
- 1 tablespoon of La Miellerie Mountain Honey
- 200 ml of water
- 1 cap of dark rum*
- Juice of 1/2 organic lemon
- 1 cinnamon stick or 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary (or failing that ½ teaspoon of dried rosemary)
- ½ organic orange
*Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation.
Preparation steps:
- In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients except the orange.
- Cut the orange into quarters.
- Bring everything to a boil. Once the bubbles appear, serve directly in a glass and add 2 orange segments.
- Mix and drink hot!
2. Recipe for Pannacotta with mountain honey and lemon thyme
To perfect a winter afternoon, we offer you another ultra-easy recipe, ideal for dessert or for a gourmet break. Discover below a recipe for pannacotta with mountain honey and lemon thyme.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Difficulty level: easy
Ingredients for 2 people:
- 2 teaspoons of La Miellerie Mountain Honey
- 4 small glasses
- 20 cl milk (whole or semi-skimmed)
- 20 cl whole liquid cream
- 1/2 teaspoon of agar (or 3 g of gelatin or 1 and a half sheets)
- 5 sprigs of lemon thyme
- Brioche crumble (leftover brioche that you have dried in the oven)
- Some dried cranberries
Preparation steps:
- In a saucepan, heat the milk and cream, add the agar-agar, mix and leave on low heat for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and add the lemon thyme and mountain honey.
- Let steep for about 15 minutes.
- Strain the mixture and pour into the glasses. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
- When serving, spread a few pieces of brioche crumble and chopped cranberries.
- Enjoy!
Mountain honey therefore has various health benefits; it is a versatile companion in the kitchen, and a delight for the taste buds. By integrating mountain honey into your daily life, you are opting for natural support for your well-being.
Are you looking for ways to comfort yourself and get through the winter in peace? Discover our article on the virtues and health benefits of propolis.
