Sea Island Life Magazine Fall/Winter 2014 | Page 43

HONEY BY THE
NUMBERS
1.3
THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF

POUNDS OF HONEY A PERSON
CONSUMES IN A YEAR

2 MILLION

THE NUMBER OF FLOWERS
A HONEYBEE MUST VISIT TO
MAKE 1 POUND OF HONEY

1/12

THE FRACTION OF A
TEASPOON THAT THE
AVERAGE WORKER BEE MAKES
IN ITS LIFETIME

15

THE NUMBER OF MILES PER
HOUR A HONEYBEE FLIES

80,000

THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF
HONEYBEES LIVING IN A HIVE

Honey citrus vinaigrette is served with grouper at Southern Tide, Sea Island’s beachfront restaurant.

On the Plate
From the research behind her cookbook,
Simmons knows the many roles the product
can play in dishes. “Honey is an amazing,
versatile product,” she says. She has studied
40 popular honey varietals and developed 60
recipes with the sweet syrup. “There’s a lot
more to do with honey than just stirring it in

chocolate.” She also enjoys cooking with avo-

and trees.
In addition, when comparing honey to table
sugar, the nutritional advantages are obvious.

etals, Simmons’ biggest tip is to read the label.

many proteins, vitamins, minerals and organic
processing, all healthy nutrients remain intact.
dant properties, meaning it can be used as a

to do with the terroir—just like wine.”
-

Bee Benefits

the uncommon varieties can be rewarding. Star

While the desire to use local and sustainably

making candles, soap, cosmetics, art supplies

boom in popularity, other equally tempting

With honey’s versatility, nutritional value and

the ingredient.
ers because it is completely nature made and
Midwest, is another interesting honey varietal that she recommends trying: “It’s very

part has been getting to know the bees and the
amazing work they do. He says the hard work

be involved in honey production is a beehive,

FALL/WINTER 2014/15 | SEA ISL AND LIFE 43