The Zimbabwean Gardener Issue 10 Spring 2014 | Page 18

The Zimbabwean Gardener healing attributes have been known to promote healing for cuts, cure ailments and diseases, as an ointment for rashes and burns, and to help soothe sore throats. Dark honey has been used to fight infection and aid tissue healing as well as reducing inflammation and scarring. The specific composition of any batch of honey depends on the flowers available to the bees that produced it. The use of bee pollen collected from bee hives as an anti-allergenic is highly recommended against hay fever or seasonal allergies (if the pollen is from the same area that the allergy is). The propolis from bee hives is well known as a natural alternative to antibiotics and is hailed as an antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It is a favourite ingredient in many natural remedies and contains unidentified compounds which work together synergistically to create a balanced, nutritive and powerful healing substance. The colour of honey Fla vour Flower type Vitamin and minerals Light Sweet and mild Jacaranda High Medium Less sweet Good flavours Msasa and various Higher Dark Less sweet Strong flavour Acacia Highest Colour What and where to buy? Honey flavours and colours vary according to the nectar source, and various types and grades of honey are available. Simply turning a honey jar upside down and measuring the time it takes for the bubble to reach to the top of the jar will indicate if it has high water content, which is low grade honey. The faster the bubble, the lower the quality. The nutritive and healing attributes however are lost when honey is heated, therefore always try to buy raw or natural honey to get the most out of it. Likewise, buying from professional beekeepers or honey harvesters who take care to harvest honey when it is ‘ripe’ (not too early thus keeping water content low), will ensure that colonies are nurtured and not damaged. Look out for bogus labels such as ‘organic’ or ‘fair trade’ honey as locally this can easily be falsified. Lastly, savour the sweet golden goodness of honey, but remember, the bee stings. 18 Perfect Honey If all the cells are capped on the comb when it is removed, the honey should have the perfect consistency. Runny Honey If the cells aren’t capped when the combs are removed, the honey will have too much moisture in it and will be very runny. You will often find ‘runny honey’ sold on the side of the road. How to Beekeep? Bee removal Join the Mashonaland Beekeepers Association or attend one of their many talks to find