2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14
According to one ancient Roman legend, a nymph named Nea, close to the goddess Diana, trying to put an end to the annoying harassment of the loving god Jupiter, laid hands on herself, and then turned into an amazingly beautiful tree with luxurious foliage, beautiful flowers and interesting fruits hidden in furry prickly shells. The chestnut tree belongs to the same family as beeches and oaks. During dense flowering, bees receive nectar from flowers and make chestnut honey, the benefits and harms of which will be described in this article.
Picky chestnut
For thousands of years the chestnut tree has been the main food source in the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean. There are 10 species, the main ones are European (sowing), Japanese and American. Currently, the sowing type of chestnuts is grown mainly in Europe. Chestnut grows in fertile soil of medium moisture, it does not tolerate calcareous rocks, and also does not tolerate arid climate.
After sowing, the chestnut tree grows for 7 years and only after this period does it begin to bloom. Flowering occurs from May toJune, and fruit ripening - from October to November. The average life expectancy can reach three hundred to five hundred years and even more. On the slopes of the famous volcano Etna there is a world-famous chestnut tree - according to various estimates, it is from two to four thousand years old.
Facts from history
In ancient times, chestnuts were part of the diet of the poor, but the rich also did not refuse special dishes prepared from them. They can be eaten raw, dried, fried, or even baked into bread from the fruit ground into flour. In the Middle Ages, chestnuts were a staple food, and at the harvest festival they served as a symbol of prosperity and we alth.
Over time, the number of trees decreased, and some of them were abandoned. The chestnuts are now back in the kitchen. They are popular with the French and Italians. In Italy, a large number of holidays dedicated to chestnuts are held annually. In early autumn, a variety of dishes are prepared there that include sweet and fragrant fruits: salads, soufflés, soups, pastries and a variety of desserts, including fragrant chestnut honey.
Features of flower pollination
Chestnut during flowering is a wonderful and productive honey plant. A special place is occupied by raw unfiltered chestnut honey, the beneficial properties of which help it to hold high positions among the whole variety of honey. This product is harvested from flowers shaped like bluebells in the spring.
Bees actively pollinate fragrant chestnut flowers, which have a curious feature - colored spots on white petalsflower. At first they are yellowish, then they turn orange and finally deep red. With a change in the shade of the spots, a change in aroma is also observed. Interestingly, this special smell of flowers with yellow spots is a signal of the presence of nectar. These are what bees prefer, ignoring flowers with bright red-orange markings.
Favorite delicacy of the French
Raw and unfiltered chestnut honey, the beneficial properties of which were known in ancient Rome, has a dark color. Its special spice and taste is a real combination of sophistication and mystery. This delicious fresh product contains enzymes and pollen. The darker the color, the stronger the smell and the richer and more specific the taste of chestnut honey, which is very popular on the European continent. The French are especially fond of it, as the taste of this unusual honey is slightly sharp, with a bitterness that disappears when it is heated. This is a great product for those who don't like overly sweet honey. It's also surprisingly good for flavoring confectionery.
Features and composition of chestnut honey
There are the following distinguishing features. Firstly, this type of honey crystallizes weakly and slowly, it can remain liquid all winter, and turn into a dark brown mass in spring. At an air temperature of +19-22 degrees Celsius, it remains liquid throughout the year.
The composition of honey is extremely rich. It contains many useful substances, including manganese s alts, copper, iron, fructose and a largeamount of vitamins. Chestnut honey, the benefits and harms of which partly depend on the amount of sucrose (there is much more of it in chestnut honey than in other types), should not be consumed in large quantities. One or two spoons a day will be enough.
Inaccessible and expensive
The relatively high cost of this type of honey is due to low production volumes and the rarity of chestnuts. The main importer is Italy. It supplies chestnut honey to many countries of the world. A dozen years ago, it was impossible to find it on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, and now it is available in a huge range of online stores. Due to the high cost, there is a fake chestnut honey. When ordering, you need to be careful and trust only trusted manufacturers. Sometimes brown sugar is added to ordinary honey and then sold as chestnut.
Indications for use
And that only this honey does not heal! This miraculous remedy in moderation has a particularly good effect on the heart and blood vessels, and is used in the treatment of diseases such as thrombophlebitis and varicose veins. Chestnut honey has incredible benefits for the body. How to take this wonderful remedy? Of all varieties of honey, it has well-pronounced antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties and therefore is used not only internally, but also externally in the treatment of wounds, ulcers, and sore throats.
Chestnut honey: benefits and harms
What is chestnut honey good for? Like all dark and strong varieties, this product lowers arterial and blood pressure, is useful against anemia, as well as infections of the kidneys and bladder. This wonderful source of antioxidants leads to excellent results in balancing the nervous system, perfectly calming and toning at the same time.
Honey has been known for centuries for its healing properties. There are six main he alth benefits of chestnut honey:
1. Honey has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. The raw product contains a mild hydrogen peroxide solution that is released when it comes into contact with water. Honey is very hygroscopic. This means that it naturally attracts moisture. Most bacteria thrive in moist conditions, while honey dries out wounds to prevent infection.
2. Honey as a sweetener does not produce a significant increase in blood sugar. Its level rises gradually, without harm to he alth. However, it is worth remembering that chestnut honey, the benefits and harms of which directly depend on the amount of consumption, is not recommended to be used in large quantities. One teaspoon a day will be enough to have a positive effect on the body.
3. What are the benefits of chestnut honey? Dark varieties are high in antioxidants. Antioxidants help cells fight free radicals, which are one of the causes of many degenerative diseases.diseases. The uniqueness of this product also lies in the fact that it improves the functioning of the brain.
4. Honey helps digest food better as it contains natural enzymes that aid in the digestion process.
5. Just one spoon before bed helps with insomnia and improves the quality of sleep. The theory is that honey before bed provides the body with enough glucose to fuel the brain throughout the night. This prevents or limits the early morning release of cortisol and adrenaline (the stress hormone) that interferes with sleep. It also stabilizes blood sugar levels and promotes the release of melatonin, a hormone needed to repair and repair body tissues during rest.
6. Chestnut honey, which has mostly positive reviews, is good for the skin and is often used in beauty products for skin care. Some people find it very effective in treating sunburn, eczema and the condition known as acne.
Despite a number of advantages, there are still groups of people for whom this product is contraindicated. These are patients suffering from diabetes and allergies to chestnut pollen, as well as children under one year old.
Calorie content and storage features
The best place to store honey is in a dark room, as light can damage some natural compounds. In addition, the lid must be tightly closed. It is better not to store honey in the refrigerator, as cooling also loses a certainpart of the useful properties.
Fresh chestnut contains about 180 kcal per 100 g of edible part, which is significantly less than, for example, walnuts, almonds and dried fruits. And what is the calorie content of chestnut honey? Much larger than the fruits themselves. Any honey is a high-calorie product, and chestnut also has a high energy value. 100 grams contains about 300 calories. At the same time, it is important to take into account the fact that honey is very well absorbed and does not harm the body when compared with other sweets.
It is easier to list what chestnut honey does not cure. The benefits and harms of the product are now known to you, but do not forget that it is important to observe the measure in everything.
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