By Erdly Agona
The world marked World Bee Day on May 20th, with TOF Radio airing several talk shows aimed at raising awareness of good beekeeping practices and highlighting their importance for
food security and environmental health. These shows attracted numerous listener questions, underscoring the public’s interest in understanding that bees are not just kept for honey, but are also indispensable pollinators. Below are some common questions about bees and honey:
I was told honey is medicine; is that true?
Yes, it’s true! Honey has been used as a medicinal agent for thousands of years across various cultures. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties, helps reduce inflammation (anti-inflamma-
tory), and aids in faster wound healing. It’s often used to soothe coughs and sore throats and can also help with digestive issues.
How can I tell if honey is genuine or fake?
Distinguishing real honey from fake can be challenging, but there are a few methods to help you:
Water Test: Put a spoonful of honey into a glass of water. Real honey will settle at the bottom without dissolving immediately, while fake honey will start to dissolve quickly.
Fire Test: Dip a small cotton swab into the honey and try to light it. Real honey will burn easily, whereas fake honey will melt and might not catch fire.
Texture: Real honey is usually thick and flows slowly when poured. Fake honey is often thinner and flows more quickly.
Smell and Taste: Real honey has a distinct smell and taste depending on the flowers the bees visited. Fake honey often lacks a strong scent and might have an overly sugary taste.
Crystallisation: Real honey, especially over time, will start to crystallise and form solid sugar crystals. This is a good sign of authentic honey. Fake honey rarely crystallises.
How much honey should you use per day? And are there any side effects if you use too much?
The recommended amount for adults is between one and two tablespoons (approximately 10-20 grams) per day.
Yes, if you use too much, there are side effects. While honey has many benefits, it’s still high in sugar.
Consuming too much honey can lead to:
Weight gain– due to its calorie and sugar content.
Increased blood sugar – especially for people with diabetes.
Dental problems – occur because of its acidity and sugar content.
Digestive issues – such as diarrhoea or gas, in some individuals.
There’s honey with no taste, what’s the problem?
Honey with little to no taste or a very faint taste could be a sign of the following issues:
Fake/Adulterated Honey: This is the primary culprit. Honey that has been mixed with sugar syrups (like corn syrup or rice syrup) or water will lose its natural flavor and aroma.
Overheating: When honey is heated to high temperatures, some of its volatile compounds that give it flavor and aroma can be destroyed or lost.
Immature Honey: Sometimes, honey might be harvested before it has fully matured in the hive. The bees haven’t yet evaporated all the water and added the enzymes that give it its unique flavor and properties.
Floral Source: While less common, some flowers produce nectar with a very mild flavor. However, this doesn’t mean it has no taste at all; its flavor might be very subtle, depending on the region.
How do I get started with beekeeping?
Get Training: Look for beekeeping mentors or local beekeeping groups to learn more. There are also experts willing to train farmers on the whole process of apiculture.
Erdly Agona works at Biovision Africa Trust under the Farmer Communication Program
Email eagona@biovisionafrica.org