Monofloral honey is considered to be one of the most valuable bee products that are in good demand among buyers. He does not have very many varieties. And each of them has its own pronounced characteristics: a special color shade, taste, aroma, speed of sugaring (crystallization).
A special GOST has been established for monofloral honey varieties, which must be met in order to indicate the botanical origin of the product during its packaging and further sale.
The content of the article
- 1 Features
- 2 Overview of monofloral varieties
- 2.1 Linden or Lipets
- 2.2 Acacia
- 2.3 Budyakov (obtained from thistle)
- 2.4 Barberry
- 2.5 Cornflower
- 2.6 Heather
- 2.7 Buckwheat
- 2.8 Mustard
- 2.9 Pea
- 2.10 Donnikovy
- 2.11 Angelica (angelica)
- 2.12 Hyssop
- 2.13 Blackberry
- 2.14 Kashtanovыy
- 2.15 Clover
- 2.16 Burdock
- 2.17 Swallowtail (obtained from cotton wool)
- 2.18 Alfalfa
- 2.19 Carrot
- 2.20 Mint
- 2.21 Melissa
- 2.22 Crimson
- 2.23 Dandelion
- 2.24 Sunflower
- 2.25 Orange
- 2.26 Motherwort
- 2.27 Rowan
- 2.28 Bruised
- 2.29 Pumpkin
- 2.30 Bilberry
- 2.31 Sage
Features
Monofloral honey is a mixture of sugary substances converted by bees, obtained from the nectar of mainly one plant.
The presence of minor impurities in the form of other types of nectar and pollen grains is the norm. But there will always be only one component at the core of a product.
Monofloral varieties are very diverse in color. There are almost transparent shades, for example, from white acacia and cotton. Yellows of varying degrees of saturation – from sainfoin, heather, rape. Amber or brown tones – with yellow acacia, mustard, sweet clover, fireweed.
During crystallization, the color changes slightly in almost all varieties. For example, fireweed honey turns from greenish-amber to whitish, and mustard honey becomes lighter – from dark to light brown.
Most of all, light varieties of bee products are in demand on the market. The exception is buckwheat honey. He, like any other dark varieties, is richer in mineral compounds.
It should also be borne in mind that in comparison, monofloral and polyfloral honey always wins the latter. The reason is the same as that of the buckwheat variety – the forbs of forests and meadows provide a rich variety of vitamin and mineral composition of the product. The more components, the more useful honey is for the human body.
You can read about the color scale and its change in the process of candling of some monofloral varieties here: Bee honey
Overview of monofloral varieties
Among the single-component honey, there are leaders who are popular due to their excellent taste and healing properties.
The main varieties of such a product are briefly discussed below. The storage conditions are the same for them, as are the methods of determining the natural origin when purchased on the market. We will consider the topic of correct storage and combating counterfeiting in separate articles.
Linden or Lipets
This variety is a real champion in medicinal properties! After pumping out of the honeycomb, it has a characteristic linden scent and a pale yellow hue. It quickly undergoes the crystallization process, acquiring a greasy, whitish consistency. The taste is sharp, with specific notes.
The product has antibacterial properties. It is used in folk medicine as a laxative, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, expectorant. Lipets can be used as a basis for formulating prescriptions for a wide variety of ailments.
Main applications:
- fight against bronchitis, exacerbation of bronchial asthma, tracheitis;
- cure laryngitis, acute tonsillitis;
- relief from colds, acute respiratory infections;
- strengthening the heart;
- fight against inflammatory processes in the kidneys, liver, intestines, stomach;
- antiseptic help for burn injuries of the skin, wounds.
Read: Linden as a honey plant
Acacia
The nectar collected from the white acacia species has a delicate aroma and a not very sweet taste. When pumping out of the honeycomb, the product is almost transparent, rare in consistency. It retains its original appearance for a long time. Crystallization after long-term storage is accompanied by a change from a transparent, slightly yellow tint to a milky white color.
Of all the varieties on the market, this variety will be the most liquid, and less than other types of honey provoking allergic reactions in humans.
Main areas of application in traditional medicine:
- general strengthening of the body;
- fight against insomnia;
- cure diseases of the kidneys, liver, intestines, stomach.
Read: Acacia
Budyakov (obtained from thistle)
Rare enough, but top-notch variety. Almost colorless in color or with a light golden (light amber) or greenish color. The taste and aroma are pleasant. The crystallization process is accompanied by the formation of small sugar grains.
Application areas:
- skin diseases;
- fight against insomnia.
Barberry
Nectar is collected from barberry flowers (common species, considered a medicinal plant since ancient times). When pumped out, the product is golden yellow with a delicate sweet taste and pleasant smell.
According to folk remedies, it is used to stop bleeding.
Read: Barberry as a honey plant
Cornflower
This type of bee product is obtained from field (so-called blue) cornflowers. When pumped out of the honeycomb, it is greenish-yellow, there are almond notes in the aroma. Smack with a slight bitterness.
Application:
- eye diseases;
- various skin ailments.
Heather
When pumped out, the product is very dark in color – deep yellow or reddish-brown. Has a weak aroma, tart-bitter aftertaste. Sugaring occurs very quickly – right in the combs.
It is difficult to pump out such honey. We have to cut off the honeycomb by almost a third. Accordingly, it is not used as winter forage reserves for bee colonies.
In folk medicinal recipes, it is recommended to improve appetite.
Read: Heather
Buckwheat
Natural buckwheat honey is extracted in Polesie and forest-steppe regions. Refers to excellent food and medicinal products. When pumped out of the honeycomb, it is light brown with a reddish tint, has a characteristic taste and a specific, strongly pronounced aroma.
It is rich in chemical composition – it contains a lot of iron and protein compounds.
Used by:
- to strengthen the heart muscle;
- for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis;
- healing the digestive system;
- with anemia (anemia).
Read: Buckwheat as a honey plant
Mustard
In a liquid state, the bee product is golden yellow, with a pleasant aroma and taste. It is candied with the formation of a fine-grained structure, acquiring a creamy shade.
Recommended for inflammatory processes of the respiratory system.
Read: Mustard
Pea
The nectar is collected by flying insects from the inflorescences of thin-leaved peas, common in the steppe regions. When pumping out, the bee product is almost transparent. Its aroma is light, herbaceous.
It is used for various diseases and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
Donnikovy
This variety is obtained from various varieties of sweet clover. Therefore, the shade of the product can be different – from light amber to white or slightly greenish. The smell is reminiscent of vanilla. Taste with a slight bitterness, but it may be absent. Crystallization occurs with the formation of large sugar grains.
The bee product is considered a general tonic that has a beneficial effect on the entire body.
Read: Melilot as a honey plant
Angelica (angelica)
The nectar is collected by flight bees in the Ukrainian forest-steppe mainly from the inflorescences of the medicinal angelica, in Siberia – from the flowers of the Siberian angelica (forest angelica). It has a strong herbaceous odor and a reddish tint. Has a high diastatic number (up to 48 units).
It applies to:
- to normalize the functioning of the nervous system;
- as well as in case of dysfunction of the stomach, intestines.
Read: Angelica as a honey plant
Hyssop
The nectar is collected from a dwarf shrub that grows wild in eastern Ukraine, as well as in the Crimean regions. The semi-shrub is specially grown near apiaries in other regions, including the middle lane and Siberia. The nectar obtained from the plant belongs to the category of the best varieties. When pumped out, it has a thin consistency, light shade, herbaceous odor and pleasant taste.
Recommended for use:
- when fighting insomnia;
- for the treatment of bronchitis;
- stimulation of the digestive process.
Read: Hyssop
Blackberry
The variety is obtained from the nectar of a shrub plant – blackberry. When pumped out of the honeycomb, the bee product is almost transparent in appearance (reminiscent of water). The taste and aroma are very pleasant.
Main applications:
- curing kidney disease;
- prevention and treatment of colds.
Kashtanovыy
It belongs to the low-grade species due to its characteristic bitterness and a tendency to rapid crystallization. When pumped out of the honeycomb, it has a dark shade, a faint smell of chestnut flowers and a characteristic aftertaste. Nectar is collected, including from horse chestnuts, throwing out pink-white candles of inflorescences. If these trees form the basis of the bribe, the bee product will turn out to be transparent and colorless.
Both varieties of the variety – dark and light – are subject to rapid crystallization (sugaring). Initially, the product takes on an oily appearance, then crystals appear.
Main area of medical application:
- gastrointestinal ailments;
- kidney disease.
Read: Chestnut as a honey plant
Clover
The variety obtained from different types of clover is almost colorless when pumped out. The taste is pleasant, with a delicate aroma. By nature, it has a low diastatic number (less than ten units). When sugared, it hardens, turning into a fine-grained whitish mass.
Useful:
- in case of dysfunction of the stomach;
- with vitamin deficiencies;
- with a lack of breast milk (has moderate milk-producing properties).
Read: Clover
Burdock
Nectar is obtained from burdock (burdock) inflorescences. When pumped out of the honeycomb, honey looks very viscous. The shade is light yellow, slightly olive in the light. The aroma is sharp, fragrant, with an admixture of spicy notes.
Used by:
- in dermatology;
- and also to alleviate the condition of gastrointestinal ailments.
Swallowtail (obtained from cotton wool)
The nectar is collected from the inflorescences of the valuable honey plant – the syrian vatnik (among the people of the “swallow”). It is a light variety with a delicate aromatic smell and the same taste.
It is capable of thickening in the combs even in very hot weather, which makes it difficult to pump out of the combs. Not suitable for wintering bee colonies.
In folk medicine, the product is recommended as a means to normalize sleep and fight insomnia.
Read: Syrian cotton wool
Alfalfa
The nectar is collected by flying bees from lilac-violet inflorescences of sowing alfalfa. When pumped out, it can have different shades – from almost colorless to rich amber (due to the admixture of other types of nectar). The taste is specific, the aroma is pleasant herbaceous. The crystallization process is accompanied by a color change to white and a consistency – to the state of heavy cream.
Recommended:
- for general strengthening of the body;
- for the normalization of the intestines and stomach, as well as for various dysfunctions of the digestive system.
Read: Alfalfa as a honey plant
Carrot
A rather rare variety obtained from the nectar of cultivated carrot varieties. The product has a pleasant carrot flavor. Dark yellow in shade.
In folk clinics, it is recommended for eye diseases.
Mint
The nectar is obtained from a spicy perennial – peppermint, cultivated for food and medicinal purposes. A pumped-out bee product of amber hue, with a strong characteristic aroma. In the process of crystallization, it becomes light yellow, fine-grained in structure. Contains a lot of vitamin C.
Areas of use:
- antiseptic;
- pain reliever;
- sedative;
- choleretic;
- anti-inflammatory agent used for various diseases of the digestive system.
Melissa
This variety is obtained from lemon mint (lemon balm). The bee product has an amber hue, a pleasant specific aroma and a characteristic spicy aftertaste.
It applies to:
- as a sedative for neuroses;
- as well as for diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
Crimson
The variety is obtained from wild species of raspberries growing in forest clearings, as well as cultivated plantations with garden varieties of this shrub. These are powerful summer honey plants that bloom at the same time as other plants. But at the same time, crimson flowers attract bees more due to the abundance of nectar and a convenient structure – the drooping form serves as a kind of shelter for insects during the rain, and the nectar goes down by gravity. In some regions, for example in the Jewish Autonomy, raspberry bushes provide the main summer bribe.
When pumping out, the bee product is light, with a pleasant aroma and wonderful taste – it seems to melt in your mouth.
Main applications:
- general strengthening of the body;
- fighting colds;
- elimination of vitamin deficiency;
- kidney treatment.
Read: Raspberry as a honey plant
Dandelion
This type of honey can be obtained in monofloral form only in areas of mass growth of medicinal dandelion. This weed willingly floods meadows, areas in and near apiaries, and inconvenient lands. When pumping out, the bee product is viscous and thick, golden-yellow in color, with a sharp rich taste and a strong dandelion smell. Differs in fast crystallization.
It is used to treat:
- liver;
- eliminate anemia;
- improve appetite.
Read: Dandelion as a honey plant
Sunflower
This is the main bee product for the southern Ukrainian regions with good nutritional properties. In the liquid state, it has a light golden hue, while crystallizing it is bright yellow. The taste is rich, sweet. The aroma is weak. Sugar quickly enough, acquiring a coarse crystalline consistency. It is not suitable for wintering bee colonies.
The product has bactericidal properties. With his help:
- treat colds, including sore throat;
- strengthen immunity.
Read: Sunflower as a honey plant
Orange
The variety is obtained from the inflorescences of citrus plants: oranges, lemons, tangerines. This is one of the high quality and rare varieties of bee products, characterized by a rich vitamin composition. The taste and smell of honey is refined, with a citrus note. Light amber color, transparent.
It is possible to obtain a bee product in commercial volumes only near citrus plantations – on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus, which is the northernmost region of orange cultivation, or in Central Asia. The main orange honey collection is in the subtropics, partly in the tropics.
The product is used to replenish the lack of vitamins in the body.
Motherwort
This type of honey is obtained from thickets of weeds, which grow in abundance on wastelands and inconvenient lands. The bee product, when pumped out of the honeycomb, has a straw (light golden) hue, a light aroma and a specific herbaceous aftertaste.
Recommended:
- with diseases of the heart, blood vessels;
- with disorders of the nervous system.
Read: Motherwort
Rowan
The nectar is collected from different types of mountain ash (common, elder-leaved, Siberian species). The product is reddish in color, with a strong mountain ash aroma and good taste. When sugared, large crystals are formed, the hue is preserved.
It is believed that such honey has:
- choleretic effect;
- regulates blood cholesterol levels;
- has a laxative effect for constipation;
- treats diseased kidneys.
In a mixture with boiled rowan berries, it is used internally for hemorrhoids.
Bruised
This type of honey is obtained from the bright blue flowers of blush (bruise) – a weed that is widespread in the southern regions. The product belongs to the first grade, it is distinguished by a light amber shade, thick consistency, good taste and pleasant aroma. Thickening is slow.
Main application:
- fighting bad sleep;
- treatment of the respiratory system.
Read: Bruise as a honey plant
Pumpkin
The nectar is collected from large flowers of the melon culture. It is golden yellow in color, with pleasant taste characteristics. But at the same time it quickly crystallizes. Pumpkin honey can be obtained exclusively in regions where this crop is grown in vast agricultural areas.
The bee product is used to treat the organs of the digestive system.
Bilberry
This variety is obtained from the flowers of a well-known subshrub in the middle lane – blueberry. The pumped out bee product is light, with a slightly reddish tint. It has a pleasant smell.
According to folk medicine, it possesses:
- anti-rotting characteristics;
- has a diuretic and choleretic effect;
- relieves inflammation.
It is used mainly for kidney diseases. And the infusion of blueberry leaves can lower blood sugar levels.
Sage
Gathering bees make this product from nectar harvested from different types of sage. They are all excellent melliferous plants. In particular, pharmaceutical sage is bred in the Kuban regions, as well as in Ukraine to obtain medicinal raw materials. The bee product pumped out of the honeycomb is light amber, with a refined aroma and the most delicate taste.
The main area of medical application is the fight against various inflammatory processes.
Read: Sage as a honey plant
Finally. Theoretically, as many honey plants exist in nature, as many varieties of honey can be obtained in apiaries. However, very few purely monofloral varieties are produced in practice. We can only talk about the degree of predominance in the final product of one or another component.
