Honey, the gift of the gods according to the ancient Greeks. Honey and the bee were protagonists in mythology. The god Apollo owed his dazzling beauty to the honey and ambrosia he fed on. Apollo's son, Aristaeus, who was made with the nymph Cyrene, became immortal because he was fed with honey nectar and ambrosia. Moreover, he was the first ancient figure who dealt with honey and beekeeping, hence he became the protector of honey.

Hippocrates used honey for the treatment of many diseases, while Aristotle believed that honey prolongs life. A symbol of fertility, happiness, and well-being.

The process of making honey is as follows: After bees collect nectar from the plant, it goes through a special process in their bodies and their secretions from the prolobus transform it into honey, which they deposit in the cells (frames) of the honeycomb inside their beehive. There, they dehydrate it by reducing its moisture to as low as 18%. Once it has matured, they seal it with wax so it can be preserved.

Then it's time to collect the honey, which is done when the moisture level is between 14%-18%. If the moisture is higher than 18%, our honey is at serious risk of spoiling.

Pure honey, not adulterated, can be simply identified in the following way: In a glass of water, drop a spoonful of honey. Without stirring it, pure honey will sit at the bottom of the glass unchanged. If it contains syrup, we will slowly see it dissolve on its own.

When honey crystallizes, it doesn't mean it's adulterated as some think, nor if it is thick. Crystallized honey is due to its glucose content from the composition of the honey, as we will see below in the types of honey. The safest way is to slowly bring it back in a bain-marie but not exceeding 35o -40o degrees (that's also why it's not good to put honey in hot beverages. The correct way is to let the temperature of the drink drop so as not to lose the beneficial ingredients of the honey. If we add honey directly into hot water, all we achieve is to sweeten our drink) or on top of a radiator. Never in the sun because it will destroy its beneficial ingredients.

Honey is properly preserved in a shady and cool place. An open jar for a long time spoils because it absorbs the humidity of the air and changes its antibacterial properties. It is therefore good to use it within a short period after opening it to have all its nutritional ingredients. And let's not forget that honey has been found in tombs and shipwrecks that date back thousands of years before. And this is due to its airtight sealing.

There are monofloral honeys, which we get the nutritional properties from a single plant that the bee has collected from. However, it's a bit difficult to do this, but not impossible.

In Greece, more and more beekeepers are trying to produce organic honey. The honey that has not used any chemical formulation inside and outside the beehive. This is quite difficult because we cannot have full control of where the bee goes, which areas it is in (polluting up to 4 kilometers, etc.), what plants it has gone to, if they are sprayed, even if the beehive has been painted.

Pure, unadulterated honey can be obtained from producers, taking care to know the honey we will buy, first by its color and smell, verifying its reliability with a taste test.

Let's take a look at some types of honey:

Acacia Honey

Acacia honey is light and almost transparent in color. It has beneficial properties for cleansing the liver, calming the nervous system, thus aiding in combating insomnia, stress, and anxiety. It helps with respiratory system diseases and intestinal function. It is considered one of the therapeutic honeys and can be consumed in small quantities by diabetics. It is recommended for children and the elderly.

Flower Honey

Flower honey has the sweetest taste among all honeys. It is light-colored and has a smooth taste. It crystallizes relatively quickly due to its high glucose content. The crystallization of honey is natural, and it does not affect the honey's nutritional and biological value. A crystallized honey is neither adulterated nor spoiled. We can return it to a liquid state by gently warming it in a bain-marie.

Heather Honey

Heather honey is considered one of the rare honeys because bees find it difficult to penetrate the narrow calyx of the heather flower to collect the nectar. Thus, in their effort to collect the nectar, they become exhausted and weakened. Heather honey is primarily produced in Epirus, Greece, because heather grows in rocky and stony soils. Hence, in addition to the difficulties of the bees, the quantity is also challenging as it is not produced every year. It has a yellowish, thick consistency with a strong and distinctive taste. It strengthens the body, revitalizes, and combats the feeling of physical fatigue.

Fir Honey

Fir honey is one of the most widespread honeys produced in our country. It is produced in areas like Mount Olympus, Evritania, Pertouli, Taygetos, and in many other regions of Greece. The fir is considered the most important honey-producing plant in Greece. It is the honey that the elderly prefer due to its low sugar content. It crystallizes slowly because of its low glucose content. It is considered a honey of high nutritional value due to the large number of different substances in its composition. Rich in minerals (magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, etc.), it helps with cough and uric acid arthritis. It is also an excellent remedy for throat conditions. It reduces ulcer problems, aids in constipation, and is recommended for people with diabetes, athletes, and children.

Orange Blossom Honey

Orange blossom is a significant source of nectar. A rare honey, it is particularly aromatic, providing an intense and wonderful fragrance. Its taste is especially sweet, making it more popular among children. Thus, it crystallizes very quickly and is recommended to be consumed within a short period. It is a source of energy for the human body, with carbohydrates in the form of glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Contains minerals and trace elements. Calcium, potassium, copper, antioxidants, has precious antibacterial, anti-aging, and anti-cancer properties. It helps the immune system and combats pathogenic microorganisms, providing protection against oxidative damage to the DNA molecules of cells.

Pine Honey

The pine is considered the most significant honey-producing plant in Greece. Major productions of pine honey are in Northern Evia, Halkidiki, Thasos, Skopelos, Zakynthos, and Rhodes. Pine honey accounts for 65% of the total honey production in Greece. It is the honey preferred by the elderly due to its low sugar content. It crystallizes slowly due to its low glucose content. It is considered a honey of high nutritional value because it contains a large number of different substances. Rich in minerals, it helps with coughs and uric acid arthritis. It also makes an excellent remedy for throat conditions. It lowers cholesterol, aids the urinary and digestive systems, and is recommended for people with diabetes, athletes, and children.

Sunflower Honey

Sunflower honey is readily produced as sunflowers abundantly provide nectar during the summer months. However, during the nectar collection in summer, the collector bees become exhausted and suffer from melanization. They lose their hair and become black. For this reason, beekeepers do not allow sunflowers near their beehives for extended periods. In Greece, it's mainly produced in Northern Greece, Macedonia, Thrace, and Evros. The honey from sunflowers is golden-yellow with a full taste, fluid, and one of the most common honeys available in commerce.

Thyme Honey

One of the highest quality honeys produced in our country. It falls under floral honeys but is a special category due to its intense aromas and flavor characteristics. It is the most commonly preferred honey by consumers. The production of thyme honey accounts for about 10% of Greece's total honey production. The main areas of thyme honey production in Greece are the islands, especially Crete and Kythira.

Its flavor is strong, and in some cases, due to high fructose content, it leaves a slight burning sensation in the mouth. It is intensely aromatic honey, with an amber color, though it varies by region (orange in Crete, lighter in Attica and the Cyclades).

It has tonic and antiseptic properties, rich in phosphorus, magnesium, and iron.

Recommended for children and is the number one choice during periods of colds and viruses.

Chestnut Honey

Produced from the honeydew secretions of the chestnut tree. It is produced in the mountainous regions of Greece and is mainly collected in the Mount Athos peninsula and is limited in production. The taste of chestnut honey is very intense and slightly bitter. The color ranges from light to dark brown, and due to its low sugar content, it crystallizes after 1-2 years. It has significant antibacterial activity against various microorganisms, such as staphylococcus, enterococcus, helicobacter pylori, and candida species. It also has a high antibacterial activity such that in some areas it is used to cover chronic wounds, burns, and skin ulcers. It boosts mental clarity, helps with pregnancy and venous insufficiency.

Rich in minerals, it is recommended for the elderly and babies, for athletes, and for those with prostate issues and diabetes.

Orange Blossom Honey

Orange blossom is an important source of nectar. It is a rare honey, highly aromatic with an intense and lovely scent. The taste is exceptionally sweet, making it more favored by children. Thus, it crystallizes very quickly and is recommended for consumption within a short time span. It is a source of energy for the human body, with carbohydrates in the form of glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Contains minerals and trace elements. It has valuable antibacterial, anti-aging, and anti-cancer properties. It aids the immune system and the fight against pathogenic microorganisms, offering protection from oxidative damage to the DNA molecules in cells.

arbutus honey

The arbutus tree is considered the most significant apicultural plant in Greece. Major production areas of pine honey include Northern Evia, Halkidiki, Thasos, Skopelos, Zakynthos, and Rhodes. Pine honey constitutes 65% of the total honey production in Greece. It's the honey preferred by the elderly due to its low sugar content. It crystallizes slowly because of its low glucose content. Considered high in nutritional value, it's rich in minerals and helps with coughs and uric acid arthritis. Also, it's an excellent remedy for throat conditions, reduces ulcer issues, aids constipation, and is recommended for people with diabetes, athletes, and children.

From antiquity to modern times, herbs have been an integral part of human life, playing a dual role in nutrition and medicine. Their therapeutic properties have been recognized for millennia, with their use evident across many cultural traditions around the world.

Nutritional Value and Culinary Use

In cooking, herbs add flavor, aroma, and color to many dishes. Chefs and cooks use them to enhance the taste of food while simultaneously enriching the diet with significant nutrients. Whether fresh or dried, herbs such as rosemary, oregano, thyme, and mint are essential ingredients in cuisines worldwide.

Medicinal Properties

On the other hand, traditional medicine uses herbs for the treatment and prevention of various diseases. Herbs like chamomile, lemongrass, and echinacea are renowned for their anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and immunostimulatory properties. Modern research examines the scientific basis behind these traditional uses, often confirming their value through the discovery of active ingredients with significant medicinal actions.

Ecological and Economic Importance

Beyond their dietary and medicinal uses, herbs also have significant ecological and economic value. They are an important resource for biodiversity and provide significant ecosystem benefits. Moreover, the cultivation and trade of herbs can contribute to local and national economies while supporting traditional agricultural communities.

Sustainable Use and Cultivation

Sustainable cultivation and use of herbs are crucial. While overexploitation and illegal collection threaten some species, sustainable practices can ensure their preservation for future generations. Organic farming, environmentally responsible wild collection, and sustainability certifications are steps in the right direction.

Traditional Knowledge and Modern Applications

Today, modern applications of traditional herbal knowledge are more important than ever. Integrating traditional botanical knowledge into contemporary medical practice and pharmaceutical research opens new horizons for the discovery of innovative treatments. Ethnobotany, a field that studies the relationship between people and plants, is vital for preserving the knowledge surrounding herbs and their uses.

Herbs in Modern Life

In the modern world, herbs are not only elements of traditional cuisine or pharmacopeia but are also key ingredients in products such as cosmetics, aromatherapy, and homemade cleaners. The popularity of herbs in ecological and organic farming reflects a broader shift towards more natural and environmentally responsible living habits.

Challenges and Future

The challenges the world faces in the use of herbs include overharvesting, habitat loss, and the need for stricter regulations and education regarding their safe use. Bioavailability, interactions with pharmaceutical products, and the standardization of extracts are areas where further research is needed.

The future of herbs looks promising, as ongoing research and technological progress open new possibilities for the development and utilization of plant resources. Biotechnology, for example, allows for the optimization of active ingredient production and the creation of new plant-based drugs. Additionally, revising and reinforcing traditional knowledge through scientific validation provides a framework for the sustainable use of herbs.

The integration of herbs into everyday life in a way that respects the environment and the communities dependent on them enhances their recognition. With proper management and responsible use, herbs will continue to offer their valuable gifts to health, well-being, and gastronomy for coming generations.

Skiathos is one of the most popular islands in Greece, located in the northern Aegean Sea. With stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking landscapes, Skiathos is a paradise for visitors.

The island is known for the beautiful Koukounaries Beach, with its turquoise waters and white sand. But Skiathos also boasts many other amazing beaches, such as the beaches of Lalaria and Elia, which are ideal for swimming and water sports.

The center of Skiathos town, with its traditional architecture of white Cycladic buildings and narrow streets, is also a popular tourist area. Visitors can enjoy traditional Greek food and drinks in taverns and bars, while also discovering the history and culture of the island in the many museums and landmarks.

The island of Skiathos has a rich history and cultural heritage, as it has been inhabited since ancient times. Visitors can visit the medieval castle near the village of Kastro, the church of Agios Nikolaos, and the Photography Museum, where they can see photographs from Skiathos' past.

In addition to its beaches and landmarks, Skiathos is also known for its nightlife. Bars and clubs in Skiathos town and other areas of the island attract young visitors from all over the world.

Basil It belongs to the mint family. The word 'basil' comes from the Greek word 'basileus,' which means king, with a direct connection to Orthodoxy. It is associated with the raising of the holy cross during the Feast of Epiphany when the priest sprinkles the faithful with holy water and basil, and it is considered a sacred plant that helped Saint Helen discover the True Cross through its fragrance. Our folklore has a saying that wherever basil grows, evil does not prevail.

Basil is a strong insect-repellent herb with a distinctive aroma and flavor. It is cultivated in gardens and pots. It blooms from spring to summer. It is sensitive to cold, although there are varieties that can withstand winter conditions.

We love to use it in cooking and add it to sauces, grilled dishes, salads, especially those with tomatoes, beverages, confectionery, as well as aperitifs and drinks.

Basil tea helps alleviate migraines, nausea, stomach irritations, and abdominal cramps. It improves memory, relieves constipation, colitis, and has antiseptic properties. It also promotes sweating.

As an essential oil, it relieves coughs, colds, depression, and fatigue, combats stress and fatigue, anxiety, mental exhaustion, and aids in concentration.

You can protect your clothes in the wardrobe by placing sachets with a mixture of basil and lavender for freshness.

Dill (Anethum graveolens) is a perennial plant belonging to the Umbelliferae family. It is widely known for its strong aromatic fragrance and its use in cooking and herbal medicine.

Dill has slender, light green leaves and small yellow flowers that cluster in umbels. The plant can reach a height of about 60-90 centimeters. Dill is primarily found in Mediterranean and Eastern regions, but it is also cultivated in other parts of the world.

In cooking, dill is often used to add flavor and aroma to various dishes. Fresh leaves are used in salads, sauces, eggs, fish, and seafood, while the seeds and dried fruits are used in the preparation of biscuits, bread, and sausages. Dill is commonly paired with fish soups, cheese salads, grilled meats, and potatoes.

As a medicinal herb, dill has many beneficial properties. It is traditionally used to relieve digestive problems such as indigestion, flatulence, and colic. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help alleviate inflammations of the throat and bronchial tubes.

Moreover, dill has soothing properties and can help reduce anxiety and nervousness. The essential oil of dill is also used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and well-being.

Lastly, dill has some medical applications. The infusion made from its leaves can be used to treat colic in infants and digestive disorders in children. Furthermore, persistent use of dill as a tea can help improve digestion and aid in recovery after gastroenteritis or other digestive disorders.

It is important to note that, like any herbal product, caution should be exercised, and it is advisable to consult a specialist before using dill for therapeutic purposes. There may be contraindications or interactions with medications or other products.

In summary, dill is an aromatic herb with multiple uses. It is widely used in cooking to add flavor and aroma to various dishes. It also has medicinal properties and can help relieve digestive problems, manage anxiety and nervousness, and promote relaxation and well-being. It is important to consult a specialist before using dill for any therapeutic purpose.