Rosh Hashanah Recipes
10 Amazing Facts About Honey: Health Benefits, Nutrition, and Delicious Recipes
Discover surprising facts about honey, from its health benefits and nutritional value to its role in Jewish tradition
- Naama Green
- | Updated
(Photo: shutterstock)Honey has always been considered a prized and valuable food. The manna eaten by the Israelites in the desert was described as tasting “like wafers made with honey.” Before sugar became widely available, honey was the primary sweetener and the ultimate symbol of sweetness. It is no surprise, then, that King David compared the words of the Torah to something “sweeter than honey and the honeycomb.”
As Rosh Hashanah approaches and we dip apples into honey while praying for a sweet new year, following are 10 fascinating facts about honey.
1. Honey Has Long Been Valued for Its Health Benefits
Traditional medicine and folk remedies have attributed healing properties to honey for centuries. Honey provides an immediate source of energy, may help soothe respiratory ailments, and supports liver and kidney function.
It contains minerals that contribute to red blood cell production, enzymes and acids that support digestion and metabolism, and natural antibacterial compounds that help prevent infections.
2. Israelis Consume Thousands of Tons of Honey Each Year
The average Israeli consumes approximately 600 grams of honey annually, with about 250 grams consumed during the Tishrei holiday season alone.
Total honey consumption in Israel reaches roughly 4,500 tons per year, of which approximately 3,500 tons are produced locally. Today, Israel has about 510 beekeepers caring for 110,000 beehives located throughout the country. Around 80,000 of these hives are used for pollination.
3. More Than 20 Varieties of Honey Are Available
There are over 20 different varieties of honey available today, including honey produced from avocado blossoms, sage, thistle, za’atar, onion flowers, and thyme.
4. Honey Contains Nutrients and Antioxidants
Honey is composed primarily of:
Water (22%)
Sugars (75%)
Small amounts of protein, minerals, and vitamins
Among its nutrients are iron, vitamin C, folic acid, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Honey also contains antioxidants that contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties.
However, processed honey sold in supermarkets may contain added sugar or syrup. It is important to read ingredient labels carefully before purchasing.
One hundred grams of honey contains approximately 300 calories. Even a single teaspoon contains about 20 calories. As with any sweetener, moderation is key. As the verse states, “If you find honey, eat only what you need.”
Individuals with diabetes should consult their healthcare provider before consuming honey, as it can raise blood sugar levels.
5. Honey Never Spoils
One of honey’s most remarkable qualities is its extraordinary shelf life. Pure honey can remain edible indefinitely when stored properly.
6. Honey Should Never Be Given to Babies Under One Year Old
Although honey is a natural product, it can contain spores of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. These spores can cause infant botulism, leading to weakness, muscle paralysis, and damage to the autonomic nervous system.
Because an infant’s immune and digestive systems are not yet fully developed, they cannot effectively fight off the bacteria. If a baby who has consumed honey shows signs of weakness, lethargy, or loss of appetite, immediate medical attention is required.
7. Honey May Help Relieve Coughs
Numerous studies published in 2014 found that honey can be an effective remedy for nighttime coughs in children over the age of one.
To help ease a cough, give between half a teaspoon and two tablespoons of honey before bedtime.
For whooping cough, traditional remedies suggest:
Mixing equal parts olive oil and honey and giving a child one teaspoon every hour.
For adults, mixing fresh horseradish juice with an equal amount of honey and drinking the mixture twice daily.
8. Honey Can Soothe Bee Stings
A traditional remedy for bee stings is to apply a small amount of honey directly to the affected area. It may help soothe irritation and promote healing.
9. Honey Has Been Used for Skin Care and Wound Healing
Honey has long been used as a natural treatment for minor skin issues.
It is often applied to minor burns that are not open wounds. Some people also use honey as a facial mask by applying a thin layer before bedtime and rinsing it off after about 30 minutes. This can leave the skin feeling smoother and cleaner.
10. Honey Is One of Nature’s Most Extraordinary Foods
From its nutritional benefits and remarkable shelf life to its central place in Jewish tradition and holiday celebrations, honey continues to be one of the most beloved foods in the world.
Whether drizzled over apples on Rosh Hashanah or used in delicious recipes throughout the year, honey remains a timeless symbol of sweetness, health, and abundance.
Honey Cake Recipe
Ingredients
1 cup liquid honey
1½ cups sugar
3 eggs
½ cup oil
50 grams soft butter or margarine
4¼ cups flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 packet baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup strong Earl Grey tea, cooled (made with 2 tea bags)
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
Instructions
Makes two loaf pans or one 26 cm (10-inch) round cake.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a mixing bowl, beat the honey, sugar, and eggs for about 2 minutes.
Add the oil and butter or margarine and mix for another 30 seconds.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon.
With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and the tea to the wet ingredients.
Mix until the batter is smooth and uniform.
Fold in the chopped pecans using a wooden spoon.
Pour the batter into the prepared pans.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Honey Apple Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
10 chicken drumsticks
1 jar honey garlic sauce
2 Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced into thin strips
Instructions
Wash the drumsticks thoroughly and place them in a baking dish.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes.
Remove the dish from the oven and take off the foil.
Scatter the apple slices over the chicken.
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken and mix well.
Return to the oven for another 30 minutes.
Serve with sweet potato mash or roasted potatoes.
