Grandma’s remedy: hot milk, honey and… grappa!
Origin
Honey is a sugary substance produced by worker bees that take the nectar or honeydew from plants and transform it. It has been considered food by men since its origins: the first proof is documented near Valencia, and is a cave painting that is 10,000 years old, but Egyptians were the first to breed bees. Through centuries this product has been used in the kitchen but also in cosmetics and medicine. It fascinated populations with its aroma and unique consistency, so much that Greeks defined it as “gods’ food”. Honey has we know it, refined and pollen and particulate free, was introduced in the last few centuries. But there is more: during the 70’s people started to categorize honey according to its botanical origins.
Cook It
Honey can be multi or single flower. Of the latter, just in Italy there are 50 varieties that differ in properties, taste and aspect. For example, chestnut honey is almost liquid, amber, has a bitter taste and a prickly smell while rosemary honey crystalizes quickly, is very clear and has a delicate aroma. Honey can be used to substitute sugar, even for baking purposes: it gives softness, preserves humidity and prevents dessert from crumbling. Essential for baklava, a typical Turkish delight, it’s also present in torrone. It is an ingredient full of surprises… ever tried it with chicken and balsamic vinegar? Surely you’ve tried a drop of it with gorgonzola or lard. A gem? Try melitites, a drink made with wine and honey that makes men fall in love with it since Romans’ times.
Did You Know That?
Besides common beliefs, honey has more calories and carbohydrates than sugar but its sweetening power is higher so it can be used in lesser quantities. Moreover, it is full of vitamins, minerals and natural antibiotics. Honey has properties that sugar doesn’t have. It is a very popular sedative for cough and many people believe that it enhances mental efficiency. A very famous nutritionist made honey the protagonist of a namesake diet, convinced that honey helps the organism burn fats and reduces the desire for sweet food. Seeing is believing!
