The European Union is the second largest honey producer in the world, only behind China. This position is mainly due to the contribution of Spain, whose average is 33 thousand tons. However, consumption is stagnant. All this despite the fact that they recognize that it is a versatile food in the kitchen and with numerous health benefits.
Specifically, consumption in Spanish homes has not exceeded 18 thousand tons for more than a decade. All this except for the pandemic years when honey consumption grew by 10%. In this way, the consumption of honey in Spain does not reach 800 grams per inhabitant and year. Furthermore, consumers of honey in Spain they have an increasingly senior profile, from 50 years onwards. This is the profile of 72% of honey buyers. For their part, those under 35 only represent 5,5%. All this despite the fact that a regular consumption of honey can provide advantages in people with an active lifestyle.
Proposals to increase honey consumption
Honey is a food that helps our health. Contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells, reduces fatigue, regulates hormonal activity. It also helps the normal functioning of the immune system. These are some of the health benefits for active people offered by vitamin B-6, present in honey.
Regular consumption of honey can also provide energy. Honey is a natural source of carbohydrates, which contribute to the recovery of muscle function after performing physical and intense work.
The reasons for the stagnation are varied but the lack of time does not help the consumption of honey on a daily basis. Another factor is not knowing all the uses of honey. So here are some suggestions:
- Salad dressing: Prepare a dressing by combining honey, olive oil, lemon juice and mustard. Use it to dress salads and enjoy a sweet and tasty touch.
- Honey infusion: Add a teaspoon of honey to any type of infusion, such as green tea, herbal tea, or ginger tea. The honey will give it a sweet and natural taste.
- Yogurt with honey and fruits: Mix natural yogurt with honey and add fruits such as banana slices, strawberries or blueberries. It will be a healthy and delicious dessert.
- energy shakes: Add a tablespoon of honey to homemade smoothies. Combine fruits, vegetables, milk or yogurt, and sweeten with honey for a natural energy boost.
- honey glaze: Prepare a glaze for roasted meats or vegetables by mixing honey with spices such as ginger, cinnamon or cumin. Use to give a caramelized flavor.
- sugar substitute: Use honey as a substitute for sugar in baking recipes. Adjust the quantities and enjoy the healthiest desserts with their natural sweetness.
You can also find other proposals here
