La Alcarria honey it is possibly the best known in Spain. The floral variety own of this bioregion Manchega is the one who manages to create the paradise of Winnie the Pooh. In this article we review the characteristics that make this honey so delicious. We will also comment on the success of nectarius, best lavender honey in the world. All this without leaving aside the peligro that bees run today.
Where does La Alcarria honey come from?
It is a bioregion or region divided between Guadalajara y Cuenca. Its main characteristic is the variety of wild aromatic plants found in it. This is where the exquisite aroma of the honeys made in the area comes from. Some of them are well known: rosemary, lavender, thyme y lavender essence .
The geography of these 8.819 sq km it's key. The orography characterized by we stopped, mountains y valleys at an altitude between six hundred y one thousand one hundred meters. The climate of the place is continentalized mediterranean, so characteristic of the interior of the Iberian Peninsula.
How is this honey?
La Alcarria honey comes only from floral nectar and its consistency it varies. We can find it fluid, viscous or crystallized. In fact, the crystallization it is a physical change that ensures the authenticity of the product. In the case of this honey, the crystallization is fine, creamy and smooth.
To pack the honey from La Alcarria temperatures that exceed forty-five grades. Thus it preserves all its properties and avoids pasteurization. This would alter the properties and aromas of the product.
Generally speaking of three types, according to the floral origin:
- Rosemary monofloral honey
- Monofloral lavender honey
- Multifloral honey (made with different kinds of flower)
Recognition and success stories
La honey from La Alcarria it is not just any. It was the first one Designation of Origin of honey recognized by the European Union. This was created in 1992. Adhere to it 28 companies of the 280 municipalities where this special honey is produced. In fact, the best lavender honey in the world comes from this region.
The Cuenca town of Cifuentes is the one that has seen the birth of nectarius. The awards Great taste from London awarded it the honor of being the best lavender honey of 2019. The valuation process is very rigorous, as it lasts 75 days. In addition, more than 500 judges at. They are all recognized personalities in the world of gastronomy (chefs, restaurateurs, critics, journalists ...).
About us Alcarria Essential Nature is next to Alto Tajo Natural Park. Javier Marigil he is the entrepreneur without whom achievement would not have been possible. The recognition has taken him by surprise because he only takes five years dedicating himself to beekeeping. You have always felt confident that your "Alcarreña land and its bees would be capable of the best". He is very grateful for the award.
Define nectarius like a author honey. This rescues the flavor that he remembers from his childhood (he is 59 years old). He also emphasizes that he makes use of the techniques of his ancestors with the quality guarantees y traceability current. To make your lavender honey, you carefully select the blooms and control the extraction times.
Bees are in danger
It is worth remembering the worrying decline in the populations of this insect around the globe. The main reasons for this are the massive use of pesticides and climate change. This is serious because of the risk it poses to other species, including humans. Greenpeace has carried out an analysis of the situation.
The organization ensures that the 75% of the food we eat depends on the pollination. He also estimates in 2 million euros pollinating activity in Spanish agriculture. The most alarming thing about its statistic is that it figures the decline of European populations. It is estimated that a 37% of them are at risk.
Not everything is lost. More and more initiatives seek to change this reality. If agriculture is the main problem, it is also the main solution. Ideas like vegetation cover in vineyards protect crops from pests while preserving biodiversity. The main challenge will be to increase the productivity of organic farming. Thanks to alternatives like this we can continue to enjoy the excellent Alcarria honey.
