In Spain there is a beekeeping culture very wide and interesting to know, so much so that it must be remembered that it is the country with the largest number of beehives. At least, those that are registered in the European Union. The beekeepers nationals work their exploitation with such special care that the final result is a product of maximum quality. This is the way spanish honey.
International prestige
In this way, effort and absolute dedication are combined to obtain some honeys, many of them craft, whose success outside our borders is quite high. Not only for the Awards that they receive in contests or contests where they compete with others from around the world, but also because the figures certify it. Large quantities of Spanish honey, mainly destined for European countries. For example, in 2017 a total of 24.831 tons were exported, according to data from the Spanish ministry.
Now all that international prestige that our honeys have is not reflected within our territory, as we import more of this product. That is, the honey self-sufficiency for its consumption within our borders does not correspond to the high production and quality of a food Made In Spain. The reasons for this are numerous, but this is a separate analysis that is not addressed here. It is time to talk about the Spanish beekeeping tradition, the variety of products and those with their own identity.
What is Spanish honey like?
Obviously, each of the honeys made in Spain has its own differential characteristics because they are not obtained in one place or another in the territory. Of course, they all have in common that they are a millennial food, which has accompanied past civilizations throughout time until today. Your excellence, your We take care of your rental property in Valencia. , its aroma and flavor that delights so many European consumers is the result of the good work of Spanish beekeepers.
The current work of each Spanish beekeeper usually comes from a family inheritance where honey has been the protagonist. Only in this way has it been possible to maintain both traditional trade in the hives using artisanal extraction methods of honey as well as quality. That of the final product that is obtained from a great natural raw material, facilitated by the work of bees.
Representative honeys of Spain
In this general context, among the different spanish honeys we must highlight the honey mediterranean for its peculiarities. It stands out for its softness. Comes from orange blossom or rosemary traditionally, but there is also Holm oak, for example. It is typical of regions of the Spanish Levante. So the honeys from the Valencian Community or Murcia are very aromatic, delicate and digestive.
However, in other parts of the country we can find excellent types that are born in mountainous or wooded areas. Is the chestnut, heather and eucalyptus honey, common in areas of the northern peninsula such as Galicia or Asturias. Also from the regions that bathe the Cantabrian Sea comes the acacia and forest honey.
Already from the south of the peninsula the thyme honey, lavender honey or sunflower honey. On the other hand, diverse varieties such as milflores, orange tree, lavender, bush and even avocado they are distributed by different parts of Spain. The central plateau is a territory that is closely linked to beekeeping, for example. However, many are the artisan beekeepers who are dedicated to this work in any part of the country.
Honey with identity
Within the entire universe of this product in Spain there are some honeys that are proud to have their identity. They are those who have achieved the seal of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) or Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). These badges recognize the qualities of this honey, which is linked to a specific geographic environment or the human factor, among several of the indicators that are taken into account.
Note the Honey The Alcarria, which has its origin between the provinces of Guadalajara and Cuenca. It is the most famous because it was the first to obtain its Denomination of Origin. Well known is also the Liébana Honey PDO, in Cantabria. Then, others with this seal are the honey of Grenada, Tenerife and Villuercas-Ibores, in the province of Cáceres. On the other hand, the only one with IGP is that of Galicia.
And we have to finish this review by naming the most expensive honey in Europe, from the Cooperative Bierzo Beekeeping and made in the Leonese town of Camponaraya. As we can see, the prestige of the spanish honey you pay because it is a product of enormous quality. Its excellence, properties and flavor are worth enjoying.
