In the 21st century, avocado’s popularity has skyrocketed, and the once local Californian crop has become a must-have food staple around the world. But the avocado can provide more than just guacamole and oil. In this post, we’ll take a look at what avocado honey is, as well as its astonishing health benefits.
What Is Avocado Honey
Avocado honey is a rich, buttery, molasses-like honey known for its dark color. The honey comes from avocado trees, predominately found throughout Mexico, Central America, Australia, and California.
Honey bees gather the nectar from the fruiting avocado blossoms and use it to make their beloved honey. However, it can be challenging to find avocado honey anywhere other than its natural regions.
And even then, despite thousands of blossoms on each tree, only a small amount of honey is produced each year. The reason? Honey bees dislike the taste of avocado nectar.
Read our blog What Is Tupelo Honey: What It’s Made From, Health Benefits & More and discover the exceptional world of tupelo honey that can transform your well-being.
The Problem With Avocado Honey
An Israeli study from 1997 found that mature honey bees aren’t very attracted to avocado blossoms.
While young bees typically don’t discriminate against it, adult honey bees are much more interested in wildflowers and citrus plants such as orange blossoms.
One likely explanation for this is that avocado nectar is rich in phosphorus and magnesium, minerals that deter bees.
The same study also found that its low attractiveness limited pollination to only 5% one season. So, to guarantee pollination, avocado trees have developed a self-pollinating system in which the flowers contain both male and female parts.
There are two types of avocado trees, type A and B. The A trees will have their flowers open in the mornings as females. The buds then close for two afternoons until reopening as pollen-producing males.
And the type B trees open as females in the first afternoon and then reopen as males the following morning.
Avocado Honey Benefits
Like all other honey types, avocado honey offers various health benefits from its vitamins and minerals to its immune-boosting properties.
High Mineral Content
One significant health benefit of avocado honey is its rich mineral content. A 2005 study examining avocado honey’s mineral contents found that each sample had twenty-four minerals, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and iron.
Due to its high mineral content, avocado honey may be a powerful aid against anemia.
Source Of Polyphenols
It’s often said that the darker the honey, the more antioxidants. Avocado blossom honey’s bold amber-hue thus makes it a rich source of antioxidants like polyphenols.
Polyphenols are a natural antioxidant found in plant foods that can neutralize damaging free radicals—protecting your cells from damage and diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
This antioxidant blend may also support the immune system, help treat neurological diseases, and aid in better digestion.
Benefits Digestion
Compared to most other kinds of honey, avocado honey is naturally higher in fiber. It also contains several digestive enzymes (such as diastase and invertase) that help breakdown food and support healthy digestion. Overall, it’s an excellent honey for your digestive system.
Natural Allergy Relief
If you live locally to where avocado trees grow, eating avocado blossom honey could be beneficial in lessening the effects of seasonal allergies.
The trace amounts of pollen within the honey could aid in your body’s immune response and provide relief for those with seasonal pollen allergies.
Avocado honey also soothes the throat, which may relieve symptoms such as soreness and coughing.
Antibacterial & Antimicrobial
Avocado honey contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, making it an excellent natural remedy for cuts, burns, and minor wounds. As well as internal inflammations.
It makes an especially luxurious ingredient to use in homemade face masks. According to one scientific review, honey has an inhibitory effect on 60 species of bacteria, including some fungi.
Avocado honey also contains peptides, vitamin E, and ascorbic acid—all of which provide skincare benefits.
So, Is Avocado Honey Good For You?
Avocado honey benefits your digestive system and immune system, it heals your skin, cuts, allergies, and more! It’s a tasty treat, especially if you like honey, and only has 64 calories per tablespoon.
So, are you going to try it? Let us know in the comments below! And if you’re looking for another interesting honey, check out our article about fireweed honey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is avocado honey suitable for vegans?
Avocado honey is not considered suitable for vegans. It’s a type of honey that is collected by bees from the nectar of avocado blossoms. Since honey, including avocado honey, is a bee-derived product, it falls under the category of animal-derived products. Vegans typically avoid all animal-derived products, including honey, due to ethical and environmental reasons.
Can avocado honey replace regular honey in recipes?
Yes, avocado honey can serve as a viable replacement for regular honey in various recipes. While both types of honey share the common characteristic of being natural sweeteners, avocado honey offers a unique flavour profile due to its origin from avocado blossoms. This distinct taste can add an interesting twist to recipes while providing the sweetness that honey is known for.
Does avocado honey taste like avocados?
Avocado honey does have a flavour profile that carries subtle hints of avocados, but it’s not an overpowering avocado taste. The combination of nectar from avocado blossoms and the bees’ enzymatic processes results in a honey that has a complex and layered flavour. While you might detect faint avocado undertones, the taste is a blend of various floral notes, making it a unique and enjoyable addition to culinary creations.
Are there any potential allergic reactions to avocado honey?
As with any bee-derived product, there is a potential for allergic reactions to avocado honey, especially among individuals who are allergic to bee stings or other bee-related products. It’s important to exercise caution if you have a history of bee allergies. Allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms like itching and hives to more severe reactions that might require immediate medical attention. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before introducing avocado honey into your diet or skincare routine, especially if you have known allergies.
Where can I purchase authentic avocado honey?
Authentic avocado honey can be found in a variety of places. Health food stores, specialty grocery stores, and organic markets often carry a selection of unique honey varieties, including avocado honey. Additionally, you can explore online retailers that specialize in natural and organic products. When purchasing avocado honey, it’s important to buy from reputable sources to ensure that you’re getting a genuine and high-quality product. Reading reviews and checking for certifications can help you make an informed choice.
