The extraordinary Sainfoin White Honey
Sainfoin, or holy hay, is a plant incomparable for the well-being of the animals graze upon it.
It is a plant long recognised for its attributes but abandoned by the whims of modernist agriculture seduced by cheap (as was) fertilisers and the purging of ancient knowledge by a younger generation. Fortunately, Sainfoin is experiencing a comeback as hay, pasture, silage plant, and a cover crop. And if you are looking for beauty, nothing beats Sainfoin with its candy-striped pink petals and graceful inflorescence.
What makes the white honey white?
White Sainfoin flowers produce pollen that is generally lighter in colour than other flowers.
The nectar of the Sainfoin flowers tends to crystallise very fast; that’s why the beekeepers spin it immediately after harvest with special equipment.
So, the reason for the light, almost white colour of the sainfoin honey is the pollen colour of the flowers and the spinning process after harvest. Rest assured that the spinning does not affect the fantastic qualities of this raw honey.
raw sainfoin honey benefits
Many legumes are excellent honey producers. You need only to think of a clover, sweet clover, alfalfa, black locust, and kudzu to realise the value of legumes to beekeepers. But the undervalued Sainfoin beats them all when it comes to nectar production. The perfect conditions for pure monofloral Sainfoin honey are in the rocky meadows of the Tian Shan Mountains in Kyrgyzstan, where we met our partner beekeepers. The white Sainfoin honey is collected by honey bees with impressive vitality, allowing them to survive in the environment at over 2,700 meters above sea level.
Botanical Name – Onobrychis viciifolia, also known as Holy Hay
Taste – it has an intensely floral flavour and aroma. Not overly sweet and very pleasant.
Colour – white and creamy with little foam on the surface.
Crystallisation –Sainfoin honey is known for its crystallised white creamy form with finely dispersed crystals. It can be compared to white chocolate mousse.
Best partnered – strawberries and strawberries! This is a “must try” combination. Sainfoin honey is perfect for cooking and baking healthy snacks and smoothies. The mousse-like consistency makes it ideal for toasts.
Health benefits:
- Good Antioxidant
Raw Sainfoin white honey contains antioxidants called flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Antioxidants help to protect your body from cell damage due to free radicals. Free radicals contribute to the ageing process. They may also increase your risk for chronic conditions like cancer and heart disease. Studies show that polyphenols in honey, particularly raw natural honey, may play a role in preventing heart diseases.
- It may help with fertility.
Honey can improve physical strength, strengthen the immune system, and treat infertility. It is because honey is rich in minerals and amino acids that are beneficial to the reproductive system and can assist the functioning of ovaries.
Easing Digestive Issues
Sainfoin honey has been used to treat digestive issues such as diarrhoea and ulcers. Taking 1 to 2 teaspoons of raw honey on an empty stomach soothes pain and helps heal.
- Good Source of Nutrients
Like other raw honey varieties, white honey is also rich in nutrients such as vitamins, enzymes and minerals. The sugars present in the honey serve as a good energy source. A spoonful of white honey will boost the body with nutrients and energy.
Skin Care and Wound Healing
Raw honey has been used throughout history to heal skin wounds. Today, you can also find it as an ingredient in beauty products.
Disease Prevention
The high antioxidant content of honey is shown to protect the body against multiple diseases, including heart disease. The antioxidants may also protect against cancer by reducing damage to the body’s cells.
Cold Relief
Especially when dealing with a sore throat, white honey can be a natural remedy to relieve the pain. Raw white honey can also act as a cough suppressant, even compared to over-the-counter cough medicine.
- Athletic Optimisation
During physical performance, especially endurance exercise, carbohydrate is the body’s primary energy source. Not only does honey contain 17 grams of carbohydrates per tablespoon, but offers slow-burning fructose. The slower release of fructose (compared to glucose) may sustain athletes throughout more prolonged periods of physical activity.
The extraordinary look and taste of Sainfoin honey are only a tiny part of its mind-blowing character. You won’t embrace this experience fully before you taste its delicacy. Are you ready for this rare opportunity?
