Kiwis Are Developing Taste for Lower Profile Honeys

Kiwis Are Developing Taste for Lower Profile Honeys

NZ Honeydew Enjoys Surge in Popularity Due To Taste and Health Benefits

According to Airborne Honey, the country’s oldest and most trusted honey brand, New Zealand Beech Honeydew is becoming increasingly sought after, both at home and internationally. Managing Director, Peter Bray predicts that this increase in popularity is likely to continue as the health and taste benefits become more widely understood.

“The growing popularity of Honeydew became clear at the 2013 Wellington Food Show last month. We gave more than 4,000 tastings and Honeydew was one of the clear favourites,” says Peter. “I think we’re going to see results like that more and more over the next few years, especially as the health benefits become increasingly well understood. In fact, we are so confident in the growing success of the New Zealand Honeydew market that we are currently collaborating on further research into the health benefits.”

Honeydew is one of the darker varieties of honey, produced by honeybees collecting nectar that is exuded from another insect such as an aphid or scale insect. It has had a relatively low profile in New Zealand until now but a series of clinical studies over recent years have given reason to believe that it could be the next hot health food.

“In a study at Lincoln University, New Zealand Beech Honeydew was found to have the highest levels of polyphenolics, one of the most significant classes of antioxidant compounds,” explains Peter. “Research has also revealed the presence of oligosaccharides (complex sugars) in greater levels than average flower honeys. It has been shown that these oligosaccharides are helpful in maintaining and promoting beneficial bacteria in the gut (probiotic bacteria), particularly after treatment with antibiotics. Honeydew also has very high levels of Glucose Oxidase activity giving a high degree of Hydrogen Peroxide antibacterial activity that often exceeds levels found in Manuka Honey.”

Peter has noticed a track upward in the number of people choosing Honeydew Honey and puts this down to increased awareness of the health benefits. He also points out that people like the rich, not overtly sweet flavour once they have tasted it.

“It’s such a versatile honey and has the benefit of being really good for you on top of that,” says Peter. “The deep, slightly malty flavour profile means it works well in marinades, roast dishes, stir-fries and other savoury meals, although plenty of people do like eating it on its own as well. Many health experts also recommend eating Honeydew Honey with yoghurt. The oligosaccharides in the honey provide food for the good bacteria in the yoghurt (acidophilus and bifidus), ensuring that the yoghurt delivers maximum health benefits.”

Further details on Airborne Honey and Honeydew can be found at www.airborne.co.nz.

About Airborne Honey
Airborne Honey is New Zealand’s oldest and most technically competent honey company. Behind each jar is 100 years of experience, plus 25 years of laboratory experience and a comparative database containing more than 30,000 records. Airborne Honey adheres closely to the principles of being Honest, Undamaged and Traceable. Specific numbers on Airborne Honey packaging relates to the honey’s actual pollen count, the HMF level, plus others, giving Airborne the ability to trace the honey right back to its source, as well as pinpointing any damage from processing and identifying its active ingredients. Airborne Honey has also patented a unique, breakthrough technology that almost entirely minimises heat damage to honey and delivers to the consumer the most natural and undamaged honey possible. www.airborne.co.nz

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