Since the dawn of time, the humble dandelion has been a nutritious source of food for humans. Not only that, but it's also known as a natural remedy for a whole variety of health conditions. Today, most people consider the dandelion a common weed, and one that gardeners have little patience for. Perhaps we should show a little more respect for this daisy plant, as the honey bee does in this video.
My Notes
A few generations ago, we humans used to make our own honey from these tough little plants. Actually, it wasn't a honey as such, but more of a homemade type of syrup. Even so, this human concoction still had some consistency, color and therapeutic benefits to match real honey. It's not something that anyone still does today, which is a shame.
Although we have forgotten how to nurture the dandelion, the bees have not. The end result of the bee's association with this wild daisy is dandelion honey. This is a food which is simply delicious to some and repulsive to others. It's almost impossible to find it as a single flower (monofloral) honey though. The problem is that the dandelion has to compete with other nectar producing plants that also grow at the height of the flowering season.
Here are a few of the characteristics of this delicious honey:
- Color: can be either an intense golden yellow or much darker amber as it crystallizes
- Taste: medium sweet and a slightly harsh and lingering aftertaste
- Texture: creamy, buttery
- Aroma: Similar to the flower but stronger
Further Reading of Interest
The results from a 2012 study suggest that Dandelion Root Extract (DRE) has great potential as a non-toxic and effective alternative to conventional modes of chemotherapy.
Pamela Ovadje, Caroline Hamm, Siyaram Pandey | Published: February 17, 2012 | DOI: 10.1371/journal
Summary
As a single varietal honey, dandelion is rare because of the competition from other flowering plants. It has a unique taste that people either love or loath. In can actually be revolting for some people. This is more likely to be with anyone who is unfamiliar with the mild sweetness and powerful, snappy taste of this unique food. The color ranges from an intense golden yellow to almost dark amber as it crystallizes. Once it's crystalized, dandelion honey becomes a mouthwateringly spreadable food with a nice creamy, buttery type texture.