Blackberry Honey is extracted from the nectars of flowering blackberry bushes mostly scattered around the US from Alaska to California. To harvest Blackberry Honey, bees must collect the nectar weeks before the berries ripen.
It is the only naturally derived honey in the world and is considered a gourmet delicacy. Blackberry Honey an ultimate superfood as it is concentrated in nutrients and minerals and has the best high oxygen radical absorbance.
Blackberry Honey Trivia
Bees are not fond of strawberries, so it’s unlikely that you’ll find strawberry honey. If there is one, then it’s probably honey mixed with strawberry puree or extract.
Blackberry Honey is widely available gourmet honey. Oregon and the Washington State are America’s major producers of Blackberry Honey.
Owing all its natural flavors and nutrients to the Blackberry Bush, the rich concoction of antioxidants in the Blackberry Honey prevent heart diseases, cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and other gut diseases.
Blackberry Honey Buying Guide
When buying Blackberry Honey, look for products that are locally-sourced from small producers. You must also learn how to distinguish fake honey from real honey. For instance, real honey should not be sticky. Thick and sticky honey results from the addition of artificial sweeteners and preservatives.
In terms of texture, real honey is not runny while fake honey is too liquidy and spills easily. Smelling honey is an effective way of distinguishing the fake from the real ones. Fake honey smells sour while natural honey smells earthy and floral.
Blackberry Honey Production & Farming in Texas
Production & Farming in Texas
Blackberries thrive in the Texan landscape due to its dry soil and suitable weather. Texas can grow may different types of blackberries including the Thorny and Thornless varieties:
Thorny varieties include Brazons – developed by Texas A&M in 1950; Kiowa – the top-performing variety in Texas; and Rosborough – the best variety for South Central Texas.
Thornless varieties including Apache – vigorous plants with large, sweet berries; Aparaho – medium-sized bush resistant to orange rust; Natchez – large fruit with promising variety; Ouachita – mid-season variety with heavy yields; and Triple Crown – free-standing fruit with large sweet berries.
Texas continuously faces challenges to climate change and extreme weather. In recent years, there has been a sharp decline of wild bee populations that are threatening its ecosystem.
Different from honeybees, native Texan Bees are solitary creatures staying at their nest guarded by a single female.
Preservatives and Chemicals
Most of the preservatives and chemicals in artificial, Blackberry Honey is mixed to mimic the natural color and flavor of Blackberries. However, both corn syrup and sugar substitute are harmful sugar substitutes that increase glycemic index, triggers hypertension, damages the kidney and liver, and can lead to minor nerve damage.
Packaging
Blackberry Honey can be purchased in tubs or small, mason jars. Pure, raw Blackberry Honey is sourced from the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. To comply with environmental regulations, companies usually choose reusable, BPA-free plastics.
Moreover, choose Blackberry Honey producers that allot a portion of their sales to bee research, environmental protection, and nature preservation.
Using glasses and jars are an environmentally friendly way to package Blackberry Honey. Decorate your Blackberry Honey with stickers, twines, and ribbons for a prettier packaging.
Enjoying Blackberry Honey
Blackberry Honey can be eaten in various ways. You can add it to mueslis, cereals, oatmeals, ice cream, pies, waffles, and pancakes. You can also add it to your stews, meat sauces, meatloaves, pot roasts, and bastings.
Storage
Like all kinds of honey, Blackberry Honey must be stored in a cool, dry place and must always be stored in airtight containers. Honey will never spoil but avoid exposing it to prevent foreign contamination.
Cooking
Gluten-Free Blackberry Pancakes
INGREDIENTS
- 4teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4c flour gluten-free
- 1tablespoon Blackberry Honey
- 1 1/4c almond milk
- 1egg
- 3tablespoons butter melted
- 1/2c blackberries
INSTRUCTIONS
- Mix baking powder and salt and sift the mixture together with flour
- Gently mix honey, almond milk, egg, and butter. Pour into the flour mixture and combine with a fork until smooth.
- Add blackberries to the batter.
- In a large pan over medium heat, pour around 1/4 of a cup of your pancake batter for each serving. Allow bubbles to begin forming on the surface before you flip.
- Allow the opposite side of the pancake to lightly brown. If your pancakes are browning too quickly, reduce the heat of your pan.
- Serve with a drizzle of Blackberry honey and fresh berries.
