Sticky, sweet and a natural substance that can be consumed without any human processing, honey is now thought of mostly as a sweetener. In its long history around the world, however, it has been much more. Many cultures have treated it as a staple food, as well as tonic, medicine and preservative. It also has played a role in religious rituals, as a sacred food from the gods. It is seen as a healthy, natural product untainted by human intervention, with flavours and nutritional qualities that stem from its physical surroundings, since it is created from flowering plants that are local and in season. And its creators – bees – are just as mysterious as honey itself. Vital to the pollination of wild plants as well as many domesticated crops, the health of bees is of utmost concern today.
In this book Lucy M. Long explores honey’s fascinating history, tracing its use and meanings through numerous cultures world-wide. Focusing on its role as food and drink, this book includes recipes and discussions of its place in global cuisines. Honey also demonstrates how this simple substance is connected to politics, religion, economics, popular culture, and beliefs about the natural and supernatural world. Written in a lively and engaging style, and illustrated with many striking colour images, Honey will encourage readers to appreciate how ‘sweet’ honey really is.