Honey is defined as follows by the USDA: "The nectar and saccharine exu-dation of plants, gathered, modified and stored in the comb by honeybees (Apis mellifera and Apis dosata) is levoratory; contains not more than 25 percent water, not more than 0.25 percent ash, and not more than 8 percent sucrose."
In other words, honey is a fluid changed by the bees from nectar obtained from plant nectaries. It is transported to the hive and then ripend and stored. Its color can vary from colorless to nearly black. All variations of honey are due to the floral sources.
The flavor of honey varies even more. It can be spicy, mild, aromatic, bitter or medicinal. However, flavor is a personal judgment and everyone has their preference.
Honey is the oldest sweetener known to man. It was just about the only one until sugar cane was cultivated on a large scale in the New World. In ancient literature honey and honeybees are mentioned with much feeling and gratitude for their bounty. Throughout the world honey was used not only as a sweet and in cooking, but also for medicinal purposes, in ceremonials, and in worship.
There are hundreds of kinds of honey in this country. The flowers from which bees gather nectar largely determine the color, flavor and aroma of honey. Well known floral sources are orange blossom, lustrife, buckwheat, sage and clover. Usually the lighter the color of honey, the milder the flavor. Darker honey normally contains more minerals.
