Rapeseed honey properties, composition, use, benefits

Rapeseed honey in large quantities relatively recently began to receive beekeepers in Russia and other CIS countries. In Europe, rapeseed honey has been produced for a longer period. In Germany and Poland it is one of the best varieties of honey. Canada also produces a very large volume of rapeseed honey. For Canadian beekeeping, rapeseed is the same as sunflower for Ukraine. Rapeseed has been grown before, but recently rapeseed has been actively occupying the fields, because rapeseed seeds are in demand in the world, from which biofuel is made. Rapeseed is not the favorite honey crop for beekeepers due to friction with rapeseed farmers and the aggressiveness of bees on rapeseed. 

 

Content

• 1 Features of rapeseed honey
• 1.1 What rapeseed honey looks like
• 1.2 Color of rapeseed honey
• 1.3 Aroma of rapeseed honey
• 1.4 Taste of rapeseed honey
• 1.5 Composition of rapeseed honey
• 1.6 Crystallization of rapeseed honey
• 1.7 Calorie content of rapeseed honey
• 1.8 When is rapeseed honey harvested?
• 2 Useful properties of rapeseed honey
• 2.1 Rapeseed honey as a source of vitamins and antioxidants
• 2.2 Antibacterial properties of rapeseed honey
• 2.3 Rapeseed honey for sore throat and cough
• 2.4 Tonic properties of rapeseed honey
• 2.5 Rapeseed honey soothes and heals the stomach
• 2.6 Skin care with rapeseed honey
• 3 Medicinal properties of rapeseed honey
• 3.1 Rapeseed honey for children
• 4 Contraindications to the use of rapeseed honey
• 5 How to choose rapeseed honey - how to distinguish natural rapeseed honey from a fake

 

 

Features of rapeseed honey

In Europe, rapeseed honey is considered one of the best varieties of honey. But information about the quality of rapeseed honey is largely contradictory and depends on the country that conducted the research on rapeseed honey. Rapeseed honey is not inferior to sainfoin honey, phacelium honey, clover honey, herb honey.
All studies are unanimous that the properties of rapeseed honey are not quite common compared to other varieties of flower honey. Rapeseed honey has medicinal properties and is delicious. However, you should not keep rapeseed honey warm. Even well-ripened rapeseed honey in hermetically sealed packaging, when stored warm, can ferment after six months. For example, in Canada, for this reason, all rapeseed honey is pasteurized without fail. So if you bought rapeseed honey, keep it at a moderate temperature.
So, let's look at the color, taste, aroma of rapeseed honey, what consistency, how quickly it crystallizes and take a closer look at other properties of rapeseed honey.

What does rapeseed honey look like?

Rapeseed honey immediately after pumping does not differ from other varieties of honey, it is thick, viscous, sticky.

Rapeseed honey color

One of the features of rapeseed honey is that it can change its color as it is stored. Freshly pumped rapeseed honey has a lemon color with a greenish tint, without foam and air bubbles. Settled rapeseed honey acquires a creamy white or yellowish color. Fully crystallized rapeseed honey turns white or dull ivory.

 

Aroma of rapeseed honey

When asked what flavor of rapeseed honey, we can say - rapeseed honey is fragrant and fragrant. The smell of rapeseed honey is pleasant and not characteristic of other types of honey. The aroma of honey is reminiscent of the faint aroma of rapeseed flowers, but there may be slight cabbage notes.

Rapeseed honey flavor

Rapeseed honey is sweet, has a specific taste, can (not always) cause a slight sore throat, never causes heartburn, therefore it is popular with ulcers. Due to its specific taste, rapeseed honey is in particular demand in Germany and Poland. However, many note that the taste of rapeseed honey is very dependent on the variety of rapeseed that is grown. Therefore, rapeseed honey harvested in Russia, in Poland or Canada will have a completely different taste.
But in general, rapeseed honey is considered baby honey because it is sweet and not bitter.

 

Composition of rapeseed honey

The composition of rapeseed honey is somewhat unusual for flower honey. By weight, rapeseed honey is 5-7% heavier than buckwheat, fireweed and mixed herbs. It has a high dry matter content (87%) and less moisture content (13%) compared to other honeys.
Rapeseed honey contains 50-52% glucose and 45-47% fructose. The content of other sugars in honey is negligible: sucrose 0.2-1.0%, maltose up to about 5% and less than 0.5% melecytic trisaccharide.
Rapeseed honey, like most spring honeys, has a low content of free acids, from 11 to 17 mVal/kg, low electrical conductivity, on average 0.20 mS/cm, and the lowest content of free proline, about 18-24.1 mg/kg . 100 g. Low enzymatic activity, which is confirmed by studies of the activity of α-amylase, which is expressed by the diastase number in rapeseed honey, averages 14.0 Gauth.
Another qualitative distinguishing feature of rapeseed honey is the content of HMF, the content of HMF ranged from 0.5 to 13.1 mg/kg, in some studies it was determined at a level of 27.3 mg/kg. This distinguishing feature indicates the conditions under which honey is stored. The higher the temperature (such as heat to liquefy), the access to light, and the longer the storage time, the exponentially increases the level of this unfavorable compound in honey. The water content is usually below the permissible standard and averages 18%.

 

Rape honey crystallization

Rapeseed honey crystallizes quickly, throughout the volume, like greasy solid crystals that are not visible to the eye. Rape honey crystallizes within 37 days, in honeycombs - within 15-20 days, into a fine-grained mass. After crystallization, rapeseed honey becomes very hard.
Therefore, rapeseed honey is not left for the winter, it becomes like "concrete" for the bees, the bees cannot get it out of the cells and die of hunger, the only exception is a temperature-controlled winter hut, where a relatively warm temperature is maintained.
Blending (mixing) of rapeseed honey with slowly crystallizing varieties does not give a positive result.

 

Rapeseed honey calories

Rapeseed honey is reluctantly accepted at confectionery enterprises and bakeries. The reason is that confectionery products begin to stale on the second day due to the rapid crystallization of rapeseed honey.
However, it is included in many diets, so it is important to know its composition and the calorie content of rapeseed honey.
In 100 g / in 5 g (1 teaspoon)
Energy value of 100 g of rapeseed honey 340 kcal / 5 g - 17 kcal
Protein 0.3 g / 0.01 g
Carbohydrates 80 g / 4 g
Glucose 47 g / 2.04 g
Fructose 37.6 / 1.88 g
Fat 0 g / 0 g

When is rapeseed honey harvested?

Bees collect rapeseed honey from two types of rapeseed - spring and winter. Winter rapeseed, as a rule, blooms in May, so it is pumped out already in early June, that is, it is one of the earliest varieties of honey. Rapeseed honey from spring rapeseed is pumped out in August-September. The term for pumping out rapeseed honey mainly depends on the flowering time of the plant, which can be adjusted by weather conditions, rapeseed variety and agricultural technology.
Rapeseed honey is pumped out immediately after the completion of rapeseed flowering. Since otherwise, after a couple of weeks, rapeseed honey will crystallize right in the cells of the honeycombs and it will no longer be possible to pump it out.

 

Useful properties of rapeseed honey

Due to low enzymatic activity (low content of α-amylase), as well as a small amount of free acids and low electrical conductivity, rapeseed honey does not show high biological and antibiotic activity. They are quite mild in taste with a neutral aroma, which is especially suitable for young consumers. Due to its high glucose content, rapeseed honey is recommended for strengthening the heart and in the prevention of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular diseases in general. Rapeseed honey is beneficial in diseases of the circulatory system.
This increases the contraction potential of an overworked heart. Provides better delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle. Also, rapeseed honey is used to improve the functioning of the liver, as it has a beneficial effect on fat metabolism in this organ and improves the functioning of the gallbladder. The healing properties of rapeseed honey are also used for inflammation of the respiratory tract. Weakens cough and supports the body's immunity.
In conditions of weakness, fatigue and colds, rapeseed honey as a general tonic is especially recommended in the form of a warm aqueous solution. Due to the content of simple sugars, rapeseed honey nourishes and regenerates the depleted body, additionally helps to compensate for the deficiency of boron, calcium and magnesium.
That is why rapeseed honey is especially recommended for the elderly. Due to the presence of boron, it contributes to the proper structure of bones, the functioning of the thyroid gland and spleen. Thanks to its osmotic properties, it eliminates excess water present in the tissues and reduces swelling caused by its accumulation. Rapeseed honey regulates blood pressure and inhibits the development of atherosclerosis.
Removes toxic metabolic products from the body by binding them with glucuronic acid (produced from glucose) and flavonoids. Rapeseed honey is recommended for diseases associated with impaired functioning of the kidneys and urinary system. In addition, honey improves the healing of inflammation of the stomach and duodenum with peptic ulcer.
On the other hand, be aware that honey is 80% sugar, and at higher doses, it can cause disturbances in glucose management, especially in people suffering from chronic conditions such as hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and insulin resistance. That's why it's important to always start with low doses when using honey medicinally and watch the body's reaction to the changes that occur. In the absence of side effects, the dose of honey can be increased until a satisfactory effect is obtained.

Rapeseed honey as a source of vitamins and antioxidants

Rapeseed honey is characterized by low mineralization and in this regard is inferior to other flower varieties of honey, such as linden, buckwheat or chestnut. However, the beneficial properties of rapeseed honey are not diminished by this, it contains a wide range of essential minerals, in particular such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium, boron, as well as a small amount of zinc and sodium. Honey contains a set of vitamins - C, K, group B, phenolic acids.

Antibacterial properties of rapeseed honey

The antibacterial properties of rapeseed honey are considered average. Its action is primarily local, so it can help treat acute respiratory infections, such as colds or flu, and alleviate their symptoms. Studies show that rapeseed honey can effectively inhibit the growth of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Rapeseed honey shows the greatest efficiency when combined with royal jelly. Rapeseed pollen in honey also has a mild immunomodulatory effect, stimulating the action of the immune system.

Rapeseed honey for sore throat and cough

Eating honey can help reduce throat discomfort and, if possible, soothe a cough, thanks to the natural antibacterial and soothing properties of rapeseed honey. It is recommended in this case to take rapeseed honey one hour before meals without drinking.

Tonic properties of rapeseed honey

Like all types of honey, rapeseed honey is also energizing and great for preventing low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and fatigue. In addition to natural sugar, this variety contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals, pollen particles, antioxidant compounds, and other elements that contribute to its tonic effect.

Rapeseed honey soothes and heals the stomach

Rapeseed honey is traditionally recommended for the treatment of gastritis and stomach ulcers. It is believed that the presence of low acidity in honey and its consistency contribute to the healing of the gastric mucosa and soothes irritation. The natural sugars in honey have mild prebiotic properties, helping to feed the good bacteria in our gut, aiding overall digestion.

Skin care with rapeseed honey

Light varieties of honey are used as a natural face mask to remove uneven skin tone. Rapeseed honey has a particularly good natural exfoliating property due to its consistency and can help unclog pores, reduce sebum, and clear impurities from the face, helping to reduce the chance of acne (with continued use). Rapeseed honey can also treat other skin problems such as irritation or make the skin brighter and more radiant. It can be used for burns and other skin lesions.

Medicinal properties of rapeseed honey

Rapeseed honey is believed to have little immunostimulatory activity. The antibacterial properties of rapeseed honey are average. Nevertheless, the beneficial properties of rapeseed honey can be used in medicine, from facilitating digestion to relaxing the nervous system, treating various infections of the upper respiratory tract.
Certain enzymes in rapeseed honey are believed to be beneficial for bone health and osteoporosis. However, these properties have not yet been experimentally confirmed.
Taking pollen and honey can reduce oxygen consumption and blood lactic acid concentration, and can reduce the impact on the body of high altitude conditions (treatment of mountain sickness). Rapeseed honey also affects the proper functioning of the thyroid gland and spleen, which are responsible for blood quality. Especially useful for women after menopause.

 

Rapeseed honey for children

Rapeseed honey is called baby honey by some because it is sweet and not bitter. Some pediatric departments in various clinics even recommend using it for feeding newborn babies.

Rape honey for hepatitis
Western studies have shown a positive effect of honey on patients with hepatitis A. It was found that taking rapeseed honey led to a decrease in alanine aminotransferase activity (by 9-13 times) and bilirubin production by 2.1-2.6 times.

Rapeseed honey for diseases of the liver, gastrointestinal tract and kidneys

It is not yet fully proven that rapeseed honey has a hepatoprotective effect, helping to maintain a healthy liver and, indirectly, remove toxins from the body. Honey is highly recommended for kidney disease and for lowering cholesterol.

Contraindications to the use of rapeseed honey

Unlike other varieties of flower honey, rapeseed honey has a number of contraindications. It should not be taken by people who are intolerant to honey or allergic to rapeseed, although rapeseed honey in Europe is considered hypoallergenic honey. Due to the high glucose content, rapeseed honey should be limited in the diet of diabetics. The glycemic index of rapeseed honey is high - 64.

How to choose rapeseed honey - how to distinguish natural rapeseed honey from a fake

It is not so easy to buy rapeseed honey, in Russia this kind of honey is not very popular among buyers. Wholesale prices are among the lowest.
The beekeepers do not like rape fields very much because rapeseed can bloom simultaneously with acacia, and the worst option is when bees, together with acacia, begin to carry honey from rapeseed to the hive. Because it means that there will be no expensive acacia honey.
Rapeseed honey crystallizes quickly and is therefore difficult to sell.
When rapeseed honey has crystallized, it is almost impossible to pack it in a small container.
Those of the beekeepers who have come across it before, initially pack rapeseed honey in small containers, immediately after pumping. In five days, rapeseed honey will already be like lard, and in two weeks it will finally harden.
Difficulties with the implementation and misunderstandings with farmers do not contribute to the branding of rapeseed honey on the market with beekeepers and various tricks that sellers resort to when selling rapeseed honey.

Since rapeseed honey shrinks quickly, some sellers use this trick. A whisk is simply put on the drill and with its help rapeseed honey is whipped at the moment when it is just starting to set. After whipping, rapeseed honey has an oily consistency for a long time (several months). If you buy rapeseed honey at a time when the pumped honey should have already completely dried up, and it has an oily consistency, you can be sure that such honey was beaten in the manner described above.
The benefits of rapeseed honey, and indeed any other, whipped in this way, are still being argued. Someone says that such honey contains a lot of oxygen, citing water from a waterfall as an example, and therefore considers that whipped honey is more useful. Others argue that oxygen, whipped together with honey, actively triggers oxidative processes in honey, as a result of which honey will be sweet and pleasant to the taste, but absolutely useless for the human body.
There are no published scientific papers that would confirm the usefulness or uselessness of such honey yet. The above method is quite acceptable if you beat rapeseed honey and at the same time add some other ingredient to it, such as nuts, berries or something else like that, in this case it is clear that this is just a sweet treat. On the usefulness of just rapeseed honey whipped with a drill, everyone must decide for himself.
Rapeseed honey is never offered in the form of honeycomb, as it crystallizes very quickly right in the combs, while other types of honey can remain liquid in undisturbed combs for years.
Some beekeepers may heat honey in order to package it in small containers, which also does not indicate an increased quality of honey.

Thus, it is possible to check the naturalness and quality of rapeseed honey using traditional methods only immediately after pumping, further verification is problematic.
So the best way to buy real rapeseed honey is to find a real beekeeper who values his name and buy honey directly from him. In modern conditions, buying honey and delivering it to you is not difficult. In this case, you will have 100% real rapeseed honey.