Dingfeng Bee Farm Introduction
The flowering sequences vary with the seasons, and bees will collect nectar from different flowers. Longan flower nectar is the most common and popular flavor, while another uniquely flavored honey is the multifloral honey, which primarily sources from Hedyotis corymbosa. Many people may say they haven't heard of it, but when it comes to a plant that sticks to you and has thorny balls in the fields, they might have an impression. Commonly known as "ghost needle grass," Hedyotis corymbosa has white petals and yellow stamens. Although it may seem bothersome usually, the honey produced from it is quite delicious! Because other flowers are usually nearby, bees happily gather nectar from various blooms, hence the name "multifloral honey." Longan flower nectar produced in the spring has a rich and thick taste, with a sweet aftertaste that lingers. Multifloral honey, available throughout the year, has a more delicate flavor, but its floral aroma is stronger, featuring a hint of sweetness mixed with slight acidity, quenching your thirst; don't think it's spoiled! Honey containing natural fructose, glucose, and enzymes can be directly absorbed by the human body, prompting more people to use it as a sugar substitute. The owner suggests dissolving it in warm or cold boiled water for long-term consumption; the white crystals that form when it's cold can be used as a spread for toast or biscuits, and it's also healthy for cooking. If you love trying new things, you can mix the two types of honey to develop creative flavors! Given the many honey products on the market, with varying quality, the owner has shared two simple tips to help readers identify genuine honey: Pure honey has a deep color and is not easily transparent; you can test visibility by placing a finger behind the bottle. However, multifloral honey is inherently lighter in color. The second method involves shaking the honey jar; pure honey produces dense bubbles, while artificially diluted honey has fewer bubbles that quickly disperse. The owner stated that even with the same batch of bees, differences in water sources, soil, and climate can affect the quality and taste of honey, which relies on decades of experience. Their honey has a moisture content of less than 20%, achieving the genuine "pure" honey status, which earned them first place in the Longan Honey Competition in Hsinchu County. When asked about beekeeping secrets, the self-producing and self-selling owner shrugged and said there are no shortcuts; understanding how to align with natural rhythms can bring abundant rewards from nature.
