The Stanly News and Press (Albemarle, NC)

Around Stanly County

Related Photos

  • Honey

    Honey

Discussion

Add a comment on this story
September 10, 2012

September is National Honey Month

By Jason O. Boyd for the SNAP SNAP

Friday, August 10, 2012 — Did you know that the average honey bee worker makes 1/12 teaspoon of honey in their lifetime? The USDA estimates that there are approximately 2.68 million honey producing colonies. Source: www.honey.com.

Honey can be found in several different forms, colors and flavors depending on the bees’ nectar source. Liquid honey is the most popular, but there is also crystallized honey, whipped honey, comb honey and cut honey. Within these forms of honey, there are more than 300 kinds ranging from mild Clover and Orange Blossom to darker honeys that are more robust in flavor.

Not only is honey used for cooking and making life sweeter, but there are many health benefits from honey.  Honey has been proven to soothe a sore throat and suppress a cough. It retains water, so it is a great ingredient in moisturizers, shampoos and conditioners. Honey is a rich source of carbohydrates which is great for getting that extra boost of energy when working out. Generally darker honey has higher antioxidants than lighter honey. One tablespoon of honey can have 64 calories and 17 carbohydrates.

For a complete nutrient listing, visit www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/.

Beekeeping has been around for many centuries. The purpose of a beekeeper (or apiarist) is to control the bees and collect honey and other products, such as wax and pollen, from the hive to pollinate crops or produce bees for sale to other beekeepers.

USDA has estimated that there are between 139,600 and 212,000 beekeepers in the United States. Most are hobbyists with less than 25 hives.

The North Carolina State Beekeepers Association (NCSBA) is one of the largest active organizations in the country. Stanly County has an association that meets once a month. To learn more about SCBA, visit www.stan ycountybeekeepers.wordpress.com.

The Stanly County Farmers Market provides the local community with the freshest locally grown meats, fruits, vegetables, herbs, ornamental plants and flowers available.

Shopping the local market offers an opportunity to provide healthy, beneficial foods to your family. It also supports the local agricultural economy.

Shopping locally creates local jobs. Products available at the Stanly County Farmers Market are grown and/or produced within a 100 mile radius of Stanly County or they are a “Got To Be NC” Certified product. Shop local and eat fresh.

The Stanly County Farmers Market is in historic downtown Albemarle at Market Station, 100 Railroad St. (near the intersection of U.S. 52 and West Main Street).

Visit the Stanly County Farmers Market, Albemarle, from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. noon on Saturdays through Oct. 27.

For additional info about the Market call Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation at (704) 984-9415 or email kalmond@ci.albemarle.nc.us vsites@ci.albema rle.nc.us. View Farmers’ Market info online at www.alb emarledowntown.com.

 

Text Only
Around Stanly County
Seasonal Content