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Honey is the food produced by bees from the nectar of blossoms or from secretions of living parts of plants or it lies on them, that bees collect, process, mix with their own special substances, save and leave to mature within honeycombs. Honey can be fluid, viscous or crystallized.
The nutritional value of honey
It is a unique natural sweetener of high biological value, with separate nutritional value. It has been proven by scientific research to be a healthy food and has a number of components necessary for the human body. It contains dozens of natural elements such as vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, hydrogen peroxide, minerals, etc., all of which exceed 180, whose value is undisputed in the modern diet. Also, honey has antioxidants.
Honey is a direct energy food that is absorbed immediately from human body, suitable for athletes, children, pregnant women, sick and generally any feeble organism.
Types of Ikarian honey

Thyme: it blooms in May-June. Intensely aromatic honey with bright clear color and excellent flavor. It ranked the top quality honey. In 6 to 18 months after its production, it gets crystallized. It is a stimulant with antiseptic properties and recent research correlates it with the delay of growth of cancer cells.

 

 

 

Heather (anama/anamatomelo): It blooms in September to the highest points and reaches till December to the lowest. Dark honey with intense flavor that discerning consumers prefer. It gets crystallized rapidly from 1-3 months. It has a high nutritional value, stimulates the body and contains a high amount of pollen.

 

 

 

Of blossoms: Honey from a wide variety of spring wild plants. The light-colored honey has an excellent aroma and taste, while the dark one has high nutritional value and is rich in minerals. Its crystallization cannot be predicted.

 

 

 

 

Pine: It comes from honey dew. Not particularly sweet and thus, it is preferable for its taste. It has fewer calories than blossom honeys and is rich in minerals, proteins and amino acids. Its crystallization is slow.

Pollen is a product collected by bees from flowers of plants. It is the means by which the male genetic material of plants is transferred from the male (stamens) to female (pistil) multiplier parts. Bees use the pollen for their diet as a source of protein, vitamins and minerals.

 

 

 

They collect it from various flowers and carry it to the hive in special compartments located on their hind legs and are called “pollen baskets”. The beekeeper places special traps (pollen traps) at the entrance of the hive, which retain the pollen from the legs of bees, thus allowing its collection.
It has a high concentration in protein, amino acids, sugars, minerals, vitamins, flavonoids and other ingredients of high biological value for the human body. Quantity 35g. (1 tbsp.) per day meets the daily needs of the human body in protein. It contains biologically active substances that influence positively the metabolism and promote fitness.
The pollen from wild plants helps and is recommended for:
preventing or inhibiting the progression of prostate
memory loss
longevity
circulatory system
relieving fatigue
fighting stress-anxiety, depression, insomnia
hair loss
better food assimilation
sexual potency
sports
increasing wellness
Dosage: One tablespoon daily for 4-6 months, stop for a short period and then again. It can be consumed alone or mixed with juice, milk or honey.
Royal jelly is a natural protein food, rich in valuable nutrients. It is secreted by subpharyngeal glands of young worker bees. The name of royal jelly is due to the fact that the larvae are intended to become queens and adults queens are fed exclusively with it. Royal jelly is the determining factor that converts the larva from a worker bee to a queen. It is a rich source of proteins, amino acids, lipids, vitamins, minerals and other useful substances. Fresh royal jelly has bright whitish color to pale yellow, viscous texture, light pungent aroma and sour taste. It has been the subject of many medical studies and it has been proven to have positive effects on human body in the following cases:
rheumatoid arthritis
aged and feeble organism
paediatrics
acquiring greater mental and physical strength
renal failure
increasing sports performance
general exhaustion
sexual capacity
hypertension
skin conditions
chronic constipation
Dosage: every morning, before breakfast, eat a small amount under the tongue using the special spoon.
Propolis is a resinous adhesive substance collected by bees from resinous buds of various plants. They make it rich in wax, pollen, enzymes and other substances and use it to seal up and decontaminate the interior of the hive. Propolis owes its name to the fact that bees place it at the entrance of the hive (before the city) in order to diminish and prevent the entry of various enemies. It is collected with specific sieves placed on top of the hive. Its color is brown-green, brown or dark brown. Also, it has bactericidal and bacteriostatic properties and beneficial effects on wound healing, anti-inflammatory activity of the joints, on common cold (neck pain, pharyngitis), mycosis. Its color is brown-green, brown or dark brown.
It is the substance produced by bees from wax glands and use it to build their honeycombs of their nest. To produce 1 kg of wax, bees consume an average of 8.5 kg of honey. The wax has many practical applications, the most important of which are: manufacture of candles, honeycombs, cosmetics, in pharmaceutical industry, etc.

Its name refers to something painful and harmful, however it is a treatment for many conditions. It is a complex mixture of chemicals produced in the venom gland of adult bees. It has been very useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, desensitization of people who are allergic to bee sting, etc.

 

 

 

 

Bees’ contribution
The greatest contribution of bees is pollination with which it contributes to the diversity of nature, to the enrichment of the soil with organic matter, to the protection of the land from erosion and generally to the maintenance of biological balance on the planet. Bees help fertilization in more than 70% of plant species. Without bees fruit, nuts, seeds and vegetables production would be almost impossible. Its contribution in nature is priceless and exceeds the value of all products of the hive..
«If bees get extinct, the man still has four years of life. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more men»
Albert Einstein
Bees’ society
The bee is a social insect living in an organized society. Depending on the season the society may consists from 10,000 to 50,000 bees. Male bees are drones and female are the queen and worker bees.
Queen
is the largest bee in the hive.
lives up to 5 years.
lays to 1,500 eggs a day in Spring and less in other seasons.
mates in air only at the beginning of its life with 8-10 drones and stores 5-7 million sperms in its body to fertilize eggs that will lay for the rest of its life.
produces pheromones with which maintains order and organization in the beehive.
There is ONLY ONE queen in every beehive.
Drone
has no stinger or food collection and wax production tools.
lives up to 2 months.
After mating with the queen dies.
In spring and summer in a beehive there are a few hundreds, while in winter they get disappeared.
Worker bees
do all the work inside and outside the hive.
produce royal jelly, wax and collect food (nectar, pollen).
sacrifice defending their nest (hive).
live up to 40 days in the spring and summer and up to six months in winter.
Ikaria “hides” the secret of longevity
«Ikarians seem to possess the secret of longevity, as a European study in 12 countries revealed them as champions in terms of longevity!
Their loose lifestyle seems to be the explanation for the number of elders living on the island while in Europe only 0.1% of the population are long-lived (over 90 years). On the other hand, the percentages in Ikaria jump to 1%! Ikaria is included in the five locations of the world (blue areas) with the highest rates of longevity like Sardinia, Okinawa, Loma Linda and Nikogia.
The study began about five years ago, in order to identify genetic and environmental factors of longevity in the European population. The Greek team from the National Research Foundation participating in the program, studied the elements of the Greek population and it was very surprised to discover that Ikaria has a record of elderly residents!
Researchers from around the world showed great interest in this important finding and a 15-member team of experts and journalists from Greece, the USA, Belgium and Italy have settled on the island studying the phenomenon. Also, a documentary is being filmed that will be screened soon in “National Geographic”. Its first findings were presented on CNN».
Article by Sofia Neta in Eleftherotypia
We perform pharmacological analyzes of dozens of herbal teas and the unique honey produced by bees on the island that draw pollen and honey from thyme, pine and heather. We believe that we will find anticancer substances, anti-oxidants and probiotic properties in these locally produced products.
Statement by Dan Buettner, author of “The Blue Zones” through the self-titled site
Extensive reports and reportages on the subject have been performed by the biggest foreign media as «New York Times», «Daily mail», «CNN», «BBC», «Financial Times», «NBC», and «Guardian». Also, all Greek media have addressed the issue
Geographical Location and Morphology
Ikaria belongs to the complex of the northeast Aegean Sea. Samos is east, west lies Mykonos, Chios in north, Patmos and Fournoi in south. The name of the island is due to the myth of Icarus who with his fall, gave his name to the Icarian Sea. Older names were Makris, Dolichi, because of its shape that is elongated or Ichthyoesa due to the abundance of fish in the sea or Anemoessa.
Ikaria has an area of 255 square kilometers and 102 miles (160 km) of coastline. The population is 8,410 (census 2011). The island’s capital is St. Kyrikos with 3,343 inhabitants. Other sites are Evdilos with a population of 2,831 inhabitants and Rahes with a population of 2,236 inhabitants.
Its topography presents strong contrasts, as it displays green slopes and bare cliffs. It is mountainous for the most part and is crossed by the Sierra Atheva (Pramnos), whose highest peak is 1,041 meters. The majority of the villages are mountainous, which was due to the need to protect residents from pirate raids during the Middle Ages.
The island’s largest part is covered by vegetation, heather (local name anama), thyme, savory, sage, oregano, pine and many other wild plants and herbs. There is also plenty of water. In the west, there is the forest of Ranti, one of the rarest Mediterranean prehistoric forests. There are rare and unique species on the island, and particularly rich flora. The climate of Ikaria is mild.
Monuments and places to visit
Museum of St. Kirikos
At the Archaeological Museum, in a neoclassical building, there are many ancient objects, vases, columns, stone and bronze tools, amphorae found on the seabed, etc. Operates also as a folklore museum.

 

 

Thermal baths
The history of the baths is intertwined with the history of our country. The ancient Greeks were among the first to use the baths.
The springs of Ikaria are considered among the most hot springs in the world.
Among the seventeen (17) major thermal baths in Greece, Ikaria is known for its own, located in the Municipality of San Kirikos. There are eight (8) hot springs that flow in various parts of the island. The most important hot springs are located in the region of Thermes.
The waters of hot mineral springs of Ikaria are considered suitable for the treatment of the following diseases:
Hypoxia and chronic rheumatism including various forms of arthritis.
Gout.
Neuralgia, neuritis and myitides.
Gynecological diseases.
Disorders of the endocrine glands.
Some cases of abnormalities of the circulatory system.
Respiratory system disorders.
Skin conditions.
Drakano
An ancient city that is considered home of Dionysus. It is located in Fanari in the easternmost point of the island and today there are only ruins of the ancient castle and on a hill the Tower of Drakano, a circular edifice of Alexandrian era, 4th century.

 

 

 

 

 

Nash
An ancient city where according to mythology lived the Naiads. In ancient times there was one of the most famous shrines dedicated to Tauropolos Artemis. From the ancient port survives the waterfront and the floor of the sanctuary. It is located west of Armenisti. Nash is widely known as a place for alternative tourism.

 

The tower of Koskina
A fortress of Byzantine era, a work of the 10th century, near the village Kosikia in the northern region of the island. Inside the fortress is the church of St. George of Dorgana.

 

 

 

Museum of Kampos
There are remarkable archaeological findings from the ruins of ancient Inoi, such as collections from Neolithic tools, vases of all antiquity eras, clay figurines, funerary reliefs, coins, etc.
Monastery of Panagia in Mounte
A 13th century monastery with frescoes and old icons. It is located close to Christos of Rahes in a magnificent green setting with stunning view.

 

 

 

Monastery of Osia Theoktisti
It is located in the village of Pigi near Campo. The church is hagiographic following the order of Mount Athos.

 

 

 

 

Beaches
Ikaria is characterized by its wild beauty. Dense vegetation, high mountains, rivers, valleys, but above all its beaches, awe-inspiring and captivating. Apart from the beaches with sand, there are too many beaches with pebbles, and there are many secluded beaches with no access by car.
                                   Gialiskari                                                                       Kerame

 

 

 

                                   Armenistis                                                                           Seycheles

 

                                  
                                      Iero                                                                            Faros

A fully developed bee colony is composed of: 1 queen, about 300 drones, 50,000 laborers, 5,000 eggs, 7,000 larvae fed by nurse bees and 16,000 larvae grown to adult bees inside their sealed cells.
The bees have to visit about 4 million flowers to produce 1 kg of honey.
The average worker bee collects around 1 gram honey during of their life.
The average worker bee collects around 1 gram of honey during her life. The worker bee lives in the summer from 35 to 40 days and in winter to 6 months. The drone lives up to 2 months and the queen 4-5 years.
The queen in spring lays up to 1,500 eggs per day – that is three times its weight.
The worker bee visits more than 2,000 flowers a good day and about 150 on each flight.
The hexagon shape of the cells of the honeycomb is the best in space saving, the most durable and economical in wax consumption.
The bee distinguishes ultraviolet and does not distinguish the red color. The human eye sees 20 to 30 frames per second, while the eye of the bee sees simultaneously 300 pictures.

Why should I choose Ikarian honey “Αμαλία”?

Because it has high biological value due to its rich variety of aromatic wild plants, herbs and lack of arable land on the island. Our honey is regularly inspected by the State General Laboratory and other laboratories. So, without processing it and taking advantage of the good climate and plenty of sunshine on the island, we enclose all the flavors and aromas in a jar and we offer them to you.

Why should I choose honey rather than sugar?

Honey is a natural product available without any processing, while sugar is a manufactured product treated with chemicals. Honey contains a wide variety of carbohydrates and other nutrients. Moreover, it has natural antibacterial properties and helps in proper functioning of the endocrine glands of the body, metabolism and bowel function.

What is honey crystallization?

It is a perfectly natural phenomenon that affects all biological and nutritional properties of honey. The rate of crystallization depends on the type of honey. A crystallized honey is neither adulterated nor spoiled.. It gets liquidated easily by placing the jar in warm water up to 45 ˚C (bain marie) without losing the biological and nutritional properties.

Which honey type is the best?

All honey collected from nature and produced by bees, which have not undergone any special treatment, are good. However, there are several varieties of honey with different flavors and aromas from which the consumer can choose according to his preferences. Usually light-colored honey has excellent aroma and taste while the dark one has high nutritional value and is rich in minerals (potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, etc).

Does honey makes you fat?

One tablespoon of honey contains only 60 calories and due to its sweetness that is double of that of the sugar, it can be used in diet saving 50% of calories.

What to consider when buying honey?

It is labeled with the name of the producer.
The word “Honey” should be distinctly mentioned, as well as the country of origin and the botanical origin.
The “consume preferably by” date should be mentioned.
The jar should be sealed with sealing tape on both edges of the lid.

Why honey is good?

It is easily absorbed by the body; it gives energy and suppresses fatigue and exhaustion.
It has antiseptic properties and helps in smooth functioning of the stomach and the proper functioning of the human organism.
It is rich in iron and contributes positively to conditions of anemia.
It has antioxidant properties and many studies correlate it with protection against various types of cancer.
Research has shown that consumption is associated with human longevity.

From which age can we consume honey?

From the age of 12 months and after.
Can diabetics eat honey?
Honey does not cause direct or excessive release of insulin like consumption of most artificial sweeteners, so it does not promote the production, storage and fat increase that are usually associated with the consumption of these products It should be however consumed in moderation and always on medical advice.

Honey has an expiration date?

Honey stored in sealed containers can remain stable for many years. But as it falls in the category of food, the Food Code requires that the “consume preferably by” date should be indicated.

What are the storage conditions of royal jelly from production to consumption?

Ο Royal jelly is a very sensitive product which needs special care from the time of export from the queen cells until consumption. It requires constant cooling. In refrigerator service conditions it is maintained up to 3 months and if it is for longer period, to 18 months in the freezer.

Which kind of pollen is the best?

The one that is collected from a wide variety of wild plants and not from cultivated plants, which may have pesticide residues.