Abstract
This review aims to share the history of bees and the use of honey as the only natural sweetener available to mankind for more than 40,000 years. At the same time, the characteristic of the beekeeping sector is presented, highlighting the top honey producers worldwide. The botanical origin of honey is the basis for the characterization of the 14 types of honey presented. Honey standards were analyzed to provide an overview of quality and physico-chemical indices. The data indicated in the national and regional honey standard are identical to the data for the international Codex Alimentarius standard. After the comparative analysis of these 3 sources, no significant deviations were identified. The tendencies of using honey from ancient times as a nutritious food product, as a preservative, as a medicine for treating various diseases and for performing certain rituals, etc. were highlighted. At the same time, the population must be encouraged to consume this incomparable bee product.
Highlights
Beekeeping plays a very important role in the production of valuable products such as: honey, wax, pollen, propolis, royal jelly and others
This review aims to share the history of bees and the use of honey as the only natural sweetener available to mankind for more than 40,000 years
The data indicated in the national and regional honey standard are identical to the data for the international Codex Alimentarius standard
Summary
Beekeeping plays a very important role in the production of valuable products such as: honey, wax, pollen, propolis, royal jelly and others. The western bee Apis Mellifera Linnaeus is found in Europe, the Middle East and Africa This species has been subdivided into at least 20 recognized breeds that are widely distributed beyond its natural range, due to the economic benefits of pollination and honey production. Bee honey is considered the most consumed bee product. The water-based drink with bee honey was recommended for soothing and a quality and deep sleep [14]. In the countries that produce and export the largest amount of bee honey such as China and Argentina, annual consumption is quite low. There are situations when domestic honey production does not cover the needs of the domestic market This situation is characteristic of some developed countries (table1)
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