Extra Virgin Olive Oil and honey are two products valued for their flavor and the large number of nutritional properties they provide for a balanced diet. Today, we discuss how they can harmoniously coexist in our diet.
We already know the countless nutritional qualities of EVOO, endorsed by the most prestigious nutritionists and supported by repeated studies and clinical trials, not to mention its delicious taste and versatility in the kitchen. Honey, on the other hand, contributes natural sugars to our diet and is an excellent antioxidant due to its high content of enzymes and phenolic acids, which help our body as an antiseptic and antibiotic, defending us against external aggressors.
Can two products, seemingly so different, successfully combine in our kitchen or even in our bathroom? Let’s see.
Honey: Much More Than a Delicious Treat
Since ancient times, honey has been considered a delicacy for the gods, appreciated by many cultures and forming an essential part of the Mediterranean diet. In addition to the antiseptic and bactericidal properties mentioned earlier, it is an effective soothing, fortifying, laxative, and diuretic agent, with anti-inflammatory properties and rich in vitamins A, C, D, B6, and B12, as well as calcium, iron, and magnesium.
It is useful in treating constipation, relieving allergies, and increasing gut flora, improving the immune system and aiding digestion.
It is true that honey has a high caloric value due to its sugar content, so it should be consumed in moderation or, if overweight or diabetic, the appropriate amount should be consulted with a doctor or nutritionist.
There is a wide variety of honey depending on the flower or shrub from which it comes and the harvest season. Spring honeys are produced in late May, the so-called main honey between June and July, and late honey between August and September. They are classified as multifloral, from various flowers; monofloral, from a single flower; and forest honey, obtained from leaves. In terms of texture, flower honeys are transparent and thick, usually fresh, while “dew honeys” are less sweet and harder to solidify.
The Perfect Heart-Healthy Breakfast
The combination of honey and Extra Virgin Olive Oil is unbeatable for breakfast. Simply spread on toast or a slice of bread, accompanied by a dairy product and a fruit, they provide everything our body needs to start the day full of vitality, as we replace animal fat from butter with olive oil and refined sugar with honey.
Let’s not forget that Extra Virgin Olive Oil contains oleic acid, flavonoids, polyphenols, and antioxidants, recognized for reducing the risk of coronary diseases, helping control bad cholesterol levels, combating free radicals, and preventing premature aging.
If we want to vary our breakfasts, desserts, or snacks, here is an extremely simple, traditional rural recipe that includes another ingredient that pairs perfectly with our duo: the orange:
Ingredients for Two People
- Two large oranges
- Four tablespoons of quality EVOO
- Two tablespoons of honey
Preparation
- Peel the oranges carefully, removing all skin and membranes. It is advisable to use a sharp knife for this task.
- Slice the oranges to the desired thickness, preferably not too thin to avoid breaking, and arrange them on a plate or serving dish.
- Mix the honey with the oil, stirring until a smooth, homogeneous mixture is obtained.
- Drizzle this mixture over the oranges and let it sit for a few minutes to penetrate the fruit.
- Serve cold and, if desired, with finely chopped mint leaves.
EVOO and Honey: Allies for Skin and Hair Health
Indeed, honey and EVOO also offer great benefits for hair and skin health. For example, here are simple masks made with olive oil and honey that help restore shine and vitality to hair and hydration and smoothness to the skin:
Hair Mask
Mix three tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil with one tablespoon of honey until a compact paste is formed. Let the mixture rest for 24 hours. Wash and rinse the hair, and while still damp, apply the mask from roots to tips for fifteen minutes. After this time, wash and rinse the hair again.
Face Mask
This mask provides benefits against acne and skin blemishes thanks to the healing properties of both olive oil and honey. The preparation is the same as for the hair mask, using two tablespoons of oil and one of honey. After washing and drying the face, apply the mixture and leave it on for half an hour, then wash the face again. Repeat this process two or three times per week.
The “Olivares de la Miel” Project
The virtues of pairing EVOO and honey are not only found in the kitchen or bathroom but also in olive cultivation and beekeeping. Their combination is showing great benefits, as demonstrated by the “Olivares de la Miel” project, which introduces aromatic plants into olive groves to increase honey production and promote agroecological balance, thanks to the alliance between olive trees and aromatic plants along with the work of the bees.
This project involves planting hedges of these plants between olive rows so that, in addition to harvesting olives once a year, we can also obtain honey and essential oils from the aromatic plants. This also helps prevent the loss of fertile soil caused by torrential rains, especially on sloped and mountain olive groves, while capturing CO2 and halting desertification.
