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Blueberry Honey: Taste, Benefits & Risks

blueberry honey
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What is Blueberry Honey?

blueberry honey

Blueberry honey is produced by honey bees that feed on blueberry plants.

Blueberry plants produce delicate white flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. Bees are valuable pollinators to blueberry bushes. More specifically, pollinated blueberry plants produce up to 70% more fruit than unpollinated blueberry plants.(1)

So, this is where blueberry honey comes in.

Honey bees collect blueberry nectar and then turn it into honey. And you might be wondering:

What does blueberry honey taste like?

Raw blueberry honey is sweet with fruity and tangy undertones. You won’t get a full blueberry flavor, but you will get a light touch of it on the back of your tongue.

The color ranges from light to medium amber, with a silky smooth texture that dissolves into hot tea or coffee.

blueberry honey

Raw honey is popular for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s been used in medical settings to treat sore throats and coughs, as well as skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.(2, 3, 4)

But here’s the kicker:

Raw, unprocessed honey is what provides these health benefits.

Raw blueberry honey is unheated and unpasteurized honey. It’s kept pure, just as the honey bees intended.

Why is this a big deal?

Because raw honey loses its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal effects once it’s processed. To add insult to injury, some honey suppliers dilute their honey with unnecessary ingredients like sugar or high fructose corn syrup.(5, 6)

This is why the FDA states that overly pasteurized honey is no longer considered authentic honey.(7)

So here’s our best tip:

Opt for raw blueberry honey instead of picking processed honey in the cheap teddy bear containers. This allows you to enjoy both the raw honey’s flavor and health benefits.

And as a general guideline?

Look for honey labels that say “raw” on them.

What Are the Benefits of Blueberry Honey?

blueberry honey

Blueberry Honey Nutrition

A single tablespoon of blueberry honey contains:

  • Calories: 60 calories
  • Protein: 0 grams
  • Fat: 0 grams
  • Carbs: 17 grams
  • Sugars: 16 grams

So, what are the blueberry honey benefits?

Let’s talk about a few.

Benefit 1: Honey Has a High Antioxidant Activity

blueberry honey

According to research, honey is rich in antioxidants such as phenolic acids and flavonoids.

Antioxidants have been discovered to help prevent cell damage. This is important because damaged cells can lead to conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and early aging.(8)

Honey’s antioxidants help to combat inflammation. Honey has also been discovered to prevent various illnesses linked to oxidative stress.(9)

Raw honey also contains pollen and bee propolis, which give it more health benefits. Additionally, raw honey has positively affected the digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous systems.(10)

Benefit 2: Honey is an Effective Topical Treatment of Skin Injuries

blueberry honey

Honey has long been used in medical studies as a topical treatment for skin problems. This is due to its antifungal, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.(11, 12)

Honey contains antibacterial properties, which may help prevent or slow the spread of germs. Studies have shown honey to have a wide range of skin benefits, including preventing bacteria and speeding up wound healing.(13, 14)

Honey was discovered in one research study to aid in the recovery of burns and wounds that had become infected after surgery.(15)

Raw honey has also been found to help with diabetic foot ulcers. Foot ulcers are open wounds that tend to form at the bottom of the foot and can be extremely painful. In serious cases, foot ulcers can lead to amputation.

Honey was successful in treating diabetes-related foot ulcers in 43.3% of individuals, according to one study. In a separate study, honey healed 97% of patients’ diabetes-related ulcers.(16)

Honey has also been used to treat other skin problems successfully, including psoriasis and herpes sores.(17)

Benefit 3: Overall Heart Health Can Improve With Honey Consumption

blueberry honey

Studies have shown that raw honey can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

One research study of over 4,500 people showed that honey can help lower blood pressure.(18)

According to another study, honey helps improve blood fat levels, regulate the heartbeat, and lower blood pressure. This makes honey good for overall heart health.(19)

According to a rat study, honey also helps protect the heart against oxidative stress.(20)

Propolis is a component that bees produce from sap-producing trees. It is also present in raw honey. Propolis has been found to reduce cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels.(21)

Benefit 4: Honey Relieves Coughs and Sore Throats

blueberry honey

A sore throat and coughing fits are common symptoms of upper respiratory infections. As a result, individuals with upper respiratory illnesses may have trouble sleeping.

Honey is a natural remedy for coughs and sore throats. Studies have shown that honey effectively treats both conditions, making it a possible alternative to cough medicine.(22)

Honey is more effective than diphenhydramine (a cough medication ingredient) in reducing coughing symptoms.(23)

Raw honey can relieve a sore throat and help people sleep better by reducing coughing time.(24)

More specifically, honey has also been found to help with sleep quality and coughing fits in children and their parents.(25)

Honey has no negative side effects, unlike many over-the-counter cough medicines. With that in mind, honey should not be fed to babies under one year old due to the risk of infant botulism.(26)

However, children aged 12 months or older can safely consume honey.

What Are the Risks of Blueberry Honey?

The good news is that most people can eat honey without ill effects. Both honey and honeycomb are classified as low-risk foods.

But are there any side effects of blueberry honey?

Yes, there are these risks to consider:

Risk 1: Children Under One Year Old Should Not Consume Honey

blueberry honey

Honey is unsafe for a baby’s underdeveloped immune system because it poses the risk of infant botulism.

Clostridium botulinum is a type of bacteria that can lead to infant botulism, which is a foodborne illness. It can damage the nervous system and cause paralysis and respiratory failure.

You should wait until your child is over 12 months old to feed them honey. This allows their immune system time to develop, lowering the likelihood of developing infant botulism.

Risk 2: People With Diabetes Should Limit Their Honey Intake

blueberry honey

People often ask if honey is a better alternative to table sugar.

Honey is a healthier substitute for sugar since it is high in enzymes and antioxidants. However, it can still cause blood sugar levels to rise, so people with diabetes must consider this.

Honey also contains carbohydrates and calories, which must be considered for individuals using insulin. You should talk to your doctor before incorporating honey into your diet regularly.

FAQs on Blueberry Honey

 

Does blueberry honey crystallize?

Yes, blueberry honey can crystallize over time. However, it can still be used even if it has crystallized. Simply place the honey jar in a pot of hot water to liquify it again.

Crystallized honey is a natural process and does not mean that the honey has gone bad. In fact, some people prefer crystallized honey because it has a unique and gritty texture.

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What is blueberry honey good for?

Blueberry honey is good for several things. It can help relieve a cough, soothe a sore throat, and improve sleep quality in people suffering from upper respiratory infections.

Blueberry honey also tastes great and can be used as a natural sweetener in many recipes.

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Is blueberry honey pure honey?

People often ask if organic blueberry honey means the honey is pure.

The answer is not necessarily. Instead, you should look for blueberry honey labels that say “raw” or “unprocessed.” Raw honey is natural honey straight from the hive. It hasn’t been filtered, heated, or diluted with other ingredients.

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Does blueberry honey come from bees?

People often ask:

Where is blueberry honey found? Do bees get nectar from blueberries? Do bees like blueberry flowers?

Blueberry honey is produced by honey bees who collect nectar from blueberry flowers. Honey bees are drawn to blueberry nectar because the plant has white, bell-shaped flowers.

Once the bees collect the blueberry nectar, they bring it back to the hive, where they turn it into honey.

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Can you buy blueberry honey with honeycomb?

Yes. Blueberry honeycomb is a wonderful way to enjoy the benefits of raw honey while enjoying the comb.

Honeycomb is safe to eat. You can chew the comb, spit it out, or swallow it whole.

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Is blueberry honey in tea good?

Blueberry honey tea is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the benefits of blueberry honey. The tea can help soothe a sore throat, relieve a cough, and improve sleep quality for people suffering from upper respiratory infections.

To make blueberry honey tea, simply add 1-2 teaspoons of honey to a cup of hot tea. You can use black tea, green tea, or any other type of tea you enjoy. You can also add a few blueberries to the tea for added flavor.

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Is blueberry honey vegan?

Honey is not considered vegan because bees make it. Therefore, honey, honeycomb, or bee products are unsuitable for a vegan diet.

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Can blueberry honey be used for weight loss?

No, honey should not be used for weight loss. It is high in calories, sugars, and carbohydrates. So, while honey may have some health benefits, it is not ideal to consume large amounts for people trying to lose weight.

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What color is blueberry honey?

Blueberry honey ranges from light to medium amber.

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How do you take blueberry honey?

Blueberry honey can be taken several different ways. It can be used as a natural sweetener in recipes, stirred into tea, or simply eaten off the spoon.

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the health benefits of blueberry honey, try adding 1-2 teaspoons to a cup of hot tea. You can also add a few blueberries to the tea for extra flavor.

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Is blueberry honey safe?

Blueberry blossom honey is considered safe for most adults.

However, honey should not be given to infants under the age of one because their immune systems are not developed enough to handle the bacteria potentially found in honey.

Honey is also not recommended for people with diabetes because it can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. As such, it’s best to eat blueberry honey only in moderation.

If you are concerned about taking blueberry honey, please speak to your healthcare provider.

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Is blueberry honey beneficial to the skin?

Raw blueberry honey can help treat skin injuries and reduce redness. This is because raw honey is antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal. It also contains anti-inflammatory antioxidants.

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Where can I buy blueberry honey?

If you’re looking for raw blueberry honey, your best bet is to buy it from a local beekeeper. This way, you can ensure that the honey is pure and natural.

You can also find raw blueberry honey online from various retailers.

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What’s the difference between blueberry honey vs. manuka honey?

The main difference between the two is the color and taste.

Manuka honey has a bold taste with earthy undertones. It’s less sweet than other types of honey. Blueberry honey is sweet with hints of fruity and tangy notes.

With that in mind, people often wonder if blueberry honey is healthier than manuka honey. This is tricky to answer since manuka honey and blueberry honey haven’t been compared in scientific trials, so we can’t say if one is better than the other. 

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Is there such a thing as blueberry honey?

Yes, blueberry honey comes from honey bees who collect nectar from blueberry plants.

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Is it possible to learn how to make blueberry honey?

No, real honey is made by honey bees instead of humans. Humans can make blueberry-flavored syrup, but we can’t make genuine blueberry honey.

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Was blueberry honey on Shark Tank?

Yes, a honey company called Zach & Zoe Sweet Bee Farm was featured on CNBC’s Shark Tank.

In that episode, Zach & Zoe featured blueberry honey, wildflower honey, and other popular varieties. Ultimately, they closed a $200,000 deal with Barbara Corcoran.

—> Go back to the FAQs on blueberry honey

Blueberry honey is made by honey bees that feed on blueberry nectar. Blueberry honey has a sweet taste with fruity and floral undertones. It tastes delicious on its own or drizzled over fruit or other foods.

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We take an evidence and science based approach to our content. This means we source from peer-reviewed studies, randomized controlled trials, and medical reports. Our team carefully researches the information you find in this article.

More specifically, we look for sources that:

  • are supported by data, not just based on theory
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You’ll find these evidence-based sources highlighted by parentheses.(1, 2, 3)

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