Clover Honey

Apart from the basic type of honey that we see in fancy packages and bottles in food marts and stores, there are many differently flavored honey available which suits every kind of palate. Clover honey is one such kind of honey which has a distinct, pleasing and mild taste, and has the largest production in the United States compared to other flavored honey. It is produced by feeding the bees primarily on the nectar of the fruits of the clover plant. This aromatic herbaceous plant produces a strong aromatic nectar which upon consumption by bees, gives a grassy flavored honey, that is used in cooking as well as a condiment.

More about Clover Honey
There are three main factors which contribute to a good quality clover honey. The season in which this honey is produced determines its rich flavor. Generally, the summers and late spring tend to bring out the best in it as the lowering moisture levels in the atmosphere during these time, stresses the plant which leads to a good yield of nectar. Apart from that, what the bees are fed also matters significantly. Mostly, beekeepers control the eating habits of bees and encourage them to feed only on clover nectar. But if the nectar of some other plant is consumed by bees, then the subtle flavor of this honey can be altered. The third contributing factor in the goodness of honey is the production procedure it goes through. Most of the time, honey is pasteurized in order to kill the bacteria and remove the impurities but this also tends to 'kill' the mild flavor of clover honey. For this reason, some people prefer to consume it in the raw form. The main clover plants used for honey production in the United States are white Dutch clover, white blossom clover and yellow blossom clover. Pure clover flavored honey has translucent white color, although it is rarely found, as the chances of bees feeding on other plants is quite high. Its color ranges from white to light amber.

Clover Honey Nutrition Facts and Benefits
This type of honey has been used as an herbal remedy since Hippocrates's time. The Chinese have documented its medicinal use in their texts. It has a convalescing effect when applied on a wound. As it contains lots of vitamin C, along with traces of potassium, copper, and iron, it helps in wound recovery by acting on the slow healing injuries. Its consumption benefits the body as it is loaded with antioxidants which curb down oxidation of low density lipoproteins and also lowers the level of homocysteine, both of which contribute to heart diseases. It also facilitates the production of alpha hydroxy acids which help in skin rejuvenation. Apart from its anti-aging properties, it also works wonders as a digestive aid and has cough suppressant qualities. Even blood pressure can be considerably reduced by drinking a cup of tea with one or two spoonfuls of clover honey. Another amazing property of this herbal medicine is its ability to stimulate the stomach and reduce the risk of liver problems.

This honey isn't exactly calorie free, and contains 64 calories in one teaspoonful. It does not have any proteins, fats or cholesterol and contains small amounts of manganese, calcium, fluoride and choline. Another one of its characteristics is the presence of tiny amounts of yeasts and bacterial spores. Though it's not harmful to any healthy adult, but it can cause harm to small children as their immune system is not fully developed.

Clover Honey vs Regular Honey
Besides the difference in taste and flavor, the regular honey also differs from clover honey in color as it has more darkish amber color. Clover honey, as already discussed, is a type of honey which is produced by feeding the bees exclusively on clove flowers. If the bees are allowed to eat orange flower nectar, then you get orange honey. Similarly, blackberry honey is derived by feeding the bees on blackberries. When the flower source is too large to give credit to a single flower, it is called the regular honey.

Consuming this type of honey everyday is beneficial to the body and pleasing to the taste buds. But before you purchase it, make sure it is not heated and has undergone any treatment as that would eliminate the vital vitamins and minerals from it. Storing it properly is a requisite condition to preserve its nutrients, therefore store it in airtight containers and keep it in an area where the temperature is less than 50 degrees. Do not refrigerate any honey as it crystallizes in cold temperatures.