Known since prehistoric times, it is able to remain true to its essence since there is little human intervention in its production. With its pollen collected and processed almost exclusively by bees, the honey is one of the most natural products that we have access to.
In Portugal, the history of this product is linked to the occupation of the Romans who settled in the Iberian Peninsula and introduced beehives that are still used in our country today.
Honey production is scattered across Portugal from north to south, as well as across the islands. In total there are nine Portuguese qualified honeys: in the northern region, the Honey from Terra Quente, Terras Altas do Minho and Parque de Montesinho; in the central region, the Honey from Serra da Lousã and Barroso; in the Lisbon region, the Honey from Ribatejo Norte; in the Alentejo region, the Honey from Alentejo; in the Algarve, the Honey from Serra de Monchique; and in the Azores the Honey from the Azores.
The product, which is intrinsically connected to nature, will always vary in quality and shade according to the flower, the climate and the bees in each region. The type of flower can be used as a way of categorising the honey; species of flower include rosemary, eucalyptus, sunflower, heather and orange tree. Rosemary honey is mostly used at the table and in the cuisine.
What Madeira lacks in honey it makes up for with its own qulified Honey Cake (Bolo de Mel) the oldest and most famous of all sweets from Madeira. Moreover, honey is mostly used in cakes and desserts, generally as a healthy substitute for sugar
"Fall like soup into honey" (Cair como a sopa no mel) is a popular expression that is used to describe the right thing happening at the right time.
Source:
www.taste-portugal.com
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