Grocery stores are flooded with numerous honey varieties, each having its own unique color, flavor, and aroma. Over 300+ types of honey are present in the market, boasting numerous health and nutritional benefits. Acacia honey is a favorite honey type among these varieties known for its high antioxidant content and several health benefits. It comes mainly in two different varieties: normal acacia honey and black acacia honey. But what’s the difference between these two types?
What is Normal Acacia Honey
Acacia honey is a monofloral honey variety made by the bees using the nectar of acacia flowers. The acacia trees, whose scientific name is Robinia Pseudoancia, come from the Fabaceae family. These trees have massive crowns and long branches, which give an intense smell. Moreover, these trees attain an average height of 5-10 meters, reaching 15-25 meters in height.
Acacia flowers are five-petal yellow-colored flowers whose colors vary depending on the species. There are more than 1,300 distinct types of acacias, the vast majority of them coming from Australia. Likewise, the acacia bloom can also be found in tropical and mild regions in nations like Europe, Africa, or South Asia.
Properties of Normal Acacia Honey
Acacia honey is portrayed by having an exceptionally light color, almost transparent, and an extremely light texture, with a unique floral fragrance. Also, it doesn’t crystallize quickly.
It lacks too many nuances concerning its flavor, being somewhat a neutral and smooth flavor. However, it is precisely its gentle flavor, the main reason why acacia honey is used as a natural sugar in various dishes.
Among the numerous properties of normal acacia honey, it comes with high fructose levels and an absence of intense flavor, promoting its usage as a natural sugar for yogurts, juices, breakfast cereals, etc. This is because acacia honey improves food varieties without changing their traditional flavor.
Apart from this, acacia honey has antioxidant, antimicrobial and laxative components and various fundamental minerals and nutrients, and its pollen count is exceptionally low.
- Helps in enhancing the blood circulation
- Having a low glycemic index, it is an ideal natural sweetener
- It has numerous laxative properties that contribute to the decrease of intestinal inflammations and the liver’s detoxification.
- It has exceptional relaxing & calming effects, which helps combat anxiety, stress, and mental pressure and treats insomnia.
What is Black Acacia Honey?
Black acacia or acacia sumor honey is a distinguished honey variety known for its unique characteristics. It has got its name after the “Sumor trees, ” the primary source of nectar for the honey bees. These trees are mainly found in Hadramout & Tihamah.
These are fast-growing trees having an oval-shaped crown. It has rough, dull dark bark with vertical crevices, and mid-green leaf-like flattened stems, called “phyllodes”, generally 3 to 5 inches long.
Small creamy blossoms are in a little ball-like bunch from pre-spring into spring and are followed by slim twisting seed cases that hang in earthy sheaves.
Properties of Black Acacia Honey
Sumor honey is described by a dark color that is almost black and offers an intense aroma with a sweet & refined taste. It has a pungent odor and can be stored for longer because of its low crystallization rate.
Benefits of Black Acacia Honey
- It is suitable for children and adults as it rapidly digests in the stomach and is absorbed by the lymphatic system.
- It is a nutritious ingredient particularly best to take after the end of exercise routine or mental effort.
- It helps provide relief from gastrointestinal problems by acting as an intestinal disinfectant.
- It provides relief from bloating, colic, diarrhea, and constipation.
- It helps treat liver disease, colds, malaria, anemia, and stomach ulcer.
- When consumed directly, black acacia honey helps in maintaining blood sugar levels.
How to Use These Honey Varieties?
It is advisable to take a teaspoon full of any of these raw honey varieties in the morning on an empty stomach 30 minutes before the meal. It is also good to take honey with warm water as it helps in allowing easier ingestion.
Normal acacia and black acacia honey are loaded with numerous medicinal & therapeutic properties. The primary reason for the popularity of both these varieties is their nutrient value and ability to crystallize slowly. So sprinkle it on your favorite dish or breakfast bowl, and get amazed with the natural sweetness & delicious flavor these honey varieties offer to your taste buds.