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Flavour of the month
Honey
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The mission of the Fédération des apiculteurs du Québec is to study, defend and promote the economic, social and moral interests of its members. The Fédération has approximately 135 members and is divided into five regional associations: Quebec City and Eastern Quebec; Mauricie, Central Quebec and the Eastern Townships; North-Western Quebec; Saint-Hyacinthe; and Saguenay Lac St-Jean.
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Did you know?
- Bees appeared on Earth some 120 million years ago.
- Beekeeping is one of humanity’s oldest professions and for many years honey was the only abundant source of sweetness in our western climates.
- Honey can be added to plain yogurt or a nice cup of warm milk. It can be used to glaze carrots, squash or ham, or to delicately sweeten tea or coffee. It can be drizzled over half a grapefruit, on cereal, etc. It can also replace sugar in recipes: substitute 2/3 cup of honey for each cup of refined sugar. Reduce the oven temperature by 25oF (15oC) for cakes and pastries. Since honey contains water, reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe by ¼ of a cup for each cup of honey used.
- When it comes to wholesomeness and quality, nothing compares to Canadian honey.
- A tablespoon of honey has 60 calories. It is a high-energy food that is quickly digested. Bacteria cannot proliferate or even survive in honey. This is because of its high sugar concentration and the naturally occurring inhibitory substances it contains. Unpasteurized honey is therefore perfectly safe… and so much better.
- Honey and its by-products (pollen, royal jelly, propolis) are known to have therapeutic properties. Royal jelly is recommended for fighting fatigue and weakness. Pollen contributes to better physical performance and propolis has known antibiotic qualities.
- Honey is also used in beauty products (shampoo, skin cream, soap, etc.).
- Markets featuring local produce, delicatessens and local grocery stores sell Quebec honey. And of course it can also be bought directly from the producer.
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Quebec: A Few Statistics for 2005:
| Number of beekeepers: |
258 (6 colonies or more) |
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| Number of beehives: |
(6 colonies or more) |
| Production: |
Approximately 1,800,000 kg of honey |
* Source: Statistics Canada
Honey Blueberry Muffins
Preparation time: 15 min
Cooking time: 30 min
Yield: 16 muffins
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Ingredients:
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup HONEY
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup melted fat
• Zest of 1/2 lemon
• 1/2 cup chopped cherries
• Honey for brushing
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Mix together the flour, baking powder and salt.
Add the blueberries.
In a bowl, mix together the milk, honey, beaten egg and melted fat.
Fold in the previous mixture.
Stir just enough to moisten the dry ingredients.
Add the zest of lemon and cherries, to taste.
Pour the mixture into 16 buttered muffin molds.
Cook the muffins for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Brush with honey.
Honey Mustard Salmon Fillets
Preparation time: 15 min
Cooking time: 15 min
Serves: 4
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Ingredients:
• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/3 cup light mayonnaise 75 g
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard 30 g
• 1 tbsp HONEY 15 ml
• 1 tsp old-fashioned mustard (Meaux) 5 ml
• 1 tsp water 5 ml
• 1/2 tsp chili seasoning 2 g
• 1 pinch Cayenne (red pepper)
• 1 tsp lemon juice 5 ml
Preparation:
Mix all ingredients together, except for the lemon juice.
Brush the salmon fillets with this mixture.
Next, cook in a 425°F oven for approximately 12 minutes.
Some of the mixture can be set aside to be served with the salmon.
Bon appétit!
“Life is a flower, of which
love is the honey.”
Victor Hugo |
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