There is always a buzz around the benefits and power of honey. Honey butter, honey yoghurt, honey chilli potatoes, lotus stems with honey, pork ribs with honey lemon chicken with honey and puddings drizzled with honey are now delectable treats. Using honey-based marinades, glazes, salad dressing, and honey in barbecue show ancient ingredients redefine contemporary menus.
Pure Bliss
As more people embrace health-conscious lifestyles, the preference for honey as a natural and unprocessed sweetener fuels its popularity. Chefs and home cooks experiment with honey innovatively, pairing it with spicy ingredients to create bold, complex flavours. The use of honey in cooking has become popular. Many celebrities are also adding honey to their diets. According to reports, singer Arina Grande, past coach of the Voice Show US gifted her artistes a vocal health first-aid kit to help their voices which included tea and honey packets to help soothe the voice. Actress Jennifer Aniston, too, is fond of honey as it helps her maintain a healthy immune system.
Actors often share their healthy drinks made of honey on social media. In earlier interviews, Priyanka Chopra mentioned she drinks warm water, with ginger, turmeric, lemon and honey in the morning to boost her immunity and Sonam Kapoor prefers a blend of honey and lemon juice in warm water.
Natural Sweetener
Urvi Gala Founder, The Dessert Republic Mumbai says “Honey’s viscosity and caramelisation properties make it ideal for desserts and baking. In savoury dishes, honey balances spices, making it a key ingredient for dressings, marinades, and sauces. Also, a go-to for healthier alternatives to processed sugar, creating unique pairings in beverages like herbal teas or refreshing fizzy drinks natural enzymes, minerals, and antioxidants make it a versatile culinary staple and a nutritious one.”
Arun Kumar, Head of Beverage Operations, Iron Hill India states “Its natural sweetness and depth of flavour make honey a perfect addition to both mocktails and culinary creations. Beyond its taste, honey offers a sense of authenticity and wholesomeness, connecting us to nature with every sip or bite. When crafting beverages, focus on pairing honey with complementary ingredients like fresh citrus, herbs, and warm spices to create a balanced drink. Use honey to add richness, while also enhancing the overall aroma and texture.”
The key to working with honey is understanding its character. Choose the right variety for the dish or drink, and always dilute it with warm water for smooth blending. Honey doesn’t just sweeten; it elevates, making every experience indulgent.
Word Of Caution
Aiswarya R, Senior Dietitian Dr Mohan’s Diabetes Specialties Centre, Gopalapuram, Chennai says, “Honey should be consumed within limits. i.e., 10% of the total calorie requirement which is the same for any added sugars. When it comes to a person with diabetes, it is never a substitute for the white sugars as the fructose and glucose in the honey also increase the blood glucose levels. Honey within limits can be used by the non-diabetic in salads, dips, herbal teas, toppings, home remedies etc. Whereas, using them in baking and grilling or heating the honey develops Hydroxy Methyl Furfural which is carcinogenic. It should be avoided in infants less than 1 year old as it causes infant botulism.” Due to the likelihood of adulteration, buy good-quality honey from reputed brands, and trusted stores.
