As Canberra’s winter drifts away and the first signs of spring emerge, one of nature’s sweetest offerings makes its amazing return to Market – honey. Our honeybees are wiggling their wings and waking up after a long winter, quickly getting to work to gather pollen from all the beautiful new spring blooms.  

The story of honey begins with the tireless efforts of honeybees, which collect nectar from flowers, process it in hives, and transform it into what we all love. The process involves enzymes, evaporation, and the unique influences of surrounding florals, resulting in a variety of different available honey flavours and colours. 

Honey is more than just a delicious natural sweetener. It’s a nutritional superhero, containing a mix of natural sugars like glucose and fructose, as well as antioxidants, vitamins (such as vitamin C), and minerals (such as potassium and calcium). The antioxidants in honey help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. These elements contribute to honey’s reputation as an energy booster, immune system supporter, and wound healer.  

As the chilly winter months transition into spring, honey plays a vital role in helping us stay nice and healthy. When consumed regularly, honey can help coughs and soothe the pain of sore throats, making it a natural remedy for the common cold and seasonal allergies (good to know for Canberra hay fever season!). For those skincare lovers, honey can even assist in maintaining skin health, thanks to its moisturising and antibacterial qualities. Honey really is a bit of a multitasker.  

The benefits of honey extend beyond assisting with human health. Bees, which are the essential pollinators of most food crops, rely on nectar to produce honey, and their survival is closely linked to the availability of flowering plants. By being a supporter of sustainable beekeeping practices and protecting their habitats, you can directly help the preservation of bees and our ecosystems.  At Market, we have a variety of incredible local beekeepers like Isabella 1822 and Martin’s Honey producing delicious honey for you to enjoy. When you purchase your honey at Market you’re not just indulging in a delicious, sweet treat, you’re supporting the hard work of local beekeepers and the vital role of bees in pollinating our crops. That’s what makes honey so special.   

Next time you’re at Market, stop by some of our incredible honey producers to pick up some of their amazing honey products and have a chat about their sustainable beekeeping practices.