Celebrate World Bee Day with these recipes

World Bee Day is celebrated on 20th of May each year to raise awareness about the importance of bees and other pollinators for our ecosystem and food production. On this day Anton Janša, the pioneer of beekeeping, was born in 1734. Bees play a crucial role in pollinating plants, including many of the crops we rely on for food.

World Bee day celebrates all honey bees around the world, but we are particularly fond of our New Zealand Honey bees that are producing our precious Manuka Honey. Manuka Honey has a distinctive rich taste that tends to be less sweet than most other honeys, making it perfect in all sorts of recipes. Preparing food with Manuka Honey gives your meals a convenient additional health boost. While Manuka Honey is best prepared cold to preserve maximum health benefits, Manuka Honey can also used in cooking for a delicious taste experience.

Here are a few recipes featuring Manuka Honey.

Manuka Honey Glazed Salmon:

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 3 tablespoons manuka honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sesame seed for decoration (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together manuka honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with baking paper.
4. Brush the honey glaze over the salmon fillets.
5. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and the glaze is caramelised.
6. Serve with your choice of sides such as rice or a green salad.

Manuka Honey Yogurt Parfait:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons manuka honey
• 1/4 cup granola
• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, mix together Greek yogurt and manuka honey.
• Take a glass or a bowl and layer the yogurt mixture, granola, and fresh berries.
• Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used.
• Drizzle some extra manuka honey on top for added sweetness.
• Enjoy as a healthy breakfast or snack.

Manuka Honey Green Tea Smoothie:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brewed green tea, chilled
• 1/2 cup almond milk (or your preferred milk)
• 1 tablespoon manuka honey
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 cup spinach or kale
• Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

• In a blender, combine brewed green tea, almond milk, manuka honey, frozen banana, spinach or kale, and ice cubes (if desired).
• Blend until smooth and creamy.
• Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more manuka honey if desired.
• Pour into a glass and enjoy as a refreshing and nutritious drink.

Remember to support sustainable beekeeping practices and choose honey that is responsibly sourced. At Manuka Honey of NZ we are working exclusively with New Zealand Honey brands which employ sustainable and modern bee keeping practices so you can be sure that what when you buy from us, you are supporting a healthy and caring industry.