Magical, medicinal honey by Rachel Foy

Honey has always been an old-wives cure for coughs, sore throats and colds and has antibacterial properties – refined honey are used in some preparations for burns. Some people swear by local honey is a cure for hay fever – take a spoonful a day to build up an ‘immunity’ to local pollens. It works for some people, but not for all. We love honey as a sweetener in coffee or herbal tea instead of sugar, and to add depth and sweetness to casseroles and marinades, especially those inspired by Arab, Turkish or north African cuisines. What better treat is there than a slice of quality white or brown bread, spread with good butter and a big smothering of lovely honey?

Our honey comes from Terry Willis in Adgestone. His bees feed across the Island on a variety of pollens including apple orchards, oil seed rape and cottage gardens. We have runny or set (creamed) honey in full or half pound jars, plus sweet-smelling furniture polish made from the bees wax.

You can buy Terry’s honey direct from the Real Island Food Company
www.realislandfood.co.uk