Honey is not just a delightful sweetener but also a genuine health elixir. According to various studies and scientific research, this nectar provides a wide range of benefits for our health.
In this article, we will explore the various ways in which the consumption of this delicacy can positively impact our health and well-being. But we won’t stop there. In the pursuit of a connection between health and sustainability, we will also delve into 10 eco-friendly destinations in Italy where you can immerse yourself in a travel experience that is beneficial for both you and the planet. Are you ready to uncover the secrets of honey and plan your sustainable vacations embracing apitourism? Welcome to a journey that combines taste, well-being, and sustainability!
The Beneficial Effects of Honey
Honey is much more than just a sweetener. It’s a concentrated source of health benefits that nature generously provides us with. In fact, rich in nutrients and antioxidants, honey is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. With the presence of enzymes and vitamins, honey can contribute to boosting the immune system and improving digestion.
Honey can be used as a natural remedy for various conditions, such as sore throat and cough. Additionally, honey is valued for its ability to improve sleep quality, thanks to the presence of tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes the production of serotonin, the ‘happy hormone’.
All in all, from enhancing the immune system to managing common ailments, honey proves to be a valuable ally for our daily health. Incorporating it into our daily diet not only adds a touch of sweetness but also brings numerous benefits.
10 Eco-friendly Accommodation Where Honey is the Protagonist
After exploring the extraordinary benefits of honey, it’s time to embark on a unique and sustainable journey. Through a blend of taste and environmental responsibility, we recommend ten extraordinary eco-friendly accommodation where honey is the protagonist.
Here are 10 farm holiday destinations where you can taste farm-to-table organic honey and experience the benefits of bee products firsthand!
1. Organic honey and agroecology between the hills of Florence
BIOAgriturismo Poderaccio in Tuscany, famous for its organic honey. In this ecological farm at the foothills of Chianti (half an hour from Florence), you can attend agroecology courses, focusing on environmentally-friendly agriculture. Alternatively, you can experience the Bioagriosteria, savoring simple dishes of traditional peasant cuisine reinterpreted for health-conscious dining.
2. Beekeeping for big and little ones in Trentino
The organic honey with the “Qualità Parco” label from Agriturismo Dalla Natura La Salute tells the story of the flowers of Trentino, the high-altitude air, and the untouched nature of the Adamello Brenta Park. The farmhouse is suitable for families with children, who can enjoy beekeeping workshops, a garden, and a playground. The agriturismo also provides educational farm activities and experiences to discover the magical world of bees.
3. Beekeeping in the green of the three Abruzzo Parks
As the name suggests, the main activity of Agriturismo Laperegina in Abruzzo is beekeeping. Laperegina is an organic farm immersed in the greenery at the heart of the three Abruzzo Parks. The main structure is an old shepherd’s house with a stable and shelters, as well as a small house in the woods and a treehouse. While the primary focus of the farm is honey production, they also raise sheep, pigs, and courtyard animals in the surrounding area.
4. Zero-kilometer honey in the Dolomites
At Malga Riondera, in the Lessinia Natural Park, the owners raise bees in the most ethical and sustainable manner possible. It’s a bio-agritourism spot in an ancient stone mountain hut surrounded by the pristine woods of the Lessinia Natural Park and the Small Dolomites. On weekends, the agritourism also offers a dining service with zero-kilometer products from its own fields.
5. Pioneers of sustainability in southern Milan
Cascina Santa Brera in the agricultural park south of Milan is a rural entity symbolizing the concept of sustainability. It is an organic farm with a large vegetable garden, free-range animal husbandry, and a historical focus on energy-saving practices. It obtained several recognitions, such as the Imcert certification for organic farming, the Slow Food presidium for Varzese breed farming, and the Slow Food locanda recognition. From the bees populating the farm’s orchard, a particularly fragrant multifloral honey is harvested, consisting of dandelion, lime, acacia, cercis siliquastrum, and honeydew. Additionally, the farm is experimenting with triangular-shaped beehives that promote the natural organization of bees, making them naturally more resistant to parasite attacks.
6. Sustainable farm in the High Tuscia region of Lazio
Immersed in 24 hectares of land and forest, Pulicaro Agriturismo and Regenerative Farm carries out its sustainable agriculture activities, primarily producing honey, extra virgin olive oil, fruits, vegetables, and eggs. The rooms are all sustainable and illuminated by the clean energy from the photovoltaic system. During breakfast, guests can taste the honey and other local products, homemade cakes, and many other homemade sweets. The zero-kilometer restaurant of the agritourism is exclusively for bed & breakfast guests.
7. Permapiculture and nature walks in the heart of Umbria
Bed & Breakfast Il Sentiero Nel Bosco is an eco-friendly farmhouse nestled in the greenery, 15 minutes from Foligno, where the owners produce honey through permapiculture. The house also has a synergistic vegetable garden and is surrounded by an olive grove and a forest of centuries-old oak trees, offering the opportunity for long walks among the sage and rosemary that grow spontaneously in these areas.
8. Organic agritourism near Cinque Terre
Il Filo di Paglia is a certified organic agritourism nestled in the greenery of the pristine Val di Vara, near the Cinque Terre, and it is Liguria’s first straw house. In the surroundings you can also find untouched woods of pines, oaks, chestnuts, vegetable crops, fruit trees, pasture, and flower gardens,. The agritourism, in addition to exquisite honey, also produces olive oil, fruits, and potatoes.
In the “Ristorante Stallato“, you can savor the authentic and forgotten flavors of Ligurian tradition, made unique by high-quality raw materials and the creativity of the cuisine. You can’t miss the pairings of honey with local cheeses!
9. Between nature and organic honey in one of Italy’s 100 most beautiful villages
The Organic Farm Pedrosola is located in Brisighella, one of Italy’s 100 most beautiful villages, in the province of Ravenna. From the windows of its rooms, you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of the valley with vineyards, cultivated fields, and woods overlooking the Lamone River. In the morning, indulge in a breakfast featuring honey and jams produced by the farm using organic methods.
10. Honey and sports in the heart of the Bolognese Apennines
Podere Caselina is located in the heart of the Bolognese Apennines, on the shores of Lake Brasimone and at an altitude of 900 meters. This organic farmhouse immersed in nature, renowned for its organic honey, also offers many recreational opportunities for sports enthusiasts. At the agriturismo, you can rent mountain bikes, e-bikes to explore the Alta Via dei Parchi and the Via degli Etruschi, and fishing equipment.
Whether you are health enthusiasts, lovers of local cuisine and good food, or travelers eager to contribute to the protection of our planet, there is a sweet and sustainable way to satisfy all these passions during your holidays!
