Where to buy local honey in Norfolk

Honey is as old as history itself and humans have bathed in it, eaten it, traded with it and used it to help heal their wounds since records began. In Valencia a rock painting believed to date back 8000 years was discovered depicting a honey seeker collecting honey from a wild bee colony. Archaeologists found honey comb buried with the pharaohs in their tombs in Egypt and honey is repeatedly mentioned in the old testament.

Man has had a long love affair with this sweet and sticky natural substance and today it is still popular for a variety of reasons. Some use honey in place of refined sugar, for cooking, baking and in hot drinks. Local honey is also used by many hay fever sufferers who believe a teaspoon a day helps ease or even eradicates their symptoms. Research however does not appear to support this theory and the debate about eating honey as a hay fever cure is sure to continue.

Honey has been used to treat tickly coughs for many years, often added to a cup of warm tea or warmed lemon water. Some believe honey is more effective in treating coughs than over-the-counter cough medicines, syrups and sweets.

Topical honey treatment has long been used to heal burns and wounds and is still considered a useful and natural remedy by many. It is also thought to be an effective treatment for diabetic foot ulcers with researchers believing honey’s healing powers come from its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects as well as its ability to nourish surrounding tissue. Honey is also used to treat other skin conditions such as psoriasis, is used to fight infections and is consumed by some to help prevent acid reflux.

There have been many studies into the benefits of honey and its medicinal properties and there is a wealth of information available, should you wish to find out more. In fact, if you read enough articles, you will probably find that honey has been used to treat and cure most illnesses, diseases and conditions faced by man! Whilst this should be taken with a pinch of salt, eating a teaspoon of honey to help with a tickly cough seems worth a try.

Super food or overrated?? One thing is certain, honey is delicious spread on some fresh bread or hot toast and makes a great alternative to refined sugar. A word of caution though - honey should never be given to children under 12 months.

Places in Norfolk that produce and sell Norfolk honey:

Hempnall Honey Co. - Ford End, Bungay Road, Hempnall, Norfolk, NR15 2NG

www.hempnall-honey.co.uk

Applebee Orchard and Apiary - Bramerton Lane, Rockland St Mary, Norfolk, NR14 7HE

www.applebeeorchard.co.uk

The following stock Norfolk honey:

Picnic Fayre - The Old Forge, High Street, Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR25 7AP

Humble Pie Delicatessen - 28 Market Place, Burnham Market, King's Lynn, Norfolk, PE31 8HF

Bakers and Larners of Holt - 8 Market Place, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 6BW

Creake Abbey Food Hall - North Creake, Norfolk, NR21 9LF

Blakeney Delicatessen - 30 High Street, Blakeney, Norfolk, NR25 7AL

Walsingham Farm Shop - Guild Street, Walsingham, Norfolk, NR22 6BU

Drove Orchards Farm Shop - Thornham Road, Thornham, Hunstanton, Norfolk, PE36 6LS

Edgefield Nurseries - Norwich Road, Melton Constable, Norfolk, NR24 2RL

White House Farm Shop - White House Farm, Salhouse Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR13 6LB

Wiveton Hall Farm Shop - Wiveton Hall, 1 Marsh Lane, Wiveton, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 7TE

Bircham Stores - 32 Lynn Road, Great Bircham, King's Lynn, Norfolk, PE31 6RJ

Stiffkey Stores - Wells Road, Stiffkey, Norfolk, NR23 1QH

Rainbow Wholefoods - 14-16 Lower Goat Lane, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1JD

The Galley - 43 Lower Street, Horning, Norwich, Norfolk, NR12 8AA

Scrummy Pig - Wroxham Barns, Tunstead Road, Hoveton, Norfolk, NR12 8QU

Goodies Food Hall - Wood Lane, Diss, Norfolk, IP21 4XU

Fredricks Fine Foods - 6 St Nicholas Street, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4LB

Greenfields Produce - 9 Victoria Road, Gorleston, Norfolk, NR31 6EL

Bradwell Butchery - 6 Crab Lane, Bradwell, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR31 8DJ

The Norfolk Deli - 16 Greevegate, Hunstanton, Norfolk, PE36 6AA

Jarrold Department Store - 1-11 London Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1JF

Some National Trust gift shops and Budgens stores in the county also stock local Norfolk honey.