What is “mad honey” and why it costs a fortune

What is “mad honey” and why it costs a fortune

In minimal quantities it has healing properties.

general practitioner, ex-director of the Hillel Foundation in Saratov

“Rhododendron honey is a unique treat. This type of product is a huge success in the world due to its flavor value. In the article we will consider its useful properties and potential risks, as well as the reasons for its high cost.”

What is rhododendron honey?

Rhododendron honey is a natural honey produced by bees. Rhododendrons are tall shrubs or small trees with beautiful flowers that thrive mainly in Southeast Asia.

The product, whose price reaches $200 per kg, is in great demand in Asian countries, the United States, Europe, and Australia. In the Himalayas there is even a whole nation, the Gurung tribe, who hunt for wild honey, climbing to high altitudes – from 2800 to 3500 meters, in the thickets of blooming rhododendrons.

Useful properties of rhododendron honey

• Known for its high content of antioxidants. They help protect the body from the harmful effects of free radicals and prevent the acceleration of aging and cell damage.
• Possesses antibacterial properties due to osmotic lysis – honey “sucks” water out of bacteria that enter it, preventing their further growth.
• It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties due to the content of phytoncides, biologically active substances that inhibit the growth and development of pathogenic bacteria, which is especially important during colds. However, this does not mean that the product can replace the treatment prescribed by a doctor.

Potential harm of rhododendron honey

Toxicity

It is important to note that some varieties of rhododendron contain a toxic compound such as grayanotoxin (andromedotoxin). Poisoning with this substance leads to weakness, seizures, increased salivation and sweating.

A study published in 2006 in The American Journal of Emergency Medicine showed cases of grayanotoxin poisoning in Turkey. The amount of toxic honey was 2-5 tablespoons. Symptoms appeared 30 min. – 2 hours after its ingestion.

In large doses, the product can lead to the appearance of hallucinations, so it is also called “mad honey”, “drunk” and “rabid”. In extreme cases, coordination is impaired, muscle weakness builds up and heart rhythm is disturbed. Therefore, it is important to monitor and test the quality and safety of rhododendron honey according to regulations and standards.

Reasons for the high cost of rhododendron honey

Rhododendron honey is considered a precious treat and has a fairly high value for several reasons:

• Rhododendrons do not grow in all parts of the world, making this type of honey a rare treat. This affects its price as demand and interest exceeds supply;
• collecting honey from rhododendron flowers requires a special approach as bees may not be very attracted to its scent. This makes the collection process labor intensive and increases the cost of collection;
• because of the potential risks associated with rhododendron toxicity, the honey must be specially tested and certified, and toxic honey must be disposed of. This also increases its value.

Rhododendron honey is a delicious and healthy treat with high biological value. However, due to the potential risks associated with rhododendron toxicity, caution should be exercised when consuming and purchasing it.

Due to its rarity and labor-intensive harvesting process, rhododendron honey has a high value, making it an exclusive product on the market.