Honey, yakun and lemon grass

SUPPLEMENTAL KNOWLEDGE
Jhunie B. Wahayna

Have you ever tried tasting honey wine? How about yacon or lemon grass tea with honey? Oh great! You’re missing something.

Honey, (not your sweetheart, my dear) as stated in the book of Matheson, is a viscous fluid, or crystallized substance produce by bees from nectar of blossoms or from secretions of the living parts of plants other than blossoms. The US Food and Drug Authority also defines honey as the nectar and saccharine exudation of plants, gathered, modified and stored in the comb by honey bees.

Researchers found out that honey contains a wide array of vitamins such as B6, thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and ascorbic acid, essential minerals such as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc, amino acids - the building blocks of protein, and several compounds that function as antioxidants. One of which is pinocembrim - this is unique to honey.

Our folks have used honey to treat wounds, skin ulcers, decubitus ulcers, and burns. They found it effective. Our family had witness the wonder of honey in healing wounds. Our dad had an accident before and was confined to the hospital for long. The attending physician applied honey to his wound. Although there were medicines taken but we didn't spend much as we expected. The honey had help healed his wound.

Aside from its medical uses and health effects, honey is also used in cooking, baking, spreading on bread or pancakes, and as an addition to various beverages such as tea and wine. Instead of sugar, there are those who use honey as sweeteners to their tea or coffee. But honey is a big no for children under one year old because of its effects. It would be best to wait until they are at least two years old.

Popularly known also to be health beneficial is the yacon. It contains several carbohydrates such as fructose, glucose, sucrose, low polymerization degree oligosaccharides and traces of starch. Aside from that, the root contains water, traces of protein and lipids. It is high in oligofructose. Yacon roots is said to be a natural treatment for diabetes and liver problems while the leaves help reduce high blood pressure and serve as antioxidant as well.

Another product is the takrai or lemon grass. It has a light lemony taste with slight hint of ginger. It has been used for centuries in Indonesia and Malaysia by herbalists and in Ayurvedic herbalism. Most often used in curries, marinades, stews, and seafood soups as it needs liquids to bring out its essential oils. Its citrus taste helps to lighten some of the richer tasting dishes. It also used in teas to combat depression and bad moods, fight fever as well as nervous and digestive disorder. Studies show that it has antibacterial and antifungal properties. The oil is used to cleanse oily skin and as a relaxant for aromatherapy.

People who are health conscious recognize the value and benefits of these products. Guess we are going the trend of organic and natural - less expensive and natural treatment.

We have local producers but need further marketing and advertisement of their products. Only during festivals and trade fairs that allow them to apply for a booth so they can introduce and display their products.

One of these is the Kerobee farm. The owner started learning beekeeping and eventually helping and teaching those who are interested. From beekeeping, he started gardening on yacon and lemon grass. It was a lot of hard work and some frustrations but eventually he was able to package his product and supply few stores. Production is limited though because it is done manually thus cannot supply when demand is high. But hope still lingers that more and more people will notice and use his products. Always remember that health is wealth.

If you are interested and want to know more information on honey, yacon, and lemon grass products, you can e-mail this address: kerobeefarm@yahoo.com