During the month of May, honey production is in full swing, with bees gathering nectar from wild flowers, fruit trees and aromatic plants. Honey is a traditional Catalan artisanal product and has a close relationship with the biodiversity in the region. That’s why, all over Catalonia there is a wide variety of beekeepers and types of honey. A unique natural product Honey is one of the most versatile foods in Catalan cuisine and boasts has nutritional properties that are beneficial to our health. It is a natural product obtained from flowering plants and trees, when the bees collect nectar and transform it into honey in their colonies. Catalonia is a beekeeping region par excellence, with such diverse varieties as acacia, rosemary, orange and chestnut tree honey. Each one reflects the richness of the landscape and the plant life from which the nectar is drawn. In Catalonia, honey production is also part of the natural and culinary heritage. For this reason, both the work of the bees and the beekeepers help to preserve biodiversity and improve the rural economy. Benefits of honey Honey is a high-energy food, a natural source of sugars such as fructose and glucose, which provide quick energy. Furthermore, honey helps to strengthen the immune system. Honey boasts antioxidant and antibacterial properties, so consuming it regularly may help lower the risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Likewise, honey can also be used as a home remedy to relieve a sore throat due to cough, as it can reduce irritation. Honey, a highly versatile ingredient Honey is a key ingredient in many traditional Catalan recipes. For example, it goes great with ricotta cheese to make a delicious sweet dessert, and it’s also frequently included in breakfasts and snacks. It is commonly added to drinks such as tea. Catalonia's most innovative cuisine has also included it as an essential ingredient in its recipes, with recipes such as duck confit with honey and orange, prawns with broccoli and honey, sweet and sour trout and apples with honey. Honey is a very versatile food that can be combined with both sweet dishes and more elaborate creations, which makes it an essential food to always keep in the pantry. The dishes that include honey as a main ingredient also pair perfectly with sweet wines, such as the ones from the DO Tarragona and DO Empordà. This combination will elevate the flavour of the dish to give you a complete food and wine experience.