Detailed description
Origin and authenticity
We harvest this unique honey in Bela krajina – a unique karst landscape along Gorjanci, Kolpa valley and surroundings of Črnomelj and Metlika. Chestnut blooms in the second half of June to early July, linden in June, which enables 2-3 weeks of overlap when both plants bloom simultaneously. Bela krajina was for centuries a Military Frontier – a border military province against Turkish invasions. Chestnut forests were refuge and food source, while lindens grew on village squares as symbols of community.
Appearance, aroma and taste
Chestnut honey with linden is dark brown to reddish-brown color with lighter shades than pure chestnut honey – linden lightens the color. The scent is complex and intense: sharp scent of chestnut blossom, wormwood, wood and resin prevails, with refreshing menthol note of linden. The taste is pronounced and unforgettable – medium to strongly sweet with characteristic pleasant bitterness that lingers in the mouth. The menthol note of linden refreshes and mitigates the strong bitterness of chestnut.
Nutritional value
This honey is the RICHEST in minerals among all honeys: iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese (most manganese – helps collagen formation!), copper, sulfur, phosphorus. It contains the most B-complex vitamins and bee pollen among all honeys. It stands out for the highest content of hydrogen peroxide with the strongest antibacterial action.
Healing properties
Chestnut honey with linden is ideal for strengthening the immune system due to high antioxidant content. It helps with anemia due to richness of iron and minerals. It acts as a laxative for constipation, accelerates wound and burn healing. Manganese supports collagen formation, iron raises hemoglobin. The combination of chestnut power and linden freshness creates synergy – together stronger than each separately!
Kitchen use
Indispensable for gingerbread – gives characteristic bitter-sweet taste. Excellent in walnut and chestnut potica. Perfectly matches with black coffee, strong aged cheeses (gorgonzola, old goat cheese) and black bread. Usable as marinade for chicken and pork (honey + oil + spices).
Crystallization
Crystallizes slowly – can remain liquid 6-12 months or longer. When it crystallizes, crystals are quite coarse – this is a characteristic of chestnut honey. Separation of liquid and thicker part may occur – this is normal. To liquefy, use water bath up to max. 37°C.
Practical information
Available in 900g packaging. Price includes VAT. Store in dark place at room temperature (18-22°C). Coarse crystals and phase separation are normal – this is a characteristic of chestnut.
