Description

Fir honey is harvested during the summer months from the fir forests of Mount Oeta National Park, in Central Greece, at an altitude of 900 to 1,700 metres. It is characterised by its light amber colour, its caramel-like taste and its rich texture. Because of its low glucose concentration, it does not crystallise for a long period of time (>3 years).

Health Claims

Fir honey is known to function as a countering agent against oral malodour. It is also an antiseptic for the upper respiratory tract and the intestine, while it also displays certain properties that act against anemia. Fir honey acts as a gastrointestinal balancer and also as an agent for physical growth, because of the calcium it contains. Furthermore, it is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, when a lymphatic oedema manifests. Below are listed in brief some of the health claims regarding fir honey, based on different studies:

• Deodorant for the oral cavity
• Antiseptic for the upper respiratory tract, and the intestine
• Anti-anemic properties

(Nardi, 1996)

• Gastrointestinal balancer
• Antiseptic for the respiratory tract
• Drastic against malodour

(Fabrocini V.C.,1999)

• Anti-inflammatory properties, in the case of lymphatic oedema
• Beneficial for physical growth, through the intake of calcium

(Api-phytotherapy, Rossi M. 1992).