During summer’s seemingly unending high temperatures, a tasty frozen treat can really hit the spot. One sweetened with locally produced honey is even better, says North Dallas Honey Company. But besides being a fabulous addition to frozen treats, did you know that honey can be stored in the freezer? Think of it as honey beating the summer heat blues.
Honey must be stored properly to maintain quality: in a closed container, in a dry location, at room temperature – about 70-75 degrees. However, if honey isn’t eaten in a reasonable amount of time, it will gradually darken in color and change flavor and composition – differences can be seen in less than a year. For longer term storage, or if your kitchen is warmer in the summer, put honey in the freezer. Freezing stops these changes almost completely and preserves the natural goodness of the honey.
To freeze honey, pour it into an ice cube tray. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to avoid dust and other particles from getting into the honey. Place the ice cube tray in the freezer. Pull the ice cube tray out and use.
Honey will sometimes change into a semi-hard state people think of as crystallized or granulated honey. This is why honey should not be stored in the refrigerator – refrigerator temperatures will cause honey to crystallize very quickly. If honey crystallizes, remove the lid and place the jar in warm water until the crystals dissolve. You can also dissolve the crystals by heating the honey in the microwave. Be careful not to burn or scorch the honey.
Summer is a great time to buy fresh fruit, a main ingredient in smoothies, freezes and other warm-weather treats. Try these sweet treat ideas from North Dallas Honey to cool down and, as a bonus, add fruit to your menu. Read on and feel the chill.
Strawberry Freeze
1/2 c. frozen strawberries
2 Tbsp. North Dallas Honey
2 long peach halves
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 c. ice cubes
Place strawberries, North Dallas Honey, milk, peach halves and lemon juice in blender container. Cover; blend on high speed until fruit is pureed. Add ice cubes. Cover; blend on high speed until ice is finely chopped.
Fruited Honey Cream
½ cup North Dallas Honey
¼ cup sugar
¼ cup water
1 egg white
Pinch salt
1 cup whipping cream
1/3 cup golden raisins
1/3 cup pistachios
In a medium saucepan stir together North Dallas Honey, sugar and 1/4 cup water over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat and boil WITHOUT stirring for 1 minute. Meanwhile, using an electric mixer beat egg white with a pinch of salt in a medium bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually pour the hot syrup over egg white, beating constantly; continue beating until the egg white is very stiff (about 4-5 minutes), let stand about 10-15 minutes until cool. In a large bowl beat whipping cream until soft peaks form. Fold in honey meringue mixture. Fold in chopped raisins and nuts. Spoon the mixture into a 11 x 7-inch glass baking dish. Cover and freeze until firm (about 4-5 hours). Spoon into bowls and serve.
Honey and Herb Frozen Yogurt
1 medium melon, seeds removed and meat removed
with a melon baller or cut into chunks
A handful of mint leaves, washed and stems removed
3 tablespoons North Dallas Honey
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 cup unsweetened Greek strained yogurt
Puree the melon, mint, North Dallas Honey and lime juice in a food processor. Strain into a bowl through a fine sieve, pressing on the solids to extract the juice. If needed, puree a second time to extract all the juices. Discard the solids. Stir in the yogurt until smooth. Place in the ice cube tray. Place in the fridge for 2 hours. Remove and add in tooth picks or Popsicle sticks. Place back in the freezer for at least four more hours. Enjoy on a hot day. Will keep for 2 days.
North Dallas Honey has been providing local, raw and unfiltered honey since 1972. Look for the bear-shaped bottles with the orange label at your local grocer. To help alleviate allergies with an assist from nature – think organic, adults should take 1 tablespoon of honey a day and children over age 1 should take 2 teaspoons a day.
For your convenience, our honey can be found on a number of shelves at local retailers, including Albertson's, Central Market, Kroger, Market Street, Sprouts, Tom Thumb, Wal-Mart and Whole Foods. Visit www.northdallashoney.com.
Media Advisory: For more information on North Dallas Honey Company, contact Jane Jarrell at 214-718-4408 or jane@trizcom.com.
###
About:
North Dallas Honey Company (www.northdallashoney.com) produces thick and quality honey that is packaged in 12-, 16- and 32-ounce containers. Additionally, we provide 1- and 5-gallon containers of our honey and have quarterly gift baskets filled with our honey available to order. For your convenience, our honey can be found on a number of shelves at local retailers, including Albertson's, Central Market, Kroger, Market Street, Sprouts, Tom Thumb, Wal-Mart and Whole Foods and online at www.northdallashoneycompany.com.
