Our Thyme Honey was harvested in Samaria National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the White Mountains of Crete, located in the west of the island. The gorges of Samaria with their extraordinary variety of plants and wild flowers, constitute mini gardens whose isolation helps to preserve many endemic species.
During geological periods, Crete was periodically united with Africa, Europe and Asia. From these phases of connection with the three continents, results the existence on the island of many animals and plants which are the common natural heritage. Conversely, its isolation and transformation, first from a set of small islands, to become in its current form, a single island, is the reason for the existence of many endemic animal and plant species. The presence of endemic species is localized in places where there were small islets and rocks located on its circumference.
Thyme is a plant that belongs to the botanical family of Lamiaceae. This perennial sub-shrub with a low height of 10 to 35 cm, with woody stems, erect or ascending and very strongly branched, is particularly fragrant. These stems form a very tight little bush.
Leaves
Oval lanceolate in shape, the leaves are very small, between 3 and 5 mm in length; they are very aromatic.
Flowering
Thyme is a gynodioecious plant, that is, two types of individuals coexist in nature: on the one hand feet bearing hermaphrodite flowers, and on the other hand feet bearing female flowers.
The pinkish or almost white flowers, 4 to 6 mm long, are grouped in spikes, inserted in two or three at the level of the axils of the upper leaves of the stems. The green calyx more or less washed with purple consists of five small pointed teeth.
Thyme blooms at its most abundant in May. Under favorable conditions (moderate drought), however, thyme may flower more discreetly until the end of July.
The beekeeping interest
The flowering of thyme constitutes a peak of activity for Mediterranean bees. The flowers of thyme are actively visited by workers, who mostly collect the abundant nectar. Pollen is collected in very small quantities and only from hermaphroditic flowers.
Uses
Thyme is traditionally used for the treatment of respiratory disorders such as cough.
Among the components of this honey are a high concentration of antioxidants, polyphenols, flavonoids and vitamins A, C, D and K.
The high quercetin content of thyme honey is associated with antiallergic properties. This flavonoid reduces allergic reactions and symptoms of spring allergies.
Thyme honey contributes to digestive health by reducing harmful bacteria and promoting the development of probiotics or the growth of good bacteria in the digestive system: it is an antispasmodic for the digestive tract. Thus, it aids digestion and calms nervous contractions in the stomach and intestines.
One of the constituents of thyme, thymol, has been shown to have beneficial activity against cavities and certain pathogenic bacteria in the mouth.
Thyme has always been used to treat wounds and some minor skin conditions thanks to its antiseptic, antifungal and antimicrobial properties. The phenol and thymol contained in thyme honey destroy pathogenic germs in the skin and mucous membranes and accelerate the healing phase.
Notre miel de Thym
Manolis, our beekeeper has positioned his beehives in the White Mountains of Samaria National Park.
The powerful and suave taste of our thyme honey is distinguished by a remarkable length in the mouth.
Without a doubt, this thyme honey is one of the most representative of the flora of the Mediterranean basin. Its texture is liquid and its crystallization is slow.
The powerful and suave taste of our thyme honey is distinguished by a remarkable length in the mouth.
Without a doubt, this thyme honey is one of the most representative of the flora of the Mediterranean basin. Its texture is liquid and its crystallization is slow.
