County Durham farm creates bee-free honey alternative
Dalton Moor Farm, in Dalton-le-Dale, near Seaham, is known for its sustainable practices and has developed Hunny, a honey substitute made from the syrup of rowan berries and flowers.
The Bee Free Vegan Hunny is said to mimic many of the health benefits of manuka honey and comes in a variety of flavours.
Dr Jenny Connor, who has been growing crops and regenerating the land at the farm for more than a decade, said: “Like manuka, rowan berries are naturally anti-oxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory.
“The syrup has a delightfully complex flavour that does a little dance in your mouth – first fruity, then sweet, sharp, sour, bitter and finally tasting just like honey at the back of your palate.
“And, most importantly for those looking for a vegan honey substitute, itβs βMade By Me, Not By Beeβ.”
Made with base ingredients of rowan berries, it can be used in the same way as honey; on porridge, drizzled over vegetables then roasted, in drinks, in cakes, over ice cream or on toast.
Along with the original rowan Hunny, shoppers can choose from a selection of additional flavours, foraged from the farmβs meadows and woodland.
These include elderflower, rose, heather, clover, summer meadow flowers, gorse, lilac, meadowsweet and evening primrose, along with a mixed berry version.
Dalton Moor Farm also runs an educational programme for anyone interested in learning more about sustainability, along with retreats and short courses on various elements of wellness.
The Bee Free Vegan Hunny is one of a selection of sweet, savoury and fermented preserves produced on the farm.
It costs Β£6 for a 190ml jar.
For more information or to purchase online visit daltonmoorfarm.co.uk.