Did you know that the third Saturday in August is World Honeybee Day? It’s a great time to celebrate these diligent little creatures who pollinate our favorite fruits, veggies, and flowers; support biodiversity and agriculture; and make sweet, delicious honey! A honey tasting provides a casual opportunity for kids to broaden their palates and explore the diverse flavors and characteristics of different honey varieties!
First, some FUN FACTS about honeybees!
Now, let’s get this party started!
Start by selecting a diverse range of honey varieties. Farmers’ markets are a great place to find local varieties and unique flavors. Aim for a selection that includes different floral sources, such as lavender, clover, wildflower, orange blossom, or whatever you’ve got nearby. Three different types of honey are all you’ll need for the taste test, and you’ll need one jar of each!
Create a welcoming and engaging environment for your honey tasters! Arrange the honey samples on a platter or tray, covering the labels. Consider providing small tasting spoons, napkins, and a cup of water for palate cleansing between samples. It’s also helpful to have a damp rag or two handy for sticky hands and surfaces!
Encourage participants to engage their senses and take note of the honey's color, texture, and aroma. Is it crystalized or not? Next, have them take a small amount of honey on their spoon, close their eyes, and savor the flavor. Ask them to pay attention to the sweetness level, and subtle notes of flowers or herbs. How does the honey feel in their mouth – smooth? slippery? crunchy? Encourage discussion and the sharing of personal preferences and observations. Have everyone take a sip of water and then repeat this step with the second and third samples.
After everyone has tried each honey variety, ask the kids to share their observations. What differences did they notice between the honey samples? Did any unique characteristics stand out? Which samples were their favorites and why?
Older kids may enjoy taking the test a step further by exploring culinary pairings with different honey varieties. You could provide different options – bread, cheese, apples, or herbal teas and encourage participants to experiment with different flavor combinations.
Here’s hoping this honey exploration leaves you with an even deeper appreciation for the work of bees and the magic they bring to our plates! And if you’ve got leftover honey, don’t let it go to waste! Turn it into Honey Ice Slushies, Honey Vanilla Mint Dipping Sauce, or discover more un-bee-lieveably tasty recipes at StickyFingersCooking.com!
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