Program Information

Honey was used in ancient Egypt as money, and European settlers introduced European honeybees to New England in the early 17th century. Colonists used honey not only in their food and beverages, but also for medicinal purposes and to make furniture varnish and polish.

ABCs of Agriculture informs about Virginia's farming community and how it affects you. ABCs of Agriculture are produced by the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) - an educational program which encourages and enhances agricultural literacy in Grades K-5 and 6-8.

Transcript

Brad: Hello, and welcome to the ABC’s of Agriculture! We’re here today to talk about the letter “H” for Honey!

It has long been called the nectar of the gods…and no wonder, this sweet treat has history as far back as the beginning of time.

Honey is written about in sacred texts in ancient India and Egypt… In fact, in Egypt honey was so highly valued it commonly was used as a tribute or payment and was used to feed sacred animals.

European settlers introduced European honeybees to New England in the early 17th century. Colonists used honey not only in their food and beverages, but also for medicinal purposes and to make furniture varnish and polish.

Honeybees produce about 200 million pounds of honey a year in the United States and there are more than 300 types of honey, each with its unique color and flavor. In Virginia seven-thousand managed bee colonies produced an average of 42 pounds of honey apiece in 2000. The sweet nectar generated $441 thousand dollars in cash receipts.

And… honey is good for you too! Besides being sweet it is high in minerals and antioxidants! So, go ahead and have that spoonful of honey!

For the ABC’s of Agriculture, I’m Professor Brad! See you next time!

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