Sardinian honey tasting set

“Sardinian Honey Tasting set” 

The pack includes:

• Strawberry tree honey (miele di corbezzolo) made by La bottega del miele. Its late flowering does not make honey production particularly easy.  Uni-floral honey can only be obtained where the activity of bees continues even during autumn. Almost only in Sardinia are the conditions necessary to obtain this highly prized honey. Strawberry tree honey has an amber color when liquid, while it changes to a hazelnut-brown color with gray-green tones when it crystallizes. Crystallization, a completely natural process that affects almost all types of honey, occurs rather quickly and with very fine crystals. Its texture becomes soft and creamy. The flavor is perhaps the most characteristic note of this honey. Both aroma and smell are very strong, intense and pungent. The nose recalls the scent of ivy leaves, coffee grounds, cocoa beans, rhubarb and gentian. The adjective most used to describe it, however, is certainly “bitter”. This peculiarity makes it truly niche honey and reserved for the admirers of this very particular taste.

• Thistle honey (miele di cardo) made by La Bottega del Miele, Thistle honey has a particular floral flavor. It has an excellent sweetening power and is rich in vitamins and minerals, it is considered an ally of our digestive and cardiovascular systems. The color is amber, more or less dark depending on the blooms. The flavor and aroma are decisive, intense and persistent. It has a slightly bitter aftertaste. It can be considered one of the most famous Sardinian honey.

• Wildflower Honey with lemon peel and white truffle made by L’Isola dei Sapori. This honey is characterized by its sweet and fresh taste. The honey is selected and came from local beekeepers, with the addition of lemon peel and white truffle (Tuber Borchii), giving life to a unique and original combination.

• TONARA Nougat at view with Almonds made by Pruneddu. This Nougat is made solely with natural honey and lots of dried fruit without adding sugar. The sweetness of this product comes from the natural sugars that are already inside the honey and the dried fruits. 
• Semi-seasoned pecorino cheese (Canaiga) is made by L’Oasi WWF di Scivu. It has an intense flavor, a natural heir of Sardinian cheese, made with whole milk that is collected and transformed every day, using traditional methods, to preserve the exceptional unaltered organoleptic qualities.
• Semi-seasoned goat cheese (Narocci) made by L’Oasi WWF di Scivu, a semi-matured goat cheese (120 days of maturation) that contains all the goodness of goat’s milk, has an intense but at the same time delicate flavor tending slightly too spicy, is characterized by the drop cut.

HEALTH BENEFITS

• Strawberry tree honey (miele di corbezzolo), is very rich in antioxidants, especially polyphenols and flavonoids, it is also an important anti-inflammatory and, like other types of honey, it is very useful for combating coughs, sore throats and various seasonal diseases. It has beneficial effects in favor of the urinary tract and has astringent and purifying properties. It seems that its effect is far superior to that of Manuka honey, famous worldwide for its incredible beneficial properties.
• Thistle honey (miele di cardo), is rich in vitamins and minerals, it is considered an ally of our digestive system because it helps digestion after meals and is known for its benefits on blood circulation; it is an important ally for our liver because it helps detoxify and stimulates liver activity by improving digestion and avoiding the feeling of tiredness and sickness that we experience when we overeat food, and is a good cardio-stimulator and facilitates blood circulation in those subjects suffering from delicate problems of this kind.

• Wildflower Honey with lemon peel and white truffle.
  Honey is primarily composed of sugar, provides small amounts of several vitamins and minerals, and is rich in health-promoting plant compounds. It contains a number of antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids. Honey may offer some protective effects related to blood sugar management, but it should still be consumed in moderation, especially by people with type 2 diabetes. Honey has been linked to beneficial effects on heart health, including reduced blood pressure and blood fat levels. Still, more human research is needed on the topic. When applied to the skin, honey can be part of an effective treatment plan for burns, wounds, and many other skin conditions. It’s particularly effective for diabetes-related foot ulcers.
  Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C and flavonoids, which are antioxidants. Antioxidants help remove free radicals that can damage cells from the body. These nutrients can help prevent trusted source diseases and boost health and wellbeing. Here are some of the possible benefits of consuming lemons. 1) Lowering stroke risk, 2) consuming lemon can help reduce blood pressure since walking daily can also lower blood pressure.3) Lemons and lemon juice are an excellent source of the antioxidant vitamin C.
  White truffle is rich in nutrients, high in carbs, protein and fiber and contains both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, as well as micronutrients, such as vitamin C, phosphorus, sodium, calcium, magnesium, manganese and iron; Truffles, are a great source of antioxidants, compounds that help fight free radicals and prevent oxidative damage to your cells; Truffles has antibacterial properties that can help decrease the growth of specific strains of bacteria.

• TONARA Nougat at view with Almonds. It is made with the best natural honey from Sardinia the best-dried fruits of the highest quality and of course one percent of egg white; At least 50% of the weight of our nougat consists of that delicious dried fruit; It contains no added sugars, no artificial sweeteners or corn syrup.
  Nougats help in supplying all the essential nutrients required by the body for its normal growth and functions.  As a result, the deficiency of any of the essential nutrient which is otherwise missing from our routine diet due to our unique tastes or disliking for specific foods is also compensated by consuming gourmet nougats.
  Honey which is one of the most important ingredients of nougats, has a positive effect on the digestive system, respiratory system, skin and many more. Although nougats may be consumed in the form of snacks or desserts however these offer an instant source of energy to the body and save it from weakness and associated health problems.
  Almonds are rich in valuable nutrients for your body, like magnesium, vitamin E, and dietary fiber. Almonds have calcium and phosphorus, which improve bone health and can protect you from fractures.
• Semi-seasoned Sardinian pecorino cheese (Canaiga) It is rich in vitamin A and E which are two powerful antioxidants. Consequently, its consumption fights the signs of aging and numerous diseases of the skin and mucous membranes. It is rich in magnesium which is an incredible defense weapon for our body against the most common diseases.
• Semi-seasoned goat cheese (Narocci) This goat cheese has the peculiarity of being obtained from goat’s milk: tastier and more digestible. The ingredients that it contains, have been pasteurized goat’s milk, rennet, salt and lactic ferments. The vitamin supply includes B vitamins (in particular vitamins B1, B2 to counteract fatigue and migraine and B12 to counteract anemia) and fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, precious for skin and eyes. As for mineral salts, it is rich in calcium, potassium and phosphorus for bone health.

CERTIFICATES & VALUE

• Careful and refined selection of typical Italian food products.

• Authentic manufacturing process

TASTING

This kit is recommended for the preparation of:

• Pancake with strawberry tree honey and pineapples for 4 to 6 people
  • Preparation: Easy, 65’
  • Recipe: available here
  • In this kit: Strawberry tree honey
  • You will need: 1 cup all-purpose flour, (spooned and leveled), 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 piece Medium Size Ripe Pineapple, 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 1/2 cup strawberry tree honey, 12 strawberry and mint optional.
• Green salad with yogurt and thistle honey for 4 to 6 people
  • Preparation: Easy, 15’
  • Recipe: available here 
  • In this kit: Thistle honey
  • You will need: Read leaf lettuce, Green leaf lettuce, 1 ½ onion, 1 avocado, 1 carrot, 2 tomatoes, Fresh baby spinach, Pepper to taste, 1/2 cup feta cheese, few basil leaves, 40 ml of extra virgin olive oil, 1 lemon juice, 30g of thistle honey, 250g greek yogurt and 1 ursino garlic.
• Acciuleddi wildflower Honey with lemon peel and white truffle for 4 people
  • Preparation: Easy, 60’
  • Recipe: available here 
  • In this kit: Wildflower Honey with lemon peel and white truffle
  • You will need: Fine semolina, Flour 00, Sugar, Butter or lard, Egg, Sweet white wine, Water, Sprinkles or colored balls, Seed oil.

Alternative tasting tips with the ingredients in this kit:

• Strawberry tree honey (miele di corbezzolo) as this honey is considered bitter, it is advisable to consume in combination with roasted cheeses, such as Scivu goat cheese; it is also excellent for giving an extra touch of flavor meat such as pork fillet (in this case we suggest to cook the meat in a pan with the onion and a drizzle of oil, add a glass of white wine and once it has evaporated and reached the desired cooking point, add a teaspoon of honey, mix everything and serve).
• Thistle honey (miele di cardo), with its floral and enveloping flavor, lends itself very much to culinary combinations even rather daring: we can use it to accompany some meat dishes, fresh ricotta or, according to a more classic scheme, together with cheeses with an intense flavor. In fact, thistle honey tends to mitigate and make strong flavors more homogeneous. Alternatively, it is considered exceptional as a sweetener for black and herbal tea or spread on rusks and bread. It tastes very good on seadas too (a typical Sardinian sweet). It is excellent in combination with semi-mature cheeses such as pecorino or goat cheese.

A nice idea for a different appetizer is the following recipe:(whip 250g of fresh ricotta or cream cheese with 25g of honey, 5g of salt and a pinch of pepper with an electric whisk; put the mixture in a piping bag and keep in the fridge for 1 hour, then take a slice of soft bread, you have to brown it in a pan with a knob of butter (one to two tablespoons), when it is ready, cover with the cream, add some fresh blueberries and crumble a little crunchy bacon on top!

• • Wildflower Honey with lemon peel and white truffle, It is recommended to combine with aged cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano, a rich Pecorino or even the Piedmontese Castelmagno. It will surprise you on seadas, fresh or melted cheeses and desserts. It can also give a touch of class to your excellent breakfasts and aperitifs.

• TONARA Nougat at view with Almonds
  We suggest trying this nougat straight from the freezer. It is also delicious when served cold. The cold temperature of the freezer enhances all flavors of honey and dried fruit. When eaten cold the taste of the honey and the dried fruits softens a bit and the aromas of the essences in honey and dry fruit will be only fully released when in your mouth. Like an eruption of flavors. The only nougat that has this quality and that can be stored in the freezer is the nougat made with natural honey.

• Semi-seasoned Sardinian pecorino cheese (Canaiga) goes well with any kind of pasta, with Italian cured meats, whit vegetables, with honey and fruit preserves, it is also perfect to be enjoyed in combination with honey, perhaps lightly roasted on a sheet of carasau bread.
• Semi-seasoned goat cheese (Narocci). It is perfect for a different aperitif, it can be savored with a dried myrtle sausage and parchment bread, also excellent to use as a gratin cheese on baked pasta.

STORAGE

• Strawberry tree honey (miele di corbezzolo) Honey tends to crystallize under a certain temperature, we recommend storing it in a place with a temperature not lower than 20 °C, otherwise, before use, heat in a bain-marie until the right consistency is reached.

• Thistle honey (miele di cardo) Honey tends to crystallize under a certain temperature, we recommend storing it in a place with a temperature not lower than 20 °C, otherwise, before use, heat in a bain-marie until the right consistency is reached.
• Wildflower Honey with lemon peel and white truffle Honey tends to crystallize under a certain temperature, we recommend storing it in a place with a temperature not lower than 20 °C, otherwise, before use, heat in a bain-marie until the right consistency is reached. consume within 18 months from the production’s date.

• TONARA Nougat at view with Almonds. Store the nougat in a cool place where the temperature is less than 20 ° C. Even better would be in the refrigerator in the closed package. You can put Pruneddu nougat in your freezer to preserve all its flavors. But don’t forget to cut it in smaller pieces before freezing it. In the freezer, it stays ready for consumption even for 18 months.
• Semi-seasoned Sardinian pecorino cheese (Canaiga)  store in the refrigerator at 0-4 ° C; after opening, consume within a few days.
• Semi-seasoned goat cheese (Narocci) store in the refrigerator at 0-4 ° C; after opening, consume within a few days.

PRODUCER

Sardinia Blue Zone

About

Authentic 100% Sardinian products

Authentic Sardinian products selected by our local food & wine expert, Maurizio Stara Sardinia Blue Zone's assorted packages are all made in Sardinia according to local tradition, to bring the best of Sardinian diet, a key to the longevity of the inhabitants of this wild and magnificent island. Through the use of a few genuine and also 100% local ingredients, freshness and quality are guaranteed. All products are tested in the kitchen by Sardinian gastronomic experts. These are authentic food products with a short supply chain.

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This pack is the result of a careful selection and research process. Among the Sardinian specialties included in this pack, 3 companies from the territory of Sardinia were selected.

• • Strawberry tree honey is created when wild honeybees collect nectar from the beautiful but rare evergreen shrub, arbutus unedo, also known as the strawberry tree. While this evergreen is not uncommon, there are few in the world large enough to support wild beehives.
    That being said, Sardinia’s Mediterranean coast is home to an astonishing number of grand ancient strawberry trees housing wild hives. Strawberry tree honey has been used by Sardinians since ancient times, for both its truly unique taste, as well as, its remarkable therapeutic properties.
    Strawberry tree honey is not only praised by those who know it for its therapeutic properties, but also for its unique culinary flavor. Strawberry tree honey offers a strong, often bitter, and decisive flavor largely influenced by both its origin and age. Initially a viscous and creamy texture, with a dark amber color, and hints of bitter herbs, green ivy, and ground coffee. A truly unique ingredient to have in the kitchen.
  • Thistle honey. During the flowering season, the bees produce a more or less dark, bitter honey with a strong aroma, typically Sardinian. It can be considered as one of the most famous Sardinian honeys. Thistle honey has a particular floral flavor. It has an excellent sweetening power and is rich in vitamins and minerals, it is considered an ally of the digestive and cardiovascular system: it helps digestion after meals and is known for its benefits on blood circulation.
  • TONARA Nougat at view with Almonds. Tonara, Barbagia, a small town in the heart of Sardinia. Up until the 1960’s, the artisans (turronargios) made only small portions of the product by hand at home using traditional techniques. They sold the nougat themselves all over the island, during the fairs. It is in this timeframe and circumstances that Salvatore Pruneddu establishes the first Sardinian nougat factory in 1963, a factory with electric machines. For this, he bought three modern nougat machines and two electric toasters. In this manner, he found a way to combine the already existing traditional techniques with modern ways of production. It is now more than fifty years ago that Salvatore Pruneddu founded the Pruneddu Nougat factory and nowadays it is considered one of the most important activities in the Sardinian food sector. Every day they still make the nougat according to the ancient recipe. 

• Semi-seasoned Sardinian pecorino cheese (Canaiga) is made by L’Oasi WWF di Scivu. It is a semi-aged pecorino cheese with an intense flavor, a natural heir of Sardinian cheese, made with whole milk that is collected and transformed every day, using traditional methods, in order to preserve the exceptional organoleptic qualities unaltered. Being an artisanal product, the same type of cheese is not always the same in weight and regularity of shape. Hence the difficulty of making completely homogeneous pieces.
• Semi-seasoned goat cheese (Narocci) a semi-matured goat’s cheese (120 days of maturation), contains all the goodness of goat’s milk, it has an intense but at the same time, delicate flavor, tending slightly to spicy, which is characterized by the drop cut. Its flavor makes it perfect for a different aperitif, to be savored with a dried myrtle sausage and parchment bread, also excellent to use as a gratin cheese on baked pasta.