3 fresh honey recipes for summer

Summer is the time when fresh, light, and naturally flavorful meals are most desired. We sometimes associate honey with winter (hot infusions or autumnal desserts), but the truth is that honey also pairs very well with typical summer dishes. Quality natural honey adds unique nuances of aroma and flavor to our dishes, from drinks to dressings and marinades. The result? Four very original, healthy, and tasty summer recipe ideas.

Summer lemonade with orange blossom honey and mint

Few things are more appealing than a refreshing homemade lemonade on a hot day. I like to add a touch of orange blossom honey . This variety has a mild flavor and floral aroma, with a light citrus touch that enhances the lemonade without overpowering the lemon flavor. The result is a very summery natural drink.

Ingredients:

• 1 liter of cold water
• 4 medium lemons (freshly squeezed lemon juice)
• 4 tablespoons of orange blossom honey (to taste)
• A handful of fresh mint leaves
• Abundant ice

Preparation: Squeeze the lemon juice into a large pitcher. Add the orange blossom honey and stir well until completely dissolved. Add the lightly crushed mint leaves to release their aroma, and pour in the liter of cold water. Mix everything together and add plenty of ice. Serve the lemonade chilled, garnishing each glass with a lemon wedge and a few mint leaves.

Glazed salmon with chestnut honey and soy

I present a recipe for honey- and soy-glazed salmon, inspired by Asian cuisine but with our Mediterranean touch. It's an ideal recipe for a summer dinner: the salmon is juicy, with a sweet and savory glaze.

At Miel Mayem we usually recommend Chestnut honey for powerful marinades, because it has a deeper flavor. This honey, harvested from chestnut forests, withstands intense flavors (soy, garlic, ginger) very well and gives the glaze a spectacular caramelized and shiny tone.

Ingredients:

• 4 fresh salmon loins
• 3 tablespoons of chestnut honey
• 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
• 1 piece of grated fresh ginger
• The juice of half a lemon
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sesame seeds and chopped chives

Preparation: In a bowl, mix the chestnut honey with the soy sauce, chopped garlic, grated ginger, lemon juice, and olive oil until well combined. Place the salmon fillets in a container and cover them with this marinade, making sure they are well coated. Cover and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, up to 1 hour.

Once the marinade is complete, preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with baking paper, brush them with the marinade, and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through but still juicy.

Serve the glazed salmon sprinkled with sesame seeds and freshly chopped chives.

Frozen yogurt with lavender honey and blueberries

After a main course, a light and refreshing dessert is always in order. One of my summer favorites is homemade frozen yogurt sweetened with honey. It's very easy to make because you don't need an ice cream maker, and we avoid having to resort to industrial ice creams full of sugars and additives. For this recipe, I use lavender honey , as its soft, floral profile pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit and dairy products.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of natural Greek-style yogurt
• 1/2 cup of lavender honey
• 1 cup fresh blueberries or other summer fruit of your choice (chopped strawberries, raspberries, diced peaches, etc.)

Preparation: In a large bowl, mix the yogurt with the lavender honey and add the fresh blueberries. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe, airtight container or into popsicle molds if you want to make individual servings. Alternatively, make a frozen yogurt bar in a shallow pan. Freeze for at least 4 hours .

If you're using a large container, I recommend removing the frozen yogurt 10 minutes before serving so it softens slightly and has a creamier texture.

Prepare your recipes with Mayem Honey

Each of these ideas is enhanced by choosing the right honey variety for your flavor profile. At Miel Mayem, we offer more than 20 varieties of 100% natural honey so you can find the best option. Discover all our honeys in our online store or by visiting our physical store in L'Alcúdia (Valencia).