A monofloral honey that is not very common because it comes from the pollen of a wild plant, it has a medium intensity aroma and a flavor that many describe as slightly caramelized.
Characteristics of marruca honey
As anticipated, marruca is a thorny shrub, the scientific name is Paliurus spina- christi, because it is said that the crown of thorns placed on the head of Christ was made with the thorns of this shrub typical of the Mediterranean scrub, it was also used to make fences. Marruca is found above all in hilly areas, the one in the Tuscan Maremma is very widespread and well-known but the Euganean Hills of Veneto also boast a fair amount of production. Marruca honey has an amber color, often tending towards reddish and is usually in a liquid state because it tends to crystallize little. Crystallization is a natural process of honey whose timing depends on various factors, the most important is the percentage of glucose compared to fructose, the more glucose there is the sooner crystallization will occur. As for the flavor, most define it as caramelized, some also say it has hints of licorice and mou or coffee, this is probably due to the fact that in the past marruca was also used to obtain a coffee substitute drink. The flavor is defined as moderate, in reality it is the sweetness that is moderate, it is certainly not one of the sweetest honeys but the aroma is strong enough to recommend pairing it with tasty cheeses such as pecorino and blue cheeses. The hint of coffee and notes of cooked caramel suggested instead the combination with dark chocolate and coffee.
Beneficial properties of marruca honey
Even in the case of marruca honey, the alleged beneficial effects are narrated by enthusiasts and experts of natural cures but not supported by specific scientific literature. Like all honeys, it is a tonic, among the most accentuated properties of marruca honey there would be anti-inflammatory properties particularly useful in the case of intestinal inflammation. Marruca honey would also have diuretic properties and is used in infusions for these properties. Finally, it is worth mentioning the applications in cosmetics, it seems that marruca honey is useful in the treatment of oily skin.