Palosa Acacia Honey

• Naturally high in fructose relative to glucose, which is why it resists crystallising — useful if you dislike grainy honey.
• Mild flavour makes it the practical choice for daily use in milk, dahi or on paratha.
• Like all honey, it is roughly 80% sugars. It is food, and it is calorie-dense; it should be counted as such if you are watching your intake.

Honey is a food, not a medicine. These are traditional uses and general nutrition points, not treatment claims. Never give honey to a child under 12 months. If you are diabetic, pregnant, or on medication, speak to your doctor first.

• A teaspoon in warm milk at night.
• Over yoghurt with walnuts.
• As a sugar replacement in dressings and marinades — use about three-quarters of the sugar quantity.

Palosa (phulai) is the thorny acacia that covers the low hills around Mardan, Charsadda and Nowshera. It blooms in spring and gives a pale, high-fructose honey that stays liquid for a year or more without any heating.

Because it is mild, it is the one children accept without argument and the one that will not overpower a cup of tea or a bowl of yoghurt.