Honey or Not?

Most Store-Bought Honey Isn’t Honey At All, Tests Show

Filtration process removes virtually all of the pollen naturally occurring in the product.

By Leah Zerbe, Rodale News

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 If you love using honey as a natural sweetener, this news may come as a buzzkill: More than 75 percent of the honey sold in the U.S. isn’t the unadulterated form that most consumers expect, according to testing performed recently by Food Safety News. In fact, most honey sold in the United States is processed through major filtration that removes virtually all of the pollen naturally occurring in the product. This practice would flunk quality standards in many of the world’s food safety agencies; in other words, it’s not technically honey anymore.

Beware of food label liesThe problem with removing these microscopic pollen particles is this: without the pollen, there’s really no way to trace where the honey originated, or if the source is safe and uncontaminated. (Previous reports have found honey laced with antibiotics and heavy metals.) And for this filtration to work, the honey is often heated, which can damage some of the natural products’ disease-fighting properties.

To analyze the state of honey sold in America, Food Safety News purchased more than 60 jars, jugs, and plastic bears of honey in supermarkets, discount warehouses, big box stores, pharmacies, and honey packets served in mini-markets and fast-food joints in 10 states and the District of Columbia. An expert in pollen in honey from Texas A&M University studied the samples and found most had the pollen removed, making traceability impossible. However, honey sold at farmer’s markets, co-ops, and natural stores contained normal amounts of pollen.

The Workaround: If you want real honey, look for local sources and buy directly from the beekeeper. By knowing where your food comes from, you can ask about how the bees are treated and how the honey is processed. Sure, raw honey might not be crystal clear like the little honey bear bottles you see in the store, but it’s swimming in health-promoting antioxidants and left in its natural form, which is definitely a good thing when it comes to honey.

Provided by Prevention

Wheat Jerkey

  Making Wheat Jerkey

Here's a wonderful wheat recipe that can be tailored to your own taste buds. Enjoy!

Wheat Jerky
Makes two dozen strips. Recipe can be doubled.

1 c raw gluten, made from washed wheat flour.
14 oz. of liquid bouillon, using beef soup base, or ham, or chicken, or 1/2 beef and 1/2 ham, or bacon  flavor 6 oz. water
1 tbsp. Maggi or Kitchen bouquet (natural coloring)
1 tbsp. liquid smoke
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
pinch of sea salt

Optionals: add 2 tbsp. honey (for a touch of sweetness)                 
1/4 tsp. tabasco sauce or cayenne pepper (for a dash of hotness)  

Begin with the raw gluten.
Roll it out into a slab shape to a thickness of 1/8 inch.
Cut 1 inch wide x 6 inch long strips of the rolled gluten. Set aside.

In a small saucepan, add all the other ingredients and bring to a boil. Drop the strips of cut gluten into the liquid, slowly stir gently and lower the heat, and simmer until most of the liquid is gone.
Drain the strips well into a strainer.
Put the strips back in the same saucepan and add 2 more Tbsp. of liquid smoke, and coat the strips well.
Place the jerky strips on a wire mesh cooling rack set onto a flat cookie sheet or, on your dehydrator mesh racks.
Dry in the oven at 300 degrees F for 25 minutes. 
Strips will shrink a bit. Dehydrator setting on "meats", and dry for 1 hour.
Test for moisture and consistency (to your liking) to adjust the requisite dehydration time.

Remove when done, cool thoroughly and store in a closed container.

The Steamboat Bertrand (canned food history)

Always keep in mind that a very important part of a food storage plan is to keep it rotated.  Items do get old and can spoil.  Temperature is another important factor in keeping food storage items at their best for taste and nutritional value. 

The Steamboat Bertrand sunk April 1, 1865 loaded with cargo headed for the goldfields of Montana.  The steamboat hit a snag and struggled to make it to shallow waters where it sank north of Omaha, Nebraska.  Although it sank on the Nebraska side of the Missouri River, the river subsequently meandered and was rechanneled, leaving the wreck deeply buried in silt well east of the Missouri.  It was excavated in 1968, funded largely by a private partnership attempting to recover large amounts of mercury that were believed to be on board, however only small amounts of mercury were recovered, and the remainder of the cargo became the property of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  Its cargo is now on display at the Desto National Wildlife Refuge in Iowa, and contains the largest intact collection of Civil War-era artifacts in the United States, including mining equipment, clothing, Indian trade items, military ammunition, plows, and tens of thousands of household goods including candles, canned goods and preserves, dishes, knives, other house wares, matches, pipes, and liquor.

Among the canned food items retrieved from the Bertrand in 1968

were brandied peaches, oysters, plum tomatoes, honey and mixed

vegetables.  In 1974, chemists at the National Food Processors Association (NFPA) analyzed the products for bacterial contamination and nutrient value.  Although the food had lost its fresh smell and appearance, the NFPA chemists detected no microbial growth and determined that the foods were as safe to eat as they had been when canned more than 100 years earlier.  The nutrient values varied depending upon the product and nutrient.  The chemists reported that significant amounts of vitamins C and A were lost.  But protein levels remained high, and all calcium values were comparable to today’s products.

Safety which leads to complacency.

Safety which leads to complacency.

But then something happens…

     The bizarre ice storm that covered Northeastern Oklahoma in December of 2007 left hundreds of thousands without power for a week or more in freezing weather.  Few were prepared.

In July 2008, a major flood took out a large portion of Iowa and a small part of Illinois. Hundreds of thousands of people lost power and it was a week or more before it was restored.  Water filled homes forced people to flee.  There was no drinking water because of contamination.  The sewers were flooded out. 

A few months later, Hurricane Ike hit the Texas gulf coast and devastated the area including most of the coastal city of Galveston.  Again, no power and all systems that we take for granted were disrupted.

Michael Leavitt, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, stated “Any state, any community or for that matter any citizen that fails to prepare, assuming the federal government can take care of them… will be tragically wrong.” 

While this was stated in regards to a disease outbreak it is equally true for any widespread massive tragedy.

Recently, a booklet was sent out about disasters.

Here is a review of suggestions to plan.

HURRICANES - to evacuate:

(1)  Preplan destination and route

(2)  Choose you type of transportation (which vehicle would be best suited to take your needed items)

(3)  What critical items should be taken (cell phone & hand crank radio)

(4)  Cash

(5)  Medications

(6)  72-hour kit

(7)  Rain gear – ponchos

(8)  Consider taking a bedpan in the vehicle, just in case you are stuck somewhere (where there are no facilities) for hours.  (Include cat litter as well).

To stay:

(1)  Shut off gas

(2)  Fill containers with clean water

(3)  Disconnect unnecessary appliances

(4)  Stay away from windows

(5)  Keep protected with blankets, cushions or mattresses

(6)  Crawl in the bathtub or a small closet

(7)  Do not decide to evacuate during the hurricane

(8)  Follow suggestions from the Red Cross or survival agencies

FLOODS – if you live in a flood plain:

(1)  Invest in an inflatable raft

(2)  Have a pair of wading boots for members of your family

(3)  Have rope to tether yourself or family members if forced to leave

(4)  Have a hand crank radio tuned to the weather radio channel

(5)  In case of little or no warning of a flash flood, have your 72-hour kit ready to pick up and leave as quickly as possible.

(6)  Never drive in moving water

(7)  Never walk in moving water (even ankle deep water that’s moving fast will knock you off your feet).

(8)  An emergency flotation device can be created with air trapped in heavy duty garbage bags and sealed with duct tape.

TORNADOES

While tornadoes can hit without warning, most local weather stations have excellent tracking systems.  If tornadoes are in the forecast, keep tuned to a weather channel or if the power has gone out, use your hand crank radio for updated reports.

(1)  Go to the smallest room in the house, possibly a hall closet or bathroom.

(2)  Pull blankets and mattresses over yourself and family.

(3)  Use rope to tether one another.

(4)  Have your 72-hour kit in a safe spot (to use after the storm passes).

(5)  If caught outdoors, move to the lowest place such as a ditch and lie flat.  Cover your head with your arms.

WINTER STORMS

Severe winter storms can affect air travel. Blocks roads, hinder emergency vehicles, shut down power and leave many in dire emergency situations.

                 Have on hand:

(1)  Rock salt

(2)  Sand for traction for your vehicle

(3)  Defroster spray can for frozen locks

(4)  Small pike (tool) for chopping ice

(5)  Keep your vehicle winterized and the tank full

(6)  Keep your emergency store in the trunk at all times

(7)  Add weight to your vehicle by placing something heavy, like concrete blocks in the trunk (or back of a pickup).

                       If caught in your car in a blizzard:

(1) Run the car for 20 minutes each hour to keep warm.

(2)  Periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe

(3) Always have a light in your vehicle that can be used as a

           Signal for rescuers      

(4) Use anything – roadmaps, seat covers, floor mats to cover up and maintain body heat.

(5) Drinks fluids – make sure you keep a case of water in the trunk of your car.

WILDFIRES

Escaping a wildfire is especially dangerous and tricky.  More than ever it will be vital that your 72-hour kit is filled and ready to go at a moment’s notice.

While it is never easy to drive away and leave your home, don’t wait too long to evacuate.  If you’ve lost power stay tunes to emergency broadcast stations on your hand crank radio.  When the order comes to leave, do as quickly as possible.  Keep the gas tank full in your vehicle so you don’t have the worry of running out of gas.  And of course keep all survival items in your car at all times.

MUDSLIDES

While mudslides can come quickly, there are a few ideas and warning signals you can watch for after a hard rainfall.

(1)  Leaning street signs, utility poles or fences

(2)  Changes in your house – sticking windows or doors, cracks in the driveway or sidewalk

(3)  A rumbling or cracking sound

(4) Shifting in the ground

(5) Animals can give warnings – dogs barking and birds chirping more loudly than usual

(6)  Quickly grab your 72-hour kit and move as far from the sliding earth as you possibly can

(7) Following the slide, watch for downed power lines, sharp debris and other trapped people

We have seen many lists on suggesting items we should get for storage.  Each of us knows what our family will use and need.  It is always interesting to see what other people think is important for their storage.  Sometimes it will give us a good idea of something that might be important for our family to also store.

The following lists have items on them that one family decided was important to be in their storage plan.

FOOD SUPPLIES

(1) Rice, beans, wheat

(2)  Sugar, honey, syrups

(3)  Vegetable oil

(4)  Powdered milk

(5)  Condensed milk

(6) Tuna fish, canned fish/meats

(7)  Pasta

(8)  Cheese

(9)  Garlic

(10)                    Vinegar

(11)                    Canned or dried vegetables

(12)                    Flour

(13)                    Salt

(14)                    Yeast

(15)                    Oatmeal

(16)                    Popcorn

(17)                    Peanut butter

(18)                    Nuts

(19)                    Canned or dried fruits

(20)                    Crackers – soda, snack and graham crackers

(21)                    Canned soups

(22)                    Dried herbs

(23)                    Herb teas, cocoa, tang, punch mix

(24)                    Soy sauce

(25)                    Gravy, bouillon

(26)                    Pretzels, trail mix snacks

(27)                    Cereal

(28)                    Candies, gum

(29)                    Potatoes

(30)                    Spices, seasonings

(31)                    Jerky, meat sticks that don’t need refrigeration

(32)                    Ration of “instant” foods, prepackaged for long  

             term storage

FOOD PREPARATION AND HOUSEHOLD

(1) Hand can opener

(2)  Cook stove

(3)  Vitamin, supplements

(4)  Whisk, egg beaters

(5)  Baking supplies

(6)  Hand sanitizer

(7)  Bleach (unscented)

(8)  Aluminum foil (regular and heavy duty)

(9)  Garbage bags

(10)        Toilet paper, paper towels, tissues

(11)        Matches (strike anywhere)

(12)        Cast iron cookware, properly seasoned

(13)        Water containers

(14)        Survival guide book

(15)        Laundry detergent

(16)        Paper plates/cups/disposable flatware

(17)        Pocket knives

(18)        Long reach butane lighters

(19)        Mixing bowls

(20)        Cooking utensils – spatulas, turners, etc.

PERSONAL

(1) Baby supplies – diapers, formula, ointments

(2)  Feminine hygiene

(3)  Shampoo, soaps

(4)  Skin products

(5)  Thermal underwear, tops and bottoms

(6)  Work boots

(7)  Baby wipes

(8)  Men’s hygiene

(9) Toothbrush/toothpaste, mouthwash, floss

(10)                    Nail clippers

(11)                    Razors, creams, aftershave

(12)                    Reading glasses

(13)                    Socks, underwear, t-shirts

(14)                    Work shirts

(15)                    Rain gear, boots

OTHER SUPPLIES

(1) Generators

(2)  Water filters, purifiers

(3)  Portable toilet

(4)  Firewood

(5)  Lamp oil, wicks, lamps

(6) Coleman fuel, propane cylinders

(7)  Charcoal, lighter fluid

(8)  Washboard, mop bucket with wringer

(9)  Bow saw

(10)        Ax, Wedges

(11)        Clothes line and pins

(12)        Fire extinguishers

(13)        Batteries (all sizes)

(14)        First-aid kits

(15)        Gasoline containers

(16)        Guns, ammo, knives, slingshots, bats

(17)        Coleman’s pump repair kit

(18)        Insulated ice chests

(19)        Flashlights

(20)        Garbage cans

(21)        Bug spray

(22)        Duct tape

(23)        Candles

(24)        Tarps, stakes, twine, rope

(25)        Nails, spikes

(26)        Mouse traps and D-con

(27)        Dog food

(28)        Backpacks, duffle bags

(29)        Sleeping bags, blanket, pillows, mats

(30)        Cots and inflatable mattress

(31)        Hats and cotton neckerchiefs

(32)        Tents, waterproof tarp

(33)        Safety pins

(34)        Disposable or digital camera for

       documentation

(35)        Fire starters  (a large bag of dryer lint)

(36)        Plastic storage tubs (for rainwater storage)

(37)        Garden seeds

(38)        Fishing supplies

(39)        Bicycles – tire, tubes, pumps, chains

(40)        Knife sharpening tools

(41)        Canning supplies

(42)        Woolen clothing/scarf/mittens

(43)        Gloves for work and for gardening

(44)        Goats, chicken, poultry, rabbits

(45)        Lumber

(46)        Nail, bolts, screws, glue

(47)        Board games

(48)        Garden tool and supplies

(49)        Writing paper, pencils, solar calculator

(50)        Journals, diary, scrapbook

(51)        Boy scout manual

(52)        Paraffin wax

(53)        Hand pump (water and fuel)