Description
The Miel d'Alsace PGI is produced by bees from the sugar produced by different varieties of plants (acacia, fir, chestnut, lime, flowers, etc.), be it in the form of nectar or sap collected by parasites, i.e., honeydew.
Production Area
The production area of the Miel d'Alsace PGI is in the Alsace region, and the specific natural area is specified for every honey variety.
Production Method
The beehive disposition depends on the type of honey to be obtained. Thus, they are placed based on the tree or flower varieties necessary for the production of the different honeys: acacia, lime, fir, chestnut, wood or flowers. Once it is mature, the honey is extracted without heating, then left to decant, and finally stored and packaged.
Appearance and Flavour
Miel d'Alsace PGI comes in different varieties: fir honey, brown in colour with green highlights, is characterised by a slight resin scent and a balsamic aroma; chestnut honey, with a colour varying between light and dark brown, emanates a scent of ripe apple with a tannic taste; acacia honey, with a light colour, is characterised by a soft scent, an aroma of locust-tree and beehive; lime honey, with a colour varying from light to dark yellow, is characterised by a menthol scent and a bitter touch in its taste; wood honey, intense in colour, has a delicate aroma linked to the mixture of honeydew and nectars used, and an intense and slightly astringent taste; flower honey, strongly sugary, light in colour but at times also dark, has aromas that can hardly be defined given the mixture of nectars used.
History
The origins of Miel d'Alsace PGI can already be found in historical documents of the 7th century. During the 16th century, numerous works were published on apiculture, some of those have served as production reference and guide for about two centuries. At the beginning of the 19th century, a new apiculture development phase began. The economic and social importance of this activity continues increasing over time.
Gastronomy
Miel d'Alsace PGI should be kept in a cool place, away from heat sources. Thanks to its natural antibacterial property, it can be preserved for a long time. It lends itself to be used as ingredient in both sweet and salty recipes. It is perfect for the preparation of sweets that do not require cooking or where it is added after cooking. Since it is a highly energetic food, it can be enjoyed as is, for example spread on a slice of bread, or even as sweetener, substituting sugar.
Marketing
The product is sold as Miel d'Alsace PGI, with the compulsory declaration of honey type: acacia, lime, fir, chestnut, wood, or flowers. It is sold in glass containers.
Distinctive Features
The existing variety of ecosystems in Alsace offers the possibility of collecting at the beginning of the spring and the beginning of the autumn, with a wide range f nectars and honeydews. This allows the production of numerous Miel d'Alsace PGI variants, with diversified qualitative peculiarities for each.
