Description
The Miel de Sapin des Vosges PDO is a honey obtained from honeydews collected by bees on the Vosges fir trees, Abies Pectinata. In turn, honeydew is produced by aphids, which suck in the sap of the trees.
Production Area
The production area of Miel de Sapin des Vosges PDO falls within the Lorraine side of the Vosges mountain range, which includes the Vosges department, some municipal areas of the departments of Meurthe-et-Moselle, Moselle, Haute-Saone, as well as the territory of Belfort, in the regions of Lorraine and Franche-Comté.
Production Method
The honey is extracted through centrifuging without heating. Following is the compulsory filtering and decanting for at least two weeks. It is forbidden to pasteurise it. The production of the Miel de Sapin des Vosges PDO varies significantly every year, according to the quantity of produced honeydew, so-called miellée.
Appearance and Flavour
Miel de Sapin des Vosges PDO is a honey of liquid consistency. It is characterised by balsamic aromas and a malty flavour, it does not have a bitter aftertaste nor does it feature unrelated flavours. Its distinguishing colour is dark brown, with greenish highlights.
History
The origins of the Miel de Sapin des Vosges PDO are very old. In 1952, this product already received a first quality certification; following, in 1996, it was also awarded the protected designation of origin, precisely confirming its typicality and quality. The production of the Miel de Sapin des Vosges PDO is strongly linked to its originating territory, both economically as well as socially.
Gastronomy
Thanks to its natural antibacterial properties, honey can be naturally preserved for long periods. Nonetheless, it is important to keep the Miel de Sapin des Vosges PDO away from heat sources and in a cool place, away from direct light, since this damages its conservation. The Miel de Sapin des Vosges PDO can be used as an ingredient in both sweet and salty recipes. The ideal and traditional use of this product is for the preparation of sweets that do not require cooking, or where it is added after cooking. Being a highly energetic food for a healthy diet, the Miel de Sapin des Vosges PDO 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 de Sapin des Vosges PDO. It is sold in glass containers of 250 to 500 g, but it can also be found in containers holding 5 kg.
Distinctive Features
The production of the Miel de Sapin des Vosges PDO is strongly tied to the presence of fir forests, typical of the Vosges region, which the apiculturists have been able to exploit regarding all their properties, while preserving them all the same.
