National attention has focused on the Greek island of Ikaria and particularly the island’s honey.
CBS News aired a video spot about the island’s special elixir, which it said could be the secret to the longevity of the island’s residents, who have one of the highest life expectancies in the world .
The video showcased the natural process involved in producing honey, which requires no chemicals or industrial processing.
Honey is produced similarly throughout Greece, particularly in Crete, which is one of Greece’s most prolific producers of natural honey.
Most recently, chef Maria Loi, under her “Loi” product brand, began importing two kinds of Cretan honey to Whole Foods markets in the Northeast, with plans for wider distribution across the United States. United.
But as with Ikaria’s product, Chef Loi is struggling to keep it on the popular supermarket chain’s shelves due to limited production.
“We can only bring what the bees produce,” explains Loi, adding that her honey is 100% natural and requires no human or mechanical intervention other than that of the beekeepers who pour it from the hives.
Many of her recipes feature honey as a sugar substitute and her best-selling book, The Greek dietincludes extensive information on the medicinal values of the Greek delicacy.
Chef Loi’s honey is not available by mail order but several brands of Cretan honey are, including a beautiful mark of the mountains of western Crete which is grown and imported by the Saviolakis family, who sell it through Amazon.
Watch the CBS News article on Ikaria honey
