This year’s food story is herbs and seasonings - all kinds of regional aromatic mixes from all over the globe. Think za-atar from the Middle East, ras al hanout from North Africa, furikake from Japan, and adobo from the Latin/Caribbean countries. The blends are wonderful! Especially if you are willing to make them fresh (think Ottolenghi) and many of them combine cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne, allspice – exotic and wonderful. Intriguing too is that so many of these recipes use honey to boost the flavor.

Each year, as this time of year comes around, it brings out an opportunity to reflect on cycles of our world. Last winter, bees of all types were hunkered down in their nests or hives. Come February, here in California at least, the early blooms start to break ground. By the middle of the month, almonds are in full bloom up and down the state. Bees feed on the nectar and pollen of the abundant and beautiful almond blossoms.

In celebration of Mead Day August 7th, the Center is excited to announce the re-entering of on-site mead education field this coming winter. It has been a long time coming!

Frozen honey has gone viral, becoming a new trendy snack that’s perfect for the summer.

For those of you who follow unique food trends (aka experiments) Frozen Honey, also referred to as Frozen Honey Jelly, has now taken center stage on TikTok.

For those in the industry, there is nothing new about frozen honey. Freezing honey is the best way to ensure it retains its natural flavor, color and purity.

That said, some forms of honey are always best stored in the freezer.

As summer approaches, the need for liquid intake increases. Many resort to a refreshingly simple iced tea.

You’ve made your brew. Perhaps you let a grouping of tea bags sit in the summer sun. Or maybe you boiled some water and immersed your tea ball. Black, green or herbal – no matter - the pitcher is in the fridge cooling down.

Soon you will be able to add some ice, a sprig of mint and a bit of sweetener.

Everyone has their favorite: some with raisins, nuts, chocolate chips or a bit of everything! Here are some tips and tricks to creating the perfect oatmeal cookies:

Crowdfund UC Davis debuted one year ago as a twice-a-year platform, February and October, to strengthen university programs and their positive community impacts. Student, faculty and staff teams apply to be part of the platform and are responsible for marketing and networking their projects for fundraising success.

The traditional season of comfort food has begun. Along with it, we are searching for easy, tasty and aromatic delights.

It’s fall. Some of our favorite fruits and vegetables are in stores and at the farmer’s market. Pumpkins, dried flowers, and… apples! Lots and lots of apples of many varieties. Some are crisp and tangy. Some are sweet and soft. Some are green. Others yellow and most are red – or have lots of red on them. Some are large, some small, round, oblong – you name it. There are so many options when it comes to this delectable fruit.

Coriander Honey is a unique and special treat. Its savory undertones are always a surprise. The complexity – a bit of cardamom, some licorice and a dark hint of chocolate are just so intriguing! How do you use a honey like this? It could make an interesting addition in a cocktail or as an ingredient in a barbeque sauce. Here at the Honey and Pollination Center, we tasted and tried Coriander honey to balance the acid in our summer’s tomato sauces and soups.