CHARACTERISTICS OF SIERRA DE CUCALON PROPOLIS
It has the following approximate chemical composition: microelements, flavonoids, vitamins ( B1, B2, C,..), protein substances, unsaturated fatty acids and aromatic acid esters… up to more than 160 components. Propolis or propolis is a substance composed of approx.: 50-55% resins and balms, 30-40% waxes, 5-10% essential or volatile oils, 5% pollen and 5% miscellaneous materials (organic and mineral); it also has more than 160 natural components including microelements, flavonoids, vitamins (B1, B2, C,..), protein substances, unsaturated fatty acids and esters of aromatic acids…
It has variable and irregular dark brown ochre color, with dry sweet aroma characteristic very concentrated and slightly sour woody flavor. Resinose granular consistency with tendency to caking.
EXCELLENCIES OF SIERRA DE CUCALÓN PROPOLIS
Like the rest of our range of honeys and derivatives (royal jelly, pollen,..), propolis or propoleum is a natural resinous substance collected by our bees from species that exude resinous substances in natural wooded areas, meeting all the healthy requirements to be a natural product excelso.
* Crude: it has not been subjected to processes outside the normal natural productive development, so it keeps intact all vitamins, minerals, nutrients and enzymes.
* Pure: it is produced by bees by releasing secretions of resinous species and sucking insects, to then proceed to its transformation and storage inside the Hive as a natural sealant; that is why in this process there are no factors outside those that nature itself grants.
* Non-homogenized: we never mix natural propolis from different geographical areas, because our ultimate goal is to preserve its essence and purity of origin.
USAGE TIPS
Propolis (propolis) is a natural substance that has unique attributes, so if we want to preserve them, it is advisable to eat it directly tasting it inside the mouth as long as possible.
SIERRA DE CUCALON PROPOLIS, WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?
This extraordinary handcrafted natural propolis is a dark-colored resinous amalgam obtained by bees from arboreal buds and exudates of natural SAP, and then processed and applied in hives, alone or mixed with wax, as a general sealant; its objective is to strengthen the structural stability of the hive, reduce vibrations, and defend against pathogens or other aggressors. If an enemy of the hive gets inside, the bees kill it and embalm it quickly with propolis, thus preventing its decomposition.
Most of the raw material collected by the Bee comes from the secretions of carrasca (Quercus L.) and some sucking insects.
The coscojo, carrasca, holm oak or chaparro, is a perennial shrub that usually reaches 2 m in height, although it can reach tree in favorable grounds; it has very branched and intertwined stems, with simple alternating bright green leaves with wavy spiny edge.
Its tiny flowers hatch in spring, then give rise to the fruit (Acorn) endowed with a single seed and coriaceous outer layer that matures at the end of summer, usually bitter taste.
The oak or carrasca has its habitat of origin throughout the Mediterranean basin, mostly where dry and bright slopes predominate, although it perfectly tolerates some continental climates.
SIERRA DE CUCALÓN PROPOLIS , ETYMOLOGY AND HISTORY:
The word “propolis“, derived from the Greek” propolis“, (”propolis / pro “= forward;” polis ” = city) and alludes to one of its purposes as a natural defense of the hive against any possible enemy. There are also allusions to its Latin origin (“pro” = that it is in favor of or that it is profitable and “polis” = city).
With regard to the word oak, it comes from the deformation of the vulgar Latin “Ilicina” and in turn from “ilex / ilicis”, from the pre-Indo-European lexicon (in Celtic language “Hercynia”= forested territory located in the Eastern Region of the Danube); in classical Latin it is called “Quercus”, term of Indo-European origin (from the Celtic word Quercuez” = elegant tree), initially applied to Oak, and later extended to all trees or shrubs that produced Acorns glans shape. Its common name carrasca, has pre-Roman root “kar-SCA”.
The history of propolis collects multiple quotes along it.
Already in the Bronze Age, they were used in cases of skulls perforations.
In the Bible it was quoted as “tzori”, often used in direct applications, being highly valued in the Middle East trade because of its natural qualities.
In ancient Egypt the priests used it to embalm corpses.
The Greeks also used it for its excellent attributions (there are recurring quotations from Aristotle and Hippocrates in this regard) for various uses, including for making highly appreciated perfumes. In” Natural History”, Pliny mentioned his unbeatable qualities and usefulness in antiquity.
Roman mythology cites that Jupiter transformed the beautiful Melissa into a bee to produce a miraculous natural substance, propolis.
The incas soon discovered their natural attributes and used it among other ancestral remedies, in addition to honey, in certain adverse situations.
It appears in ancient recipes of ancient China its traditional use for the excellent conditions it possessed.
The Persian physician and philosopher Avicenna (XI century), usually used it for its natural characteristics in war episodes.
Ambroise Paré (XVI century), throughout his career, was also a direct precursor to its use.
Italian artisans (XVII and XVIII centuries) treated the wood of some musical instruments with propolis oils extracted directly from the hives (Stradivarius was a clear example of this).
South African chests made natural incense with natural propolis extracted by the bee in their hives.
During the anglo-boer War (1899-1902) and the Russian Revolution (1917), bandages impregnated in propolis (propolis) with Vaseline (“vasogenous propolis”) were used.
In the sixteenth century and later Europe (mainly Russians and poles), they also resorted to its repeated use, as well as during the Second World War.
Subsequently and to this day, has been recovering by several multinational companies, the use of propolis, royal jelly, pollen and other substances derived from the hive due to its multiple consubstantial qualities, as food supplements with great natural potential.
COLLECTION AREA: SPAIN (PLACES OF SIERRA DE CUCALÓN (ARAGON))
This is the classic Sierra turolense, homogeneously deployed from no to SE, with an average altitude of approximately 1200 m (whose maximum height is the Modorra De Cucalón with 1,481 meters) and 30 km in length.
Unbeatable natural longline Watchtower formed by a hodgepodge of narrow vegas and steep ravines, which makes us enjoy spectacular views that span the vast and impressive Ebro River Basin.
Numerous plants of carrasca, holm oak, marojo, quejigo, lavender, thyme, Heather and an endless cast of wonderful native floral varieties, make up this low forest vegetable paradise, where the hand of man barely leaves its mark, providing nectar, pollen and resinous secretions to the majestic bees that will unleash tirelessly, until they produce honey and propolis of excellent quality typical of the Aragonese autumn.
RECIPES WITH PROPOLIS CUCALON SAW
Ginger syrup and propolis
Peel 3 small pieces of ginger, cut into tiny pieces and place in a glass jar for food use of 400 ml capacity.
Cut 3 lemons into slices also thin previously dipped in water and place on top of ginger.
Grate half a teaspoon of pure propolis, half turmeric, half cinnamon, a tablespoon of pollen and spread over.
Finally, cover all foods with about 350 grs of pure eucalyptus honey.
Close the pot and store in the refrigerator and let stand.
Once homogenized and rested the syrup, take a tablespoon on an empty stomach every morning, either directly, or diluted in juice or warm water.
This concoction can be considered one of the most useful and complete food supplements.