Buzz with local author: Welcome back to Honeyland! The Healing Powers of Honey returns
Cal Orey’s augmented book returns with new honey bee research, personal survival stories, a new and timely foreword, climate-focused reporting and Mediterranean diet healthy honey-based recipes.
In her new book, The Healing Powers of Honey, Revised & Updated (Kensington Publishing), Cal Orey cross pollinates incredible facts and stories about humans and honey bees. The fresh edition is a major expansion of the bestselling work, now with new research, updated recipes, and expanded storytelling. Here, she shares a Q&A, where she reveals insights on how honey can sweeten your wellness routine.
Q: What inspired your interest in a honey revival?
A: At Tahoe since 1999, I have penned the Healing Powers series—nine books on superfoods. Since the book on honey has had a long and successful shelf life (recently it got the #1 Top Rated label on Amazon) I thought it would be exciting to go back to the hives and science to see how much has changed in 15 years. The findings about honey and honeybees are mind-blowing.
Q: What gave honey the nickname “apocalypse food” anyhow?
A: Honey is touted for its amazing disease-fighting antioxidant power past and present-day—and this made its demand soar during the pandemic. Some beekeepers dubbed nature’s nectar the apocalypse food because of honey’s long-standing reputation as a durable pantry staple with deep historical and cultural significance. Also, during the years of COVID and post-COVID variants, research has shown honey can help boost the immune system and also quell a cough, soothe a sore throat and even energize you.
Q: Are there new things you discovered in the land of honey this time around?
A: Amazingly, yes, a lot has changed! The augmented edition also includes a more personal narrative layer. I share stories connected to rare blizzard conditions in Tahoe, a NASCAR driver’s-related life-threatening event, wildfire danger and a race against time, and a near-death experience that influenced my renewed focus on resilience, food choices and Mediterranean-style living. The updated book examines honey at a time when many readers are turning to minimally processed food alternatives to stay healthy.
Q: What about the vanishing honey bees?
A: A major focus of the sequel edition is the relationship between honey bees, environmental stress and the human food chain. I look at how extreme weather, wildfires and air quality, shifting seasonal patterns and climate-related pressures affects honeybee survival, pollination and foods that depend on bee-pollinated crops, including fruits, nuts and other agricultural products.
Q: What’s an interesting fact about honey that most people don’t know?
A: This expanded edition allowed me to return to honey through the lens of food, survival, honeybees, climate, recipes and personal experience. This book reflects my continued interest in how one natural ingredient can connect history, health, wildlife and the environment.
CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist. She holds a master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from SFSU. She will be signing books at Reno Barnes and Noble bookstore on September 19. Her website is www.calorey.com
