Honey!

Honey!

That very word summons a smile.

A public celebration--appropriately titled “Honey!”--will take place Friday, Oct. 21 in the UC Davis Conference Center.

Save the date!

The event,  sponsored by the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science, will include tastings and a honey-focused lunch.

“Bees play a crucial role on our planet from pollinating to honey creation,” said Clare Hasler-Lewis, executive director of the institute, which is affiliated with the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

The public is invited to “come celebrate with us and enjoy lectures, tastings and displays on honey,” she said.

The event is scheduled to include the history of honey and its use across the ages; honey as a food incorporating honey in your diet; and honey for health, from balancing blood sugar to wound healing.

Among the UC Davis speakers:

--Liz Applegate of the UC Davis Department of Nutrition faculty. A national expert on nutrition and fitness, she will discuss the health benefits of honey.

--Brian Johnson of the UC Davis Department of Entomology faculty. Johnson, who specializes in the behavior, genetics and evolution of honey bees, as well as apiculture, will explore the history of honey use across the ages.

--Extension apiculturist Eric Mussen of the UC Davis Department of Entomology. A nationally known expert on honey bees and honey, he will lead a honey tasting.

As plans progress, additional information will be posted on the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science website,  Facebook and on Twitter.

Ah, sweet October!