The Mead Renaissance

Mead is the oldest alcoholic beverage known to humankind, predating both beer and wine. Throughout history it has been reputed to prolong life, enhance fertility and bestow strength. Also known as honey wine, mead's history is as intriguing and rich as its flavour.

Mead in its basic form is simply honey mixed with water and yeast. Historians believe humans were introduced to this intoxicating brew during the Stone Age when, by chance, honey became wet from rain, and wild yeast in the air settled into the mixture, fermenting it. The drink was then replicated throughout the ages and cultures of the world.

History of Mead

 The Greeks called mead the “nectar of the gods” and claimed it bestowed virility. In the Middle Ages the Anglo- Saxons were convinced it induced creativity. The word “medicine” is derived from the term for spiced meads—Metheglin.

Although mead’s popularity waxed and waned after the Middle Ages, it is currently experiencing a renaissance. High-quality meads are being produced at meaderies across Australia, and have garnered national and international acclaim. Restaurants are beginning to take note too, with some offering mead on their list of wines and spirits.

Benefits of Mead

 Chrysin
Recent research has shown that chrysin, a fl avonoid found in abundance in honey, has the ability to inhibit the proliferation of and induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells. Chrysin has also been shown to suppress neuroinfl ammation, which suggests it may be a protective agent for a group of neurodegenerative diseases caused by inflammation.

Cardiovascular benefits
Researchers have also found that the consumption of natural honey reduces cardiovascular risk factors, particularly in individuals who already have an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease.

Migraines
Many experts feel it is a substance in the grape skin that causes migraines in sensitive individuals.

Environmentally friendly
Mead’s production doesn’t require the cultivation of any land, minimising its environmental impact. By drinking mead you support beekeepers who are valiantly trying to keep a threatened honeybee population alive.

Cooking with Mead

Of course, mead, like wine, is not just for drinking. Cooking with it imparts enticing flavours to both sweet and savoury dishes. Fill your kitchen with mead’s marvellous aroma, and save a bee by trying one of the following recipes!

To find a mead maker in your area visit gotmead.com.

Common Mead Varieties

traditional
a basic mead made of honey, water and yeast

varietal
similar to traditional mead but made from honey from a particular flower source (e.g., clover or orange blossom)

Melomel
made with the addition of a single fruit or a blend of fruits

Pyment
made specifically with the addition of grape juice

Cyser
made specifically with the addition of apple juice (similar to an apple cider)

Metheglin
made with herbs and spices

Sack mead or fortified mead
has a higher alcohol content than other meads; contains more honey

Recipes

• Silverbeet and Mushroom Mead Sauté
• Chicken Meadiatore
• Fruited Mead Soup