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["Lynda" <lurine AT softcom.net>]

Hmmm, I wonder how much of the nectar needs to come from the rhodies. 
Humboldt County sells lots of honey and it is home to acres of wild rhodies 
and azaleas plus just about every yard has at least two rhodies and half a 
dozen azaleas in it.

Lynda
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Gene GeRue" <genegerue AT ruralize.com>
> Who woulda thunk it? Not sure why people would want to eat bitter honey.
>
> Scientists warn of 'mad honey disease'
>
> snip<
> Mad honey poisoning is most prevalent in honey from the Black Sea
> region of Turkey. Compounds called grayanotoxins, found in the nectar
> of rhododendrons, mountain laurels and azaleas, are thought to be
> responsible for the disease. Though harmless to bees, they are
> psychoactive and poisonous to humans. Affected honey is said to have
> a very bitter taste.