I am a honey lover. I include it in or on about anything I eat or drink. I have found that different honeys provide a new and interesting flavor component to what I consume. Thought I’d share some lessons I have learned along the way down my path of sweetness.
Honey color and flavor are dependent on their nectar source (blossoms) that were visited by the bees. Color can range from pale water white to dark rich ambers, varying the flavors from delectably mild to distinctively bold. Depending on where the bees buzzed. General rule being that light colored is mild and darker is stronger.
Calef’s NH Honey
Honey is the only food product known not to spoil. Comes in a traditional Calef’s glass jar, 16 or 28 OZ
Honey is produced in every state and most countries, but certain types of honeys are produced in only a few regions. Let us look at the palette of honeys and see where your new favorite is from.
- ALFALFA HONEY is produced in the US and Canada from purple blossoms. It is light colored with mild flavor and aroma.
- AVOCADO HONEY is produced in California from avocado blossoms. It is dark in color and has a rich buttery taste. (This is a personal favorite of mine)
- BLUEBERRY HONEY made in New England and Michigan. The bees visit the tiny white flowers of the numerous blueberry bushes. The honey is light amber but full rounded flavor.
- BUCKWHEAT HONEY comes from several states Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and eastern Canada. This dark full-bodied honey has been found to contain more antioxidant compounds than most other honeys, some believe the health benefits are stronger with this honey.
- CLOVER HONEY is the most produced honey in the U.S. it is mild in flavor and varies greatly in color from water white to light amber.
- EUCALYPTUS HONEY found in California tends to be stronger flavored with a slight medicinal scent, varying in color and flavor due to many types of Eucalyptus.
- FIREWEED HONEY is produced in Northern and Pacific States. The plant is a perennial herb that grows in open woods reaching a height of 3-5 feet with pink flowering spikes. Honey is light in color and sweet in flavor.
- ORANGE BLOSSOM produced in Florida, Southern California, and parts of Texas. It comes from a combination of citrus sources light in color, mild flavor with fresh scent, light citrus in taste.
- SAGE HONEY from California is used to blend into other honeys to slow the granulation process. The honey is light colored but heavy in body and flavor.
- TUPELO HONEY (sing it with me now) comes from northwest Florida. It’s a premium honey. Heavy body and light golden amber with a tinge of greenish cast. Mild taste. Slow granulator honey due to the high fructose content.
- WILDFLOWER HONEY describes honey from miscellaneous and undefined flower sources.
There you have it! If you are a honey lover, like me, try a flavored honey if you have not before! We carry many of these flavored honeys if you are unsure where to look. and always support your local beekeepers and plant flowers to save the bees!!
