Best Honey In the World
If you thought all honey was pretty much the same, you are in for a surprise. Not all honey is equal. In this article, I will share with you some of the best honey in the world. What makes these renown honey varieties so popular? They offer a diverse taste experience in unique flavors and and purity.
We beekeepers learn first hand how very different honey can be from one harvest to the next. Because honey bees make honey from many different nectar sources and each source contributes something to the final product.
What Makes Any Honey the Best?
No doubt, personal preference plays a large role in trying to define the best honey in the world. But, there are distinct characteristics that help these honey types stand out in the crowd.
- nectar source – plays a major role in the color of honey and flavor
- purity and processing – raw honey is often valued over processed honey
- regional favorites – some types of honey are only found in specific regions of the world
- medicinal properties – Manuka honey is renowned for its high MGO (Methylglyoxal) content
- rarity – a limited supply often results in any product being more desirable
Top Honey of the World
Honey is produced on any continent in the world-where bees are able to live. But, some areas are especially famous for the bee honey produced in their region. Here are some of the top honey varieties found worldwide.
1. Acacia
Acacia honey is produced in the Western US, Europe and parts of China. It is produced from the flower of False Acacia or Black Locust tree (Robinia pseudoacacia). Sold in Europe as Acacia – it does not really come from an Acacia bloom.
The color is a light or pale yellow and can be almost transparent. It has a sweet floral taste with hints of vanilla.
2. Sidr
The wild “sidr tree” (also known as Christ’s thorn) grows in undeveloped areas of the desert areas of Yemen and Saudi Arabia. The climate in the region provides the perfect growing conditions for the trees.
Sidr honey is considered to be one of the premium honeys in the world. Noted for its rich flavor, high nutritional value and limited availability, many Arabs describe it as “liquid gold”.
3. Manuka
Manuka honey is made in New Zealand and Australia by bees using nectar from the leptospermum scoparium bush (tea tree). It is a rare variety because the trees only bloom for a few weeks each year.
Why do some people say manuka is the best honey in the world? Among the many ways to use honey, wound care is common and for that manuka is a rock star.
The antibacterial properties of this manuka is much higher than that of regular raw honey.
4. Tupelo
Bees visit the blooms of the Ogeechee tupelo (Nyssa ogeche) to make Tupelo honey. These trees grow along the rivers and swarm lands of the southern United States.
The resulting honey is light amber in color and very sweet. It has a very noticeable spicy flavor.
5. Sourwood
Across the hills of the Appalachian region of the United States, a small mid-story tree grows (Oxydendrum arboreum).
It blends into the forest until late June. Then, the Sourwood trees burst into bloom with long tassels of white blossoms.
The resulting Sourwood honey is very light in color to almost clear. It has a sweet buttery aftertaste and is highly prized in the local region.
6. Fireweed
Fireweed honey is produced in the Western US, Canada and Europe. The fireweed plant (Chamaenerion angustifolium) is the nectar source.
With tea like flavor tones, fireweed honey is a pale amber color. It tastes similar to sourwood to me but everyone has different taste buds.
7. Buckwheat
This variety comes from the nectar of the white or pink blossoms of the buckwheat plant. This is a common cover crop that is still used today by farmers. I plant a bit of buckwheat for my bees each year.
Buckwheat honey is very dark and has a strong molasses taste. It is one of those varieties that you either love or hate. It is filled with antioxidants and minerals.
8. Blueberry
Blueberry honey is made by bees from the nectar of blueberry bushes. Some people think it is made with infused flavor, but no – this is a true single source honey.
Much blueberry honey is produced in the wild blueberry barrens of Maine and other northeast states. It is an amber colored product with a slight hint of blueberry.
However, you might be able to find some purple honey out there – if you look really hard.
9. Greek Thyme
The history of honey in Greece goes back thousands of years. One of the most famous Greek varieties is made from thyme.
Thyme is a member of the mint family and many species are found growing across the region.
It is a golden color and is very aromatic. The flavor has herbal tones and fruity notes.
10. Chestnut
Produced abundantly in parts of Italy and Spain, chestnut honey is dark and very strong. Produced from the nectar of chestnut tree blossoms, it is valued for its nutty taste and bold flavor.
Experiencing the Flavor of Artisanal Honey
In the beginning, the flavor of honey may blend together for you. But, with some experience you will begin to be able to recognize the variances in texture and flavor. When traveling or visiting other places, be sure to pick up a jar of local product.
Regional Favorites
You are sure to find some hidden gems in different regions. They may never make the news or have fancy names but each region has favorites – Tulip Poplar (Yellow Poplar) is a regional favorite here.
Leatherwood honey comes from the rainforests of Tasmania. It is highly praised by honey connoisseurs for its spicy flavor.
Each country has these unique flavors just waiting to be discovered. In some cases, only small harvests are made – so the locals may be the only people to experience them.
Create a Tasting Bar
Experiment with samples or small jars of different types before investing a lot of money in a large container. Consider creating your own little tasting bar for friends to sample.
Can your group agree on which one is the best honey in the world? Can they recognize and name the nectar source? This is fun for beekeepers too and often an activity at local beekeeping associations.
Why Local Honey Can Also Be the Best
Be sure to check out your local beekeeper. We are out there. The best honey in the world for you may be from just around the corner. This is often raw honey produced by local people and of excellent quality.
Properly stored honey never spoils if it is high quality. Since you can expect premium honey to be priced higher – take the time to store it properly to protect your investment.
A Final Word
The world of honey is a fascinating and flavorful journey. We will never all agree on which honey is the best in the world. So, I will tell you – its the jar I harvested from my very own backyard hive this season. 😉
Seriously though, you have many choices to explore. Whether you are giving honey as a gift to a bee lover or using it in your own honey recipes – don’t miss this taste experience.