There are many kinds of honey in this world with different characteristics and nuances. Based on the color, honey is classified into seven categories: water white, extra white, white, extra light amber, light amber, amber and dark amber. Those color, and also the flavor, may vary depend on honey’s floral sources. In the United States, there are over 300 floral sources for honey including clover, alfalfa, buckwheat, orange blossom, and many more. Here are some of the varieties:
- Clover honey is one of the most popular honey varieties and widely available. Its color is varied from water white to different tones of amber. It has a pleasingly mild, floral sweetness and lingering hint of sour aftertaste.
- Alfalfa honey has light color with a subtle spicy profile and mildly scented floral aroma. This honey is a favorite choice for chefs for their baked foods because it doesn’t overpower other flavors.
- Buckwheat honey is dark, full-bodied, and rich in iron. This kind of honey is a bit unusual and hard to find. It might be the strongest and darkest of honey varieties.
- Orange blossom honey usually has light color and mild flavor with a fresh fruity scent, and a fragrant citrus taste.
- Blueberry honey is taken from the tiny white flowers of the blueberry bush. It is typically light amber in color and with a full, well-rounded flavor. Blueberry honey is produced in New England and in Michigan.
- Acacia honey is one of the most popular and sweetest honey varieties because of its mild delicate floral taste. It is an excellent sweetener for your tea since it won’t alter the taste or the aroma of beverages. Diabetics can consume it due to its low sucrose content. The high concentration of fructose makes this honey remain in a liquid state for a long period of time.
- Avocado honey is collected from the California avocado blossoms. It has dark color, with fairly rich and buttery flavor. This honey becomes common crop in Central America, Australia and other tropical regions.
- Manuka honey is primarily produced in New Zealand. It is collected from the flower of the Manuka bush and has robust taste. The pollution free environment of New Zealand contributes to the quality of this honey. It can be used for medicinal purpose due to its antibacterial property. It is effective to heal stomach ulcer, sore throats, colds, indigestion, and acne.
- Fireweed honey has light color, with a smooth, delicate, and buttery taste. It comes from a perennial herb that grown in the open woods of the Northern and Pacific states and Canada. It is great for gourmet cooking, baking, glazing, BBQ grilling, meat & fish smoking.
- Eucalyptus honey varies greatly in color and flavor, but tends to have a stronger flavor with a slight medicinal/herbal scent. It comes from one of the larger plant genera, containing over 500 distinct species and many hybrids. People usually use it as a protection against colds and headaches. It is produced in California.
- Heather honey is thick and amber in color. It has strong taste and an unusual texture. It is gel-like and firm, but it will become temporarily liquid if stirred or agitated. It has a strong distinctive woody, warm, floral, fresh fruit aroma reminiscent of heather flowers. Heather honey is also high in protein.
- Tupelo honey is high grade light golden amber in color with a greenish tinge. It has a mild, distinctive taste and not leaving a strong after taste. Because of its high fructose content, tupelo honey granulates very slowly. This premium honey is produced in northwest Florida.
Leave a Reply