After doing some research, I concluded that it is dark because of the buckwheat we frequently grow as a cover crop. The other species growing in the Big Bend which produces nectar for dark honey is saw palmetto. Dark honey is also produced from alfalfa and black locust which are not common in our area. Another dark variety is Manuka honey which is produced in Australia and New Zealand. I recently saw a small jar of Manuka honey in a local grocery store priced at over $30!
In our area saw palmetto blooms in late spring while, other than freezing weather, buckwheat can grow and bloom most of the year. It’s possible to provide a constant supply of nectar and pollen for the bees by succession planting at regular intervals. It’s up to the gardener.
Buckwheat is very good at attracting beneficial insects, including bees. While we do grow buckwheat for much of the year, “our” honey is not pure buckwheat honey because there are many other plants both cultivated and wild in the immediate area which furnish nectar for the bees, possibly including saw palmetto. Pure buckwheat honey would be even darker than ours, and its unique flavor would be even more noticeable.
Each honey produced in each location in each season is unique in character and flavor similar to wine vintages. This quality is called “terroir” or “taste of place” and describes all aspects of the area where the honey is produced, including climate, soil health, nectar varieties available, levels of sunlight, altitude, terrain and overall presence and health of surrounding vegetation and pollinators, and countless other variables.
Based on the color and taste of our honey, it appears to have a substantial percentage of buckwheat nectar included in its make up, and based on the honey produced last year our terroir is outstanding.
Buckwheat honey is less sweet than some other honeys and reportedly has a lower glycemic index. It also is higher in antioxidants than most honey. Buckwheat honey gets its dark color from polyphenols, the powerful antioxidants also found in red wine, dark chocolate, tea, and berries. Its flavor has been reported as rich and malty, with notes of black cherries and chocolate, and a hint of molasses. Saw palmetto honey is similar with more woodsy and smoky tones.
Like other honeys, buckwheat honey is reported to have many health benefits, both researched and anecdotal. Among those are antibacterial aid in healing wounds, help in treating colds and scratchy throats, and providing vitamins and antioxidants.
The next time honey is available from our hives, be sure to try some. Consuming honey from a local source is reported to be beneficial in preventing airborne allergies and sinus problems. If this is true, we can all benefit from our local buckwheat honey.
Some reviews from VegHeadz who have tried the honey. No need to say more:
Mary Janik: Just like their label says, "pure and sweet" BUT it is a mellow sweetness, almost winey with no chemical aftertaste. I sent some to my peeps in Wisconsin and they enjoyed the honey Fresh from Florida bees.
Jeanne Breland: I like it better than Tupelo - don’t tell my husband - lighter- enhances flavors rather than overpowers.
Carole Hayes: I personally find the taste a bit richer, darker, and slightly less sweet than the wildflower honey I've bought from one local producer. I really prefer it. My friend, Ruth, keeps bees and I have tasted the honey she gathers. It also has that thicker, richer quality. Most honeys are simply straight sweet; this is more complex, to my tastebuds.
Louie Doll: I don't have the jar, but I wanted to tell you the reason. I have had 10 different honeys in the last year and did a taste test with them. The one we got from the beekeeper at our garden (from our bees!) was the very best and that's the reason the jar is gone. 😀 It beat out a favorite local producer, NC honey, and some from other states including the midwest and west.
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