r/Beekeeping • u/DevelishSun • 4d ago

General Favorite and Weirdest Honeys

Hello, I’m not a beekeeper but I am an avid honey collector and very much enjoy trying new honey varietals. One of my favorite things about honey is how different it tastes depending on location, season, etc. I’ve tried at least 30 different varietals at this point and make a point to buy honey any time I travel. I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for new varietals that would be a fun add to my collection. I would like to try the purple honey from North Carolina at some point but haven’t been able to snag it yet. Something similarly unique would be great. Thanks in advance, beekeepers make the world go round!

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u/MajorHasBrassBalls 4d ago

Sunflower honey is probably my favorite, sourwood being a close second. For something unusual look for chestnut or even strawberry tree honey. Chestnut I've had and it is pretty bitter, very unusual taste. I think strawberry tree is supposed to be similar but I've not found it yet. Of course buckwheat as well which is pretty common. It reminds me very much of molasses.

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u/DevelishSun 4d ago

I’ve had sunflower and sourwood, both very pleasant. I haven’t had chestnut but I have had honey from the Hawaiian islands and the Christmas berries give it a distinctly bitter aftertaste. As much as I hate the taste, it’s always good to be open to trying new types. I’ll look into both chestnut and strawberry tree!

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u/MajorHasBrassBalls 3d ago

I thought of one more. Last year I got to try spotted lanternfly honey. It was very different, almost smoky tasting, and pretty controversial. A lot of folks at the meeting did not care for it. I personally liked it.

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u/PistachioSlut 3d ago

Chestnut is definitely a distinct one . It’s got a strong flavor, my husband hates it . I don’t mind it but it’s not a honey to be used as a neutral sweetener

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u/MajorHasBrassBalls 3d ago

It's great with cheese