Eucalyptus honey
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Eucalyptus honey is a type of honey made by honeybees that forage on the nectar of eucalyptus tree flowers. Eucalyptus honey is prized for its natural health benefits including antibacterial properties,[1] antifungal properties,[2] high antioxidant levels[3] and ability to relieve coughs, sore throats, and respiratory ailments.[4]
Eucalyptus trees are native to Australia but are now grown in various parts of the world.
Consequently the honey is common in Australia, in Western Cape in South Africa, and in Brazil, but many varieties of eucalyptus honey come from trees found all over the world, from tropical to temperate regions.[5]
In the United States, it comes from California, where more than 500 different subspecies of the plant are grown.[5]
Variations
In Australia there are 900 species of eucalyptus trees – each available for bees to forage on and produce eucalyptus honey. Eucalyptus honey varies greatly in colour and flavour, but in general, it tends to be a bold-flavoured honey that ranges from tart to sweet,[5] with a slightly medicinal aftertaste. Its colour ranges from light amber to medium-dark red.[5] It may be used in baked goods, sauces, dressings, but is best consumed raw, unfiltered and unheated.[5]
The most common sub-varietals of eucalyptus honey are jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata), yellow box (Eucalyptus melliodora), grey box, blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus), blackbutt-dwutta (Eucalyptus todtiana) and blackbutt-yarri (Eucalyptus patens). Each specific eucalyptus species creates honey with unique flavours, nutritional properties and textures.
