Recipe: Honey Varieties, Flavor Characteristics, and Suggested Uses

HONEY VARIETIES, FLAVOR CHARACTERISTICS,
AND SUGGESTED USES

With more than 300 varieties of honey in the U.S., there is a honey for every occasion. Following is a sampling of varietal honeys ranging from light to dark, with darker honeys having a stronger flavor.

LIGHT HONEY FLAVOR CHARACTERISTICS

Alfalfa
Mild flavor; beeswax aroma. Use in desserts such as tarts and cookies.

Clover
Sweet, flowery flavor. Delicious in fresh brewed tea and other beverages.

Sage
Sweet, clover-like flavor; mild floral aftertaste. Pair with cheese and crackers for a tantalizing appetizer.

MEDIUM HONEY FLAVOR CHARACTERISTICS

Blueberry
Aroma reminiscent of green leaves with a touch of lemon. Adds fruity flavor to warm scones.

Orange Blossom
Sweet, fruity taste with notes of citrus. Delicious in frosty smoothies.

Tupelo
Complex floral, herbal flavor and aftertaste. Decadent atop warm biscuits.

DARK HONEY FLAVOR CHARACTERISTICS

Buckwheat
Pungent, molasses-like flavor. Use this dark and malty honey to create rich barbecue sauces.

Eucalyptus
Herbal flavor with a fruity aftertaste; sometimes with a menthol flavor. Mild, sweet flavor complements tender lamb shanks.

Wildflower
Pungent, floral flavor. Ranges from dark to very dark and is delicious blended in dressings and marinades.

Source: National Honey Board