Why and How to Taste Honey: Every Jar Tells a Story
Honey is a direct reflection of the land and the flowers that the bees have visited. Honey is tasted much like wine or olive oil, revealing layers of complexity. Tasting involves all of the senses: sight (the color and appearance of the honey), memory association, aroma, and texture.
Taking the time to properly and fully taste honey helps both beekeepers and consumers savor the uniqueness of each varietal of honey. It’s not just about sweetness—real honey can have floral, fruity, nutty, or even herbal notes, and every jar tells a different story.
This variation is exactly what makes real honey so special. Unlike lower cost honey, which is often “cut” with syrup, raw honey is shaped by biodiversity—what the bees forage, the season, and even subtle environmental changes.
So, how do you properly taste honey? What should you be looking for? And why is it so important to recognize and celebrate these differences? In the featured article, you can explore the fascinating world of honey sensory analysis and how to train your palate to truly taste honey.
