What causes VERY dark Honey?

SmokeEater2 · May 28, 2008, 03:37:41 PM

I have some jars of honey from the last harvest my Dad got from his bees (around 2002) It is very,very dark,the color of molasses. It smells and tastes fine but according to my Mom he didn't even try to sell any that year because of the color. Anyone know what would make dark honey like this? :?

bassman1977 · May 28, 2008, 04:05:21 PM

The nectar source is what gives honey it's color and flavor.

I got dandelion recently. It's as yellow as the flower itself and you can taste the flower in the honey.

BeeHopper · May 28, 2008, 04:34:21 PM

Quote from: SmokeEater2 on May 28, 2008, 03:37:41 PM
I have some jars of honey from the last harvest my Dad got from his bees (around 2002) It is very,very dark,the color of molasses. It smells and tastes fine but according to my Mom he didn't even try to sell any that year because of the color. Anyone know what would make dark honey like this? :?

I don't know the floral sources of your locale, but buckwheat comes to mind. :)

doak · May 28, 2008, 05:03:26 PM

Tulip Poplar and buck wheat honey is dark.
That is about all I get is tulip poplar.
doak

Vetch · May 28, 2008, 06:39:59 PM

Yeah, some nectars are darker - in fresh honey, it can be from flavonoids or other anti-oxidants, or from increased minerals (all very healthy). Honey also gets darker as it gets older - some oxidation and aging occurs. Unfortunately, many people prefer white bread over whole wheat, pumpernickel, and other excellent breads, and prefer light colored honey over dark. No rational basis for that preference, but it is fairly widespread.

SmokeEater2 · May 28, 2008, 10:39:04 PM

Thanks for the replies everyone!

tillie · May 29, 2008, 12:03:35 AM

Tulip poplar, sumac and catalpa all make dark and very delicious honey - I love the darker honey the best.

Linda T in Atlanta

Brian D. Bray · May 29, 2008, 02:22:27 AM

Alfalfa is also dark, often nearly black like buckwheat but different taste.

ooptec · May 29, 2008, 10:46:36 AM

Hey,

From what I understand, honey is a lot like bread. Whitest is the highest grade, but the darker the better health wise.

Hmmmmmm a pattern emerges??

cheers

peter

Ross · May 29, 2008, 10:49:40 AM

Golden rod and fall aster make dark honey that has a fairly strong smell. When it's drying, some say it smells like old gym socks.

KONASDAD · May 29, 2008, 10:54:15 AM

Blackberries also make a darker honey. I find if you harvest later than earlier, regardless of where you live, it will be darker for your area. I try to do a very early harvest, b/c people like lighter colored honey. If you wait until the end of year or after entire flow, it will be darker.