Why does the color of honey fluctuate from light to dark?

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Question Why does the color of honey fluctuate from light to dark?

Answer Some plants produce nectar to attract insects like honey bees. The insects visit the flowers to gather the nectar. While they gather the nectar, the insects also inadvertently gather pollen on their legs and body. Pollen is transferred from flower to flower as bees visit many flowers every day. So, plants give a sweet reward to bees for transferring their pollen. Many gardeners depend on bees to pollinate (transfer pollen) plants such as strawberries, cucumbers, watermelons, and apples.

Once the bees have returned to their hive, they ingest and regurgitate the nectar until it is partially digested. It is then stored in the honeycomb. After the final regurgitation, the honeycomb is left unsealed. Pure nectar is high in water and natural yeasts, which can cause sugars in the nectar concentration to ferment. Bees inside the hive fan their wings, creating a strong draft across the honeycomb. This causes evaporation of water from the nectar. By reducing water content, they raise the sugar concentration and prevent fermentation. Honeybees then use the honey as their source of energy during cold weather and when food is scarce.

Honey is basically a concentrated form of nectar. The color and flavor of honey depends on the flowers visited by the honey bees. The color of honey ranges from nearly colorless to dark brown. Honey flavor also varies from mild to bold. As a general rule, dark-colored honey has a stronger taste than light-colored honey. Dark-colored honey usually has a higher concentration of antioxidants as well.

There are more than 300 unique types of honey available in the United States, each originating from different floral sources. More honey is produced from clover nectar than any other plant in the United States. Alfalfa honey is also very common. The premium honey in the South comes from tupelo gum flowers, while folks from the mountains of North Carolina are proud of their sourwood honey. Keep in mind that “wildflower” honey is often used to describe honey from miscellaneous and/or unknown flower sources.

Most honey sold in stores is blended to create a unique and consistent taste and color. Manufacturers are not allowed to add colors, sweeteners or water.

For more info on honey visit this website http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AA154

If you don’t have internet access, then call the Extension Office at 893-7533 or email me at gpierce@harnett.org

In some countries like Germany, Turkey and New Zealand, a highly prized honey is produced from honeydew. This honey is not simply nectar vomit from bees. It is tree sap which is first consumed by an insect like an aphid. It is then excreted from the aphid. Finally, it is lapped up by a bee and regurgitated for your consumption. They say it is the aphid processing stage which makes it mmm mmm good.

Gary L. Pierce

Horticulture Extension Agent