Forest honey

The main forest trees that offer us their flowers or honeycombs are the pine, fir, oak and chestnut. Over the centuries, the bees have created a harmonious partnership with the forest, offering us this excellent honey.Forest honey has many properties that make it one of the most valuable allies of our health.Rich in minerals and trace elements such as potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus and sodium, it stimulates our body.It also contains vitamins and antioxidants that have a protective effect and has a soothing and therapeutic effect on sore throats, stomach upset and flu.

Forest honey has a strong aroma and velvety taste that take us to the place where the bees collected it, in the forests of our homeland in the Peloponnese, Central Greece, Halkidiki and Evia. Their colour is generally dark and can even be black and they are very viscous.

The pine tree gives us one of the most important honeys in Greece since the production of pine honey constitutes 60% of the total honey produced. It is characterized as honeydew honey since it is produced from the honeydew secretions of the beneficial insect Marchalina hellenica. It has many positive aspects for the producer as the secretions are made over a long period of time, which means stable production and good yields.The largest volume of pine nuts is produced in summer and autumn.It is one of the most popular honeys as it has excellent quality and taste. One of its positive aspects is that pure pine honey does not crystallize easily since it has a low concentration of sugars.

Another excellent honey is that of the fir tree. The elastomel is produced from the honeydew of June insects. Its production depends on the weather conditions with high temperatures and drought favouring the production of honeydew while humidity stops it. Fir honey accounts for about 5 % of Greek honey production.In order to reach Beesarta’s beehives in the spruce forests of Central Greece and the Peloponnese, they are transported to high altitudes of over 800 m. The honey is sweet in taste and its colour changes depending on the area where it is collected and can range from light to dark.Its texture is similar to that of syrup and it is difficult to crystallise.

Another honeydew honey that has fanatical fans across the country is oak or oak honey. It is found all over Greece and its honeydew secretions are made in July. Oak honey or tree honey, as some people may call it, is very dark in colour, almost black, and its taste is special as it is not so sweet. Oak honey is among the honeys that are difficult to crystallize.

Another forest tree that is famous for its quality is the chestnut tree. Unlike the above-mentioned honeys, chestnut honey comes from the flowering and not from the honeydew. The blossom is rich in nectar and pollen, which strengthens the beehives. Its colour is dark and sometimes reddish, its aroma is strong and characteristic and its taste is slightly bitter.