What is Heather Honey Good For?

Heather honey is one of the most precious honey varieties; the heather plant (Calluna Vulgaris), whose blossom gives the honey its flavor and aroma—is more commonly cultivated within Britain's borders than elsewhere.                                                         

Heather honey is considered a specialty product with unique qualities that set it apart from other types of honey. This is a unique variety of honey that industry experts have recognized for its nutritional benefits. Some experts compare its benefits to manuka honey.

What is Heather Honey?

Heather honey comes from various flowers on moorlands where heather grows well in the sun and shade. Beekeepers need not look far for suitable locations; the plants grow anywhere there is suitable soil.

There are two distinct types of heather honey; on the one hand, there is the Ling Heather Honey, derived from Calluna vulgaris. This species blooms in late summer (varying from late July to November, depending on location). On the other hand, the honey made from the Erica species presents an earlier and shorter blooming period (perhaps around 4 to 6 days).

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Heather honey is less sweet than most of the other honey types.

What sets this honey apart from other varieties is its strong, pungent taste that borders on delightful bitterness. This honey goes remarkably well with the meat or seafood menu with its unique viscosity, bold taste, and rich amber color.

This sweet honey makes an excellent marinade for cooking a gourmet summer barbecue or ham. Spread it, or smother it on your favorite baked goods!

Heather Honey Feature

The honey Ling Heather exhibits unique sensory qualities, including a thixotropic property that causes it to become temporarily liquid if stirred or agitated.

Ling Heather honey is reddish/orange to dark amber. It has a slightly bitter, tangy, spicy taste that persists for several minutes. Ling Heather's scent is strong and floral—it smells like heather flowers! While the crystallization rate of Heather Honey is relatively slow, in the early stages, it results in a smooth and light-colored mass. It may not crystallize if pure; some beekeepers feel this is true with higher moors honey.

Heather Honey Uses

Because of its gelatinous state, this honey was historically considered a food and drink. Iranian Gaz is often made using this type of honey in its preparation; as such, it has acquired a distinctive taste and texture from the process.

The thick consistency of this honey makes it an excellent topping for ice cream and waffles or mixed with yogurt. Enjoy it on a milk mousse or honey jelly with orange caramel sauce and caramelized pine nuts.

It pairs well with gingerbread and gives coffee a smoky flavor. Ling is excellent or used in recipes for teacakes, cheesecakes, and porridge. Of course, some tasty dishes made with ling honey glazes exist too!

Heather Honey Benefits

This honey, which is usually sold in unadulterated and raw form, has a dark amber/reddish hue. Because of its sticky, solid-like texture and minimal processing, most nutrients are trapped within heather honey's lattice. You'll surely get as many health benefits once included in your diet.

Here's an idea of what to expect:

Some dark-colored honey has higher levels of polyphenols than lighter ones. (Read about the difference between light and dark honey) These compounds reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress, which can be beneficial for those with gastritis or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The antioxidants in this honey can help prevent cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

These enzymes have been scientifically proven to keep free-radical molecules from damaging body cells.

Heather honey's high sugar concentration creates osmotic pressure on the skin, drawing moisture out of open wounds and making it well-suited for treating such conditions. The dry surface is no longer favorable for microbes' growth and prevents any possible infections from progressing.  

The enzymes in Heather honey make it a valuable source of nutrients for the human body. It contains vitamins and minerals that strengthen the body's defenses, support bone health, and help digestion.