
Erica honey
Heathers are one of the most important apicultural plants in Greece and although not important to the production of honey per se, they are crucial to the health of the beehives. Beehives in close approximation to heathers reinvigorate tired bee populations, store high nutritional value pollen and nectar and instil necessary vitality for foraging and winter survival. Honey produced from heathers is considered of similar exceptional nutritional value to humans.
Two different species of heathers are met in Greece. The dendrite heather (spring or white heather), and Erica manipuflora (autumn or red heather). Honey produced by the dendrite heather has a shade of amber, a strong fragrance, and crystallizes fast. It can be identified by its fine texture and thick drip. The color of Erica manipuflora is green at the honeycomb but becomes amber-like with shades of red in the vase. Similarly it has a strong fragrance and intense fruity taste that gives it that extra sense of freshness. It crystallizes slowly and it can be identified by its thicker crystals.
Although our beehives spend a long time near heathers we do not produce pure heather honey. The reason is that when the hives turn to their productive phase, the pine trees initiate their own honey secretions simultaneously to the heather. As such the honey is half pine and half heather. The pine-heather honey we produce comes from north Evia.
Did you know that…
- Heather honey is famous for its healing properties in kidney problems, chronic fatigue and recovering phases.
- It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory action specifically for the urinary and the digestive tract and it is very rich in trace elements.
Two different species of heathers are met in Greece. The dendrite heather (spring or white heather), and Erica manipuflora (autumn or red heather). Honey produced by the dendrite heather has a shade of amber, a strong fragrance, and crystallizes fast. It can be identified by its fine texture and thick drip. The color of Erica manipuflora is green at the honeycomb but becomes amber-like with shades of red in the vase. Similarly it has a strong fragrance and intense fruity taste that gives it that extra sense of freshness. It crystallizes slowly and it can be identified by its thicker crystals.
Although our beehives spend a long time near heathers we do not produce pure heather honey. The reason is that when the hives turn to their productive phase, the pine trees initiate their own honey secretions simultaneously to the heather. As such the honey is half pine and half heather. The pine-heather honey we produce comes from north Evia.
Did you know that…
- Heather honey is famous for its healing properties in kidney problems, chronic fatigue and recovering phases.
- It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory action specifically for the urinary and the digestive tract and it is very rich in trace elements.