Arbutus honey is often referred to as a "bitter" honey. It is sourced from the Strawberry Tree, and only comes from four places in the World - southern Portugal, Sardinia, Corsica and Greece.
Its flavour is a complex bitter/sweet multilayered taste - maybe like a bitter caramel. When we have offered tastings of this honey in our shop, people are generally really enthusiastic about its flavour - although it is quite different from most honey on the market.
Arbutus honey contains Homogentisic acid, a powerful phenolic acid. The antioxidant and antibacterial qualities of this honey are truly exceptional and it is one of the most antioxidant as well as antibacterial honeys in the world. Studies we have seen suggest that this is possibly the most antioxidant rich honey available much more so than Buckwheat or Chestnut honey.
Anecdotal evidence we have heard also suggests this honey does not cause blood sugar to spike and is often used locally by diabetics.(This is not a medical claim- please consult your doctor if you are diabetic). It is also known to be beneficial for lung health.
Details Click to see more
Arbutus honey is an extremely rare honey and made in limited quantities and not necessarily every year. This Arbutus honey can come from 3different sources each of which are quite distinct in character. This year Joao and Mario, both local Monchique beekeepers produced all the Arbutus honey.
The Arbutus honey can vary in flavour and texture over time depending on which source it came from.
Some are very bitter and some are sweeter with a small percentage of Portuguese heather or Eucalyptus. They are all wonderful and beneficial. Arbutus honey is typically very expensive, but we try to bring it to you at a reasonable price so it remains accessible and not exclusive or prohibitive like active Manuka honey.
If Carob is the King, then Arbutus is the Grand Wizard.....
The bees forage on the Arbutus Bush, an evergreen that has many medicinal properties and flowers in winter.
