Here Are Some Exciting Autumn Honey Varieties Worth Buzzing Over
Americans consume about 1.3 pounds of honey per person per year. And while most people are only familiar with the classic raw organic honey found in honey bears, you may be surprised at some seasonal varieties worth trying. Autumn is just around the corner, so see if you can find these delicious types of honey near you:
Buckwheat Honey
This fascinating type of seasonal honey tends to be quite polarizing -- people seem to either love it or hate it. Either way, it's definitely worth trying. It's dark and thick, meaning it's full of nutrients. Buckwheat honey, in particular, has plenty of nutrients. And when it comes to beekeeping basics, buckwheat is great for beginners. It grows fast, becoming fully developed from seed to flower in about four short weeks. With that timeframe, you can harvest your buckwheat honey faster than ever.
Bamboo Honey
Experts consider this type of honey to be a bit of a softer version of buckwheat honey. Though it's dark, it's a bit more floral. Surprisingly, it's made from an invasive species called Japanese Knotweed, which is also referred to as fleece flower or elephant's ears. If you're looking for a milder version of buckwheat honey, this may be the type for you.
Goldenrod Honey
Goldenrod honey is another softer honey that's typically harvested in late October. It doesn't have the full, rich flavor or texture of buckwheat honey, but many people actually prefer it because it's said to help with fall allergy symptoms. Like bamboo honey, it's also great for making mead.
"Allergy sufferers in particular love and benefit from goldenrod honey because the flower is the source of so many fall allergies. Just remember to buy and have last year’s goldenrod on hand already, so you have it in time for this year’s bloom," writes Kristina Mercedes Urquhart on HobbyFarms.
In 2014, there were an estimated 2.7 million honeybee colonies in the United States, a number that is tracked by the USDA. With this number in mind, it's clear to see why there are so many unique types of seasonal honey worth giving a taste. For more information about beekeeping basics, contact GloryBee.