Tupelo Honey

I received a really special gift recently, a small jar of Tupelo Honey from Winter Park Honey www.winterparkhoney.com

This honey is not widespread because it comes from the blossoms of the white tupelo tree which does not have a broad growth area. One location is in the Florida panhandle along the Apalachicola River. This area has the highest population of the white tupelo tree on earth. Tupelo Honey season is very short, three weeks in a good year and is adversely affected by weather and loss of growth land.

This honey has a high fructose level and in a pure state does not crystallize. It is hard to get truly pure tupelo honey because the bees, though they are strategically placed close the trees, can still access other nectar sources close by. The honey needs to be harvested right after the flowers fall off the trees to try to control purity.

The honey I received is a beautiful golden color with a slight undertone of green. The scent is mildly herbal/floral. The taste is not overpoweringly sweet with an herbal tone, clean. It has a soft aftertaste that does not linger.

This honey really was lovely. I appreciated that it was not super sweet and I liked the hint of herbal. If the color green has a taste this type of subtle herb would be it.

It you ever get the chance to try Tupelo Honey, do it! It is a pleasant experience.

Speaking of honey, today was the monthly beekeeping class at the Valley Hive in the San Fernando Valley, just northwest of Los Angeles. I'm putting my notes together and will report on that very soon.