Honey is not just honey. Depending on the flowers and plants from which bees collect their nectar, honey varieties with their own colour, aroma, taste, and texture are created. Worldwide, there are hundreds of different types of honey, from mild acacia honey to robust chestnut honey. In this article, we explain what exactly determines a honey variety, which types you will encounter most often, and how you can discover them yourself.
What Determines a Honey Variety?
The type of honey bees produce depends on the plants in the vicinity of the beehive. Bees collect nectar (or sometimes honeydew) from the flowers that are in bloom at that moment. This nectar ultimately determines the colour, aroma, and taste of the honey. The season, region, and climate also play a role: the same bee species produces different honey in Southern Spain than on the Dutch Veluwe.
Mono-floral and Multi-floral Honey
Honey varieties are often distinguished between:
- Mono-floral honey – honey consisting predominantly of nectar from one plant, such as acacia honey, lavender honey, or chestnut honey. The name of the honey variety refers directly to the flower or tree here.
- Multi-floral honey – also known as flower honey, made from the nectar of various flowers mixed together. The taste varies per harvest, depending on what is in bloom at that moment.
- Honeydew honey – such as forest honey, which does not originate from flower nectar but from honeydew, a sweet secretion from insects on tree leaves. This results in a darker, more intense honey.
Popular Honey Varieties at a Glance
There are hundreds of honey varieties worldwide, but a few regularly appear on shelves:
- Acacia honey – light, mild, and remains liquid for a long time.
- Lavender honey – soft and recognisable by a subtle floral aroma.
- Chestnut honey – dark in colour with a strong, spicy flavour.
- Manuka honey – a well-known honey variety from New Zealand.
- Heather honey – dark and thick, with a distinct flavour.
- Thyme honey – spicy, typical of Mediterranean regions like Spain.
Would you like to read more about honey varieties from a specific region? Check out our article on Spanish honey: origin, taste, and special varieties.
How Many Honey Varieties Does Honingwinkel.nl Sell?
At Honingwinkel.nl, we offer more than 60 types of honey, sourced from our own bees and carefully selected beekeepers from the Netherlands, Belgium, and other countries. Besides pure honey varieties, you will also find organic honey, regional honey, and cream honey, each with its own texture and flavour profile.
Want to Taste Multiple Honey Varieties Yourself?
Unsure which honey variety best suits your taste? With a tasting package, you can discover several varieties at once. For example, the Spanish Honey Tasting Package contains five flavours from Spain, and with the Dark Honey Varieties Tasting Package, you can get acquainted with the stronger variants. The Light Honey Varieties Tasting Package is also a good way to compare the milder honey varieties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many types of honey are there worldwide? An exact number is difficult to give, as honey depends on local flora. Hundreds of different honey varieties are produced worldwide, each with its own colour, aroma, and taste.
What is the difference between honey varieties? The main difference lies in the flower or plant from which the bees gather their nectar, and in the region and season in which the honey is harvested. This determines the colour, texture, and taste of the honey.
What is the most popular honey variety? Flower honey (multi-floral honey) is the most common honey variety worldwide. In addition, acacia honey, heather honey, and Manuka honey are well-known examples of mono-floral honey varieties.
How do I choose which honey variety suits me? That is mainly a matter of taste. If you like mild and light, acacia honey is a good start. If you prefer a distinct, spicy taste, then thyme or chestnut honey is a better choice. A tasting package is an accessible way to compare multiple varieties.
