Honey can be both yellow and gold, depending on its source.
Honey Colors Explained
The color of honey is not a single, fixed shade. It varies quite a bit because it depends on the types of flowers the bees visit for nectar.
According to the reference, "Honeys from different regions are different colors, so if you're asking yourself “What color is honey?” you've might've found there's no right answer. Honey changes with the seasons and with local pollen sources. Some honeys are light gold, and some super dark, like molasses."
Factors Affecting Honey Color
Here are a few reasons why honey varies in color:
- Floral Source: The main influence is the specific type of flowers the bees collect nectar from. Light-colored flowers often produce lighter honey, while darker flowers produce darker honey.
- Season: The availability of different flowers changes with the season, thus affecting the honey's color over time.
- Regional Differences: Different regions have different predominant floral sources, which contributes to the variety in honey colors.
Examples of Honey Colors
Honey colors can range from:
- Light Gold: Common in many types of honey, particularly those from clover or wildflower sources.
- Yellow: Can be observed in some honeys, often a lighter shade.
- Dark Amber: Deeper brown, sometimes almost black, such as buckwheat honey.
Table: Honey Colors and Sources
| Honey Color | Potential Floral Source |
|---|---|
| Light Gold | Clover, many wildflower varieties |
| Yellow | Some wildflowers, early season sources |
| Dark Amber | Buckwheat, other dark sources |
Therefore, instead of simply being yellow or gold, honey exists in a spectrum of shades, including light gold, yellow and even darker colours.
