Which Colour Honey is Best?

The "best" colour of honey depends entirely on your taste preference.

Honey Colour and Flavour

The colour of honey is closely linked to its flavour profile. As stated, the general rule of thumb is:

Pale and Clear Honeys: These honeys typically have a soft, delicate, and mild taste.
Darker Honeys: These varieties often possess a sharper, stronger, and more pronounced flavour.

This relationship between colour and flavour is a key factor when choosing honey.

Here's a breakdown to help you choose:

For mild flavour: If you prefer a subtle sweetness, look for pale or clear honeys.
- Examples include: Clover honey and Acacia honey.
- These are excellent for everyday use, such as sweetening tea or drizzling on yogurt.
For bold flavour: If you prefer a more robust, intense flavour, choose darker honeys.
- Examples include: Buckwheat honey and Manuka honey.
- These are often used in baking or paired with cheese due to their richer taste.

Pairing: Consider how you'll use the honey. Delicate honeys are best for light dishes, while bolder honeys complement richer flavours.
Personal taste: The ultimate "best" honey is the one that you personally enjoy the most. Try different types to find your favourites.
Source: Honey colour can also vary due to the source of nectar used by the bees, so always consider the floral source.

To help further clarify, here's a table showing the colour range and associated flavour profiles for honey:

Therefore, rather than a specific color being "best", the ideal color of honey is the one that best suits your flavour preferences and intended use.