Raw Arbutus Unedo "bitter honey"
Arbutus Unedo bitter Honey
Arbutus Unedo "bitter honey," a very medicinal honey, also known as Strawberry Tree Honey, only comes from a few places, southern Portugal, Sardinia/Corsica and Greece. It has a truly unusual bittersweet complex flavor and is not for the unadventurous types! The closest way to describe it might be a bitter caramel (although some have used adjectives like "psychedelic"). To be honest, we were a little skeptical when we introduced Arbutus honey to the UK, wondering if the bitterness might be too much, but so far you've proven our doubts unfounded.
Arbutus honey contains homogentisic acid, a powerful phenolic acid. The antioxidant and antibacterial properties of this honey are truly exceptional, and it is one of the most antioxidant and antibacterial honeys in the world. Studies we've seen suggest this may be the most antioxidant-rich honey, far more so than buckwheat or sweet chestnut honey.
Anecdotal evidence we've heard also suggests that this honey does not spike blood sugar levels and is often used topically by diabetics (this is not a medical claim - consult your doctor if you have diabetes). It is also known to be beneficial for lung health.
Arbutus honey is extremely rare and produced in limited quantities, not necessarily every year. We get our Arbutus honey from 3 different sources, each with its own character. This year Fernando, one of the best beekeepers, produced all our Arbutus honey, and it is excellent. Not too bitter, very tasty.
The Arbutus honey you purchase may vary in taste and texture over time depending on the source. Some are very bitter and some are sweeter with a small percentage of Portuguese heather or eucalyptus. They are all beautiful and beneficial. Arbutus honey is usually very expensive, but we try to offer it at a reasonable price so that it remains accessible and not exclusive or inaccessible like active Manuka honey.
The bees collect nectar from the Arbutus bush, an evergreen plant with many medicinal properties that blooms in winter.
Arbutus Unedo bitter Honey
Arbutus Unedo "bitter honey," a very medicinal honey, also known as Strawberry Tree Honey, only comes from a few places, southern Portugal, Sardinia/Corsica and Greece. It has a truly unusual bittersweet complex flavor and is not for the unadventurous types! The closest way to describe it might be a bitter caramel (although some have used adjectives like "psychedelic"). To be honest, we were a little skeptical when we introduced Arbutus honey to the UK, wondering if the bitterness might be too much, but so far you've proven our doubts unfounded.
Arbutus honey contains homogentisic acid, a powerful phenolic acid. The antioxidant and antibacterial properties of this honey are truly exceptional, and it is one of the most antioxidant and antibacterial honeys in the world. Studies we've seen suggest this may be the most antioxidant-rich honey, far more so than buckwheat or sweet chestnut honey.
Anecdotal evidence we've heard also suggests that this honey does not spike blood sugar levels and is often used topically by diabetics (this is not a medical claim - consult your doctor if you have diabetes). It is also known to be beneficial for lung health.
Arbutus honey is extremely rare and produced in limited quantities, not necessarily every year. We get our Arbutus honey from 3 different sources, each with its own character. This year Fernando, one of the best beekeepers, produced all our Arbutus honey, and it is excellent. Not too bitter, very tasty.
The Arbutus honey you purchase may vary in taste and texture over time depending on the source. Some are very bitter and some are sweeter with a small percentage of Portuguese heather or eucalyptus. They are all beautiful and beneficial. Arbutus honey is usually very expensive, but we try to offer it at a reasonable price so that it remains accessible and not exclusive or inaccessible like active Manuka honey.
The bees collect nectar from the Arbutus bush, an evergreen plant with many medicinal properties that blooms in winter.
