Everything you need to know about heather honey

The history of heather honey 

An ancient tradition

Heather honey has been used since Antiquity, notably in traditional medicine. The Celtic and Gaulish peoples valued it not only for its strong taste but also for its medicinal properties. It was often mixed with plants or used as a poultice to treat various ailments.

A preserved production

Today, heather honey remains a niche product, often harvested in small quantities by beekeepers committed to environmentally friendly practices. It is particularly prized in Brittany, Vendée, and certain parts of southwestern France. Its rarity and taste qualities make it a sought-after honey by enthusiasts and gourmets.

There are several types of heather honey, each derived from a specific variety and possessing unique characteristics:

• Tree heath (Erica arborea) : rare and delicate, this light honey offers a sweet and slightly caramelized flavor. It is appreciated for its tonic and remineralizing properties.

• Bell heather (Erica cinerea) : stronger, with woody and slightly bitter notes, it is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its texture is generally thick and jelly-like.

• Common heather (Calluna vulgaris) : powerful honey with a jelly-like texture, it stands out for its malty taste and richness in polyphenols, ideal for energy and cardiovascular protection.

 

Heather honey: a honey with powerful flavors 

It is a nectar with character, remaining classic in its texture and taste. It gives amber reflections with caramelized, floral, woody notes, but without the bitterness of common heather. 

Characteristics of heather honey:

• Color : Dark amber to reddish.

• Texture : creamy. 

• Taste : Powerful, woody, with caramelized notes and a slight bitterness.

• Smell : Intense and floral, with a smoky touch.

• Crystallization : Quick and fine.

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The harvest of heather honey 

Heather generally blooms in summer, between June and July, and is harvested from August onwards, depending on regional climatic conditions. It is during this short period that the hives are full of nectar, thus guaranteeing the production of a honey rich in aromas and nutrients.

It is Estela, our beekeeper partner from the Haut Languedoc Natural Park in France, who harvests this precious nectar.

Each of our honeys is harvested in the beekeeping tradition, respecting the bee and the environment.

The timing of the harvest directly affects the final quality of the honey. By harvesting at the peak of flowering, beekeepers capture all the richness of the aromas and the beneficial properties of the nectar, thus guaranteeing an authentic honey true to its terroir.

This delicate and nature-respecting process is not only an ancestral tradition but also a mark of quality for those seeking a honey with character.

What are the benefits of heather honey? 

Heather honey is renowned for its many benefits:

• Powerful antioxidant : rich in polyphenols, it helps fight cellular aging.

• Antibacterial and antiseptic : it promotes healing and strengthens the immune system.

• Benefits for the heart : its flavonoid content contributes to cardiovascular health.

• Anti-inflammatory action : it is used to relieve joint and muscle pain.

• Natural energizer : thanks to its natural sugars and minerals (potassium, iron, magnesium), it is ideal for athletes and in cases of fatigue.

Uses of heather honey: 

Heather honey is ideal for bold pairings:

•  Cheese accompaniments  : It enhances blue-veined cheeses (blue, Roquefort), goat cheese, and aged Comté.

• Sweet and savory dishes  : It pairs well with meats like duck breast or lamb. You can use it in a marinade or for deglazing.

• Gourmet desserts  : It flavors gingerbreads, cakes, and autumn fruit tarts (apples, pears, walnuts).

•  Comforting drinks  : A spoonful in an infusion or coffee adds a caramelized and woody touch.

 

Recipe ideas with heather honey: 

Aged cheese & heather honey :

Ingredients:

• An assortment of cheeses (blue, Roquefort, Comté, aged goat cheese)

• Some walnuts and almonds

• 2 tbsp of heather honey

Preparation :

1. Arrange the cheeses on a board.

2. Add walnuts and almonds for crunch.

3. Lightly drizzle with honey just before serving.

👉 Ideal for a gourmet tasting with a sweet white wine.

Pear, walnut & heather honey tart : 

Ingredients :

• 1 shortcrust pastry

• 3 pears

• 100 g of walnut halves

• 2 eggs

• 10 cl of liquid cream

• 2 tbsp of heather honey

Preparation :

1. Roll out the dough in a mold and pre-bake for 10 min at 180°C.

2. Cut the pears into slices and arrange them on the tart base.

3. Beat the eggs with the cream and honey, then pour over the pears.

4. Add the walnut halves and bake for 30 min at 180°C.

👉 Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Tonic infusion with heather honey :

Ingredients :

• 1 cup of hot water

• 1 tbsp of heather honey

• 1 slice of lemon

• 1 pinch of grated ginger

Preparation :

1. Heat the water without bringing it to a boil.

2. Add the lemon and ginger.

3. Incorporate the honey and mix well.

👉 Perfect for winter and to boost immunity!