Beech Honeydew

 

 ‘Honeydew’, often also referred to as ‘Forest Honey’ is honey produced from honeybees collecting nectar exuded from a scale insect.

Beech Honeydew Honey is collected from the Beech forests of New Zealand's South Island. Two species of Beech tree (Black Beech (Nothofagus solandri) and Red Beech (N. fusca)), are home to two species of honeydew insects, Ultracoelostoma assimile and U. brittini.

The enzymatic action of the honeydew in the gut of the scale insect may be benifical. Honeydew is higher in Oligosaccharides (complex sugars) than most all flower source honeys. Oligosaccharides are considered a probiotic in that it aids and promotes beneficial bacteria in the gut. Thus Beech Honeydew may be helpful after antibiotic use.

The honeydew produced from the native New Zealand Beech tree is a wonderful liquid honey ideal for the table as it rarely crystalises (low in glucose and fructose and high in more complex Oligosaccharides sugars such as maltose, merlose, and melezitose). It is rich and very dark red/brown in colour with a malty taste. Will add a richness to barbecues and roasts.

^{Mountain Gold Beech Honeydew can be purchased at our online store. Go to the menu bar, click Shop - Native New Zealand Honey}