Does the color of natural honey define its flavor?

At Miel Mayem, we know that each jar of natural honey has its own unique essence. But did you know that the color of honey can be related to its flavor and aroma? As a honey artisan, I'll explain in this article how the hue of natural honey can offer clues about its properties and flavor, without resorting to generalizations. Although natural honey has its own profile, we use the Pfund scale to classify these colors.

What is the Pfund scale?

The color of natural honey varies considerably depending on the flower from which the nectar comes. From lighter honeys to darker and deeper shades, each shade has its own characteristics. To measure these variations, beekeeping uses the Pfund scale, which classifies honey according to its color in a standardized manner.

Why does the color of natural honey vary?

The color of honey is determined by several variables. The main factor is its floral origin. Bees collect nectar from different flowers, and each flower contributes its own characteristics to the honey. For example, rosemary honey is usually light, with shades ranging from watery white to very light amber, depending on the area and flowering period. Chestnut honey is usually darker due to the characteristics of these plants' flowers.

Honey storage conditions and processing also play a key role. If natural honey is exposed to very high temperatures or overprocessed, it can change its color and flavor, losing some of its original nuances.

Natural honey , like the kind we make at Miel Mayem, is preserved exactly as the bees produce it, with minimal processing, which allows us to maintain its color and natural properties, essential to its flavor and quality.

What is the difference between light and dark honeys?

When we talk about light natural honey, such as Orange Blossom Honey, we're referring to varieties with a color between watery white and very light amber on the Pfund scale. They tend to have a mild and delicate flavor, with floral and fruity nuances.

Amber-colored honeys, such as Thyme Honey, have a warmer, more intense hue. These honeys typically have a more complex flavor profile, with a balance of sweetness and slightly acidic or herbal notes, depending on their floral origin. They are perfect for food pairings, as they provide depth without being overly intense.

In the case of dark honeys, such as Forest Honey or Avocado Honey, we find more robust flavors. These honeys can have woody nuances and even a slight salty note, depending on their mineral composition.

The Pfund scale helps us artisans understand the diversity of honey and generally classify the flavors of different natural honeys. At Miel Mayem, we offer a wide range of natural honeys, each with its own characteristics. Do you have questions about our natural honeys? Write to us at hola@mielmayem.com or call us at +34 623 232 074; we'll be happy to help you.