Have you ever wondered why honey from different regions tastes so unique? The secret lies in the flowers bees visit. Whether you're new to beekeeping or simply curious about honey varieties, this guide will help you discover the incredible flavors nature has to offer.

This blog is for all the gardeners who didn’t stop at flowers. While some choose to raise chickens, others dive into beekeeping—and eventually, their paths cross as they explore both. Whether you're just starting with honey bees or looking to expand your hive, selecting the right flowers for nectar is key to producing delicious honey right from your raised garden beds. 

Different flowers create different flavors—acacia and clover honey have a mild, smooth sweetness like agave, while buckwheat and avocado honey offer the deep, rich notes of molasses. If you love maple syrup, tupelo and basswood honey provide a buttery, caramel-like taste, while those who enjoy the thick, fruity depth of date sugar may prefer chestnut, heather, and carrot blossom honey with their complex, slightly bitter sweetness. Here’s a guide to the many types of honey that can start with your raised garden beds and eventually make their way to your table.

Understanding Honey Varieties

There are two primary categories of honey: monofloral honey and multifloral honey. Monofloral honey is made primarily from the nectar of a single type of flower, giving it a distinctive flavor. Multifloral honey, like wildflower honey, is created from different types of flowers, resulting in a blend of flavors. The honey-making process, floral source, and even weather conditions impact the final product.

 

Different Types of Honey

1. Acacia Honey

Color & Flavor: Very light, almost clear, with a delicate, sweet flavor.

Regions (USDA Hardiness Zones): This honey is derived from black locust trees and common in Zones 3-8, particularly in parts of the Midwest and Eastern United States.

Typical Use: Acacia honey remains liquid for a long time, which is why it is great for tea or as a sweetener for lighter dishes like salad dressings or fruit.

2. Buckwheat Honey

Color & Flavor: Dark, rich brown with a malty, spicy flavor.

Regions (USDA Hardiness Zones): Found in Zones 3-6, primarily in the northern United States, including parts of the Northeast, Midwest, and the Great Lakes region.

Typical Use: Known for its high levels of amino acids and antibacterial properties, buckwheat honey is often used for sore throats and as a remedy for colds but also as marinades and barbecue sauces.

3. Manuka Honey

Color & Flavor: Dark amber with a rich, earthy taste.

Regions (USDA Hardiness Zones): While typically associated with New Zealand, similar honey can be found in parts of the U.S. (mainly in Zones 8-10) where the Manuka bush can be grown, such as in California.

Typical Use: Manuka honey is well-known for its antibacterial properties and is commonly used in natural remedies, including skincare and digestive health.

4. Eucalyptus Honey

Color & Flavor: Dark amber with a slightly medicinal, menthol flavor.

Regions (USDA Hardiness Zones): Grown in Zones 8-10, particularly in California, Texas, and other regions with eucalyptus trees.

Typical Use: Eucalyptus honey is often used for respiratory health remedies, in teas or as a natural sweetener for cough remedies.

5. Tupelo Honey

Color & Flavor: Light amber with a smooth, buttery taste and a sweet, floral flavor.

Regions (USDA Hardiness Zones): Tupelo honey is mostly produced in Zones 8-9 in the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.

Typical Use: Tupelo honey has a unique smoothness and flavor, perfect for drizzling over pancakes, in tea, or used as a sweetener in desserts.

6. Forest Honey (Honeydew Honey)

Color & Flavor: Dark and rich, with a deep, earthy flavor.

Regions (USDA Hardiness Zones): This honey is made from tree sap rather than flower nectar and is found in Zones 4-9, typically in wooded areas of the Northeast, Pacific Northwest, and parts of the Midwest.

Typical Use: Forest honey is rich in minerals and antioxidants and often used in marinades, dressings, or as a deep, robust sweetener.

7. Star Thistle Honey

Color & Flavor: Golden amber with a floral, mildly spicy taste.

Regions (USDA Hardiness Zones): Grows in Zones 4-9, primarily in the Midwest, Great Plains, and parts of the West.

Typical Use: Star thistle honey is known for its distinctive floral notes and commonly used for teas, desserts, or as a topping for cheese in cheese boards.

8. Blueberry Honey

Color & Flavor: Light amber with a fruity, tangy flavor and a hint of lemon.

Regions (USDA Hardiness Zones): Typically found in Zones 3-8, especially in regions where blueberries are grown, such as Maine, Michigan, and the Pacific Northwest.

Typical Use: Blueberry honey  has a tangy flavor and is often spread on bread, into smoothies, or as a sweetener in desserts.

9. Heather Honey

Color & Flavor: Dark amber with a slightly bitter taste and a strong floral aroma.

Regions (USDA Hardiness Zones): Found in Zones 4-7, particularly in parts of the Pacific Northwest and New England.

Typical Use: Due to its strong flavor and aroma, heather honey is best used in savory dishes, with cheese, or as a topping for bread and crackers.

10. Sourwood Honey

Color & Flavor: Light peach in color with a sweet, spicy, and anise-like flavor.

Regions (USDA Hardiness Zones): Typically found in Zones 6-8, especially in the Appalachian region of the southeastern U.S.

Typical Use: Sourwood honey is prized for its complex flavor, often used as a topping for biscuits, in hot beverages, or drizzled over fruit.

11. Basswood Honey

Color & Flavor: Light in color with a fresh, mild flavor that has a lingering minty aftertaste.

Regions (USDA Hardiness Zones): Common in Zones 4-8, found primarily in parts of the Midwest and Northeast U.S. where basswood trees grow.

Typical Use: Basswood honey is excellent in teas or used as a subtle sweetener in light salads, providing a delicate, fresh taste.

12. Avocado Honey

Color & Flavor: Caramel-colored with a floral aftertaste.

Regions (USDA Hardiness Zones): Typically found in Zones 9-11, especially in areas where avocados are grown, such as California and parts of Mexico.

Typical Use: Avocado honey is great for pairing with cheese, drizzling over fruit salads, or used in savory dishes due to its rich, floral flavor.

Final Thoughts

With so many different types of honey available, pay attention to the flavors you enjoy—whether it’s similar to agave, molasses, maple syrup, or date sugar—because there’s likely a floral source that matches that profile. By growing the right plants in your garden, you can provide your bees with the perfect nectar to produce honey that suits your taste. Whether you're drawn to honey for its health benefits, complex flavors, or unique chemical properties, each variety offers a distinct and delightful experience.