Forest honey, also known as wild honey or honeydew honey, is a type of honey that is produced not from flower nectar, but from the sweet secretions of aphids or other plant-sucking insects. These insects feed on the sap of trees, such as oak, pine, fir, or chestnut trees, and then excrete a sugary substance known as honeydew. Bees collect this honeydew from the leaves and branches of trees and process it into honey.
Forest honey tends to have a darker color and richer flavor compared to traditional flower honey. It often has complex, woody, and slightly resinous notes, with a less sweet taste than floral honey. Forest honey is prized for its unique taste and is often sought after by honey enthusiasts and connoisseurs.
Because forest honey is derived from a variety of tree sources, its composition can vary depending on the specific types of trees in the area where it is produced. This honey is often considered to have unique health benefits due to its rich mineral content and antioxidant properties.
Forest honey can be enjoyed in various ways, such as drizzling it over yogurt or oatmeal, using it as a sweetener in tea or coffee, or incorporating it into recipes for baked goods or savory dishes.