Beech or beechwood honeydew honey

Beech or Beechwood honeydew honey (Nothofagus fusca) from New Zealand

[caption id=“attachment_5769” align=“alignright” width=“300”][] Beechwood Honeydew[/caption]

Both the Nothofagus fusca Red Beech and the Nothofagus solanri Black Beech are endemic to New Zealand and found in the South Island of New Zealand. The vast majority of New Zealand beechwood honeydew comes from these two species of Beech. The insect partners are actually Ultracoelostoma assimile and Ultracoelostoma brittini, both of which feed on the Nothofagus species. Beechwood honey has an malty, earthy flavor, intense odor and a rich amber color.

It is a thick, smooth honey with low sweetness and medium persistence that will stay liquid and not crystallize easily. It is good in savory sauces and with fresh cheeses such as ricotta, or drizzled over figs or served with plain yogurt.