Dandelion
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a polymorphic botanical group widely spread in Europe, mainly in Central countries.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a polymorphic botanical group widely spread in Europe, mainly in Central countries. For bees it is one of the earliest nectar sources, but it is not always exploited: colonies in spring are often not yet developed enough to gather honey from it.
Dandelion honey has a typical yellow colour, quite a strong flavour and crystallises rapidly because of its high glucose content. It is mostly sold in the production areas. Dandelion pollen in the honey rarely goes beyond 50 % and is often lower than that of willow or crucifers, so this honey is hardly ever really pure, although its taste and composition make it easy to recognise.
Why this matters to you: bees use dandelion at the start of the season, and its honey is closer to local produce than to industrial.
Facts
| Botanical origin | Taraxacum officinale (group) |
|---|---|
| Season | Start of the season: one of the earliest nectar sources |
| Region | Widespread in Europe, mainly in Central countries |
How it connects to Honey & beekeeping
Dandelion → kind of → Honey plants → kind of → 🍯 Honey
Links
- Part of
- Honey plants
- Which honey it gives
- Dandelion honey
Frequently asked questions
When do bees use dandelion?
At the start of the season: it is one of the earliest nectar sources, but colonies in spring are not always strong enough.
Is it true that dandelion honey is always pure?
No. Dandelion pollen rarely goes beyond 50 % and is often lower than that of willow or crucifers.
What does dandelion honey look like?
Typical yellow colour, quite a strong flavour; it crystallises quickly because of glucose.
Is dandelion a single species?
No. Taraxacum officinale is a polymorphic botanical group, widely spread in Europe, mainly in Central countries.
Where is dandelion honey sold?
Mostly in the areas where it is produced.
Similar
Black locust · Rapeseed · Sweet chestnut · Heather (ling) · Lavender · Rosemary
Sources
- Persano Oddo L., Piro R. (2004) Main European unifloral honeys: descriptive sheets. Apidologie 35 (Suppl. 1)
- Persano Oddo L. et al. (2004) Botanical species giving unifloral honey in Europe. Apidologie 35 (Suppl. 1)