Eucalyptus honey
Eucalyptus honey is a monofloral honey from the nectar of eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus), medium to dark, with a woody, warm aroma.
Eucalyptus honey is made from the nectar of eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus), which are not native to Europe. The colour is medium to dark with a dull greyish tone, the aroma woody and warm, the taste moderately sweet and the acidity weak. Italy, Spain and Portugal are the main European producers.
Eucalyptus was brought from Australia at the start of the twentieth century. It is planted along Mediterranean coasts, where the tree resists the coastal climate, for the paper industry, essential oil and as an ornamental. One of the most important species is Eucalyptus camaldulensis, whose nectar and pollen bees visit eagerly. Outside Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Israel and the Americas supply large amounts.
Eucalyptus pollen is over-represented in the honey, averaging 94.8 %. Electrical conductivity averages 0.48 mS/cm; in the International Honey Commission samples it never went above about 0.6. Crystallisation is moderate, the aftertaste medium and there is no bitterness.
The EU directive lists eucalyptus honey among the exceptions that may exceed 0.8 mS/cm and allows up to 10 g of sucrose per 100 g for Eucalyptus camaldulensis, yet no sample in the commission data went above 5 g. Miel de Asturias and Miel de Málaga ask for at least 70 % eucalyptus pollen.
Why this matters to you: eucalyptus honey is darker and warmer in flavour than pale acacia honey. Look for the word "eucalyptus" and the country of harvest, and do not confuse it with ordinary multi-plant honey.
Facts
| Raw material | Nectar of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus), notably E. camaldulensis |
|---|---|
| Region | Italy, Spain, Portugal; outside Europe Australia, New Zealand, Africa |
| Taste | Medium to dark; woody, warm aroma; weak acidity |
| Sweetness | Sucrose up to 10 g/100 g (E. camaldulensis, EU directive) |
| Crystallization | Moderate |
How it connects to Honey & beekeeping
Eucalyptus honey → kind of → Blossom and honeydew honey → kind of → 🍯 Honey
Links
- Part of
- Monofloral honey, Blossom and honeydew honey
- Similar and different
- Rigoni Mielbio Monoflora, Leatherwood honey
- Which plants it comes from
- Eucalyptus
Frequently asked questions
What is eucalyptus honey made from?
From the nectar of eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus), notably Eucalyptus camaldulensis.
What does it look and taste like?
Medium to dark with a greyish tone, a woody, warm aroma, moderate sweetness and weak acidity.
Where is it produced?
In Italy, Spain and Portugal, and also in Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Israel and the Americas.
Is it true that eucalyptus honey cannot have high conductivity?
No. The EU directive lists it among the exceptions that may exceed 0.8 mS/cm, though commission samples stayed up to 0.6.
What is its EU sucrose limit?
Up to 10 g per 100 g for Eucalyptus camaldulensis.
What to read next
- Leatherwood honey — Leatherwood honey is a monofloral honey from the nectar of Tasmanian leatherwood (Eucryphia lucida), a rainforest tree that grows only in Tasmania.
- Rigoni Mielbio Monoflora — The single-flower line of organic Mielbio honey: acacia, orange, chestnut, eucalyptus and linden.
Similar
Dandelion honey · Phacelia honey · Coriander honey · Lychee honey · Mesquite honey · Leatherwood honey
ℹ️ Honey is mostly sugars: about 82 g per 100 g. Do not give honey to babies under 1 year old because of the risk of infant botulism.
Sources
- Directive 2001/110/EC relating to honey (consolidated text, EUR-Lex)
- Persano Oddo L., Piro R. (2004) Main European unifloral honeys: descriptive sheets. Apidologie 35 (Suppl. 1)
- Single document Miel de Asturias PGI, OJ C/2024/4791 (EUR-Lex)
- Single document Miel de Málaga PDO, OJ C/2025/5297 (EUR-Lex)