Heather (ling)
Heather, or ling (Calluna vulgaris), is an evergreen dwarf shrub and one of the most important late-summer honey plants.
Heather, or ling (Calluna vulgaris), is an evergreen dwarf shrub and one of the most important late-summer honey plants. It is widely distributed in the northern and western countries of Europe. Heather honey is dark to very dark with a reddish or orange tone, a strong aroma, a bitter taste and a long aftertaste.
The flow falls at the end of summer: in Poland's Bory Dolnośląskie nectar flows from late August to September, and in Provence heather blooms in September and October. The honey's special feature is thixotropy: because of colloidal proteins it is jelly-like, so it is taken from the combs with special needle tools.
Why this matters to you: with its high water content and quick HMF rise, heather honey keeps for a shorter time than other honeys, and a jelly-like texture is normal, not a defect.
Facts
| Botanical origin | Calluna vulgaris |
|---|---|
| Season | Late summer; Poland late August-September; Provence September-October |
| Region | Northern and western Europe |
How it connects to Honey & beekeeping
Heather (ling) → kind of → Honey plants → kind of → 🍯 Honey
Links
- Part of
- Honey plants
- Which honey it gives
- Heather honey
Frequently asked questions
When does heather bloom?
At the end of summer: in Poland the nectar flows from late August to September, in Provence in September and October.
Is it true that heather honey is extracted like any other?
No. Because of colloidal proteins it is jelly-like and is taken from the combs with special needle tools.
Where does heather grow?
Widely in the northern and western countries of Europe.
Why does heather honey keep for a shorter time?
It has a high water content and its HMF rises quickly.
What does heather honey taste like?
It is dark to very dark with a reddish or orange tone, a strong aroma, a bitter taste and a long aftertaste.
Similar
Black locust · Rapeseed · Sweet chestnut · Lavender · Rosemary · Thyme
Sources
- Persano Oddo L., Piro R. (2004) Main European unifloral honeys: descriptive sheets. Apidologie 35 (Suppl. 1)
- Application summary Miód wrzosowy z Borów Dolnośląskich PGI, OJ C 179, 1.8.2007 (EUR-Lex)
- Application for registration of Miel de Provence, OJ C 261, 30.10.2003 (EUR-Lex)