Miel de La Alcarria

Miel de La Alcarria is a Spanish honey with a protected designation of origin (PDO), one of the oldest in this group: the name was registered in 1996. Bees make it from the local flora of La Alcarria in central Spain, in the provinces of Cuenca and Guadalajara. There are three kinds: rosemary, lavender and multifloral.

Lavender honey must have more than 10 % lavender (Lavandula latifolia) pollen, rosemary honey at least 12 % rosemary pollen. In multifloral honey the labiate pollen adds up to at least 3 %.

La Alcarria is a plateau at 900–1,000 m with basic, marly, gypsiferous soils, where rosemary, thyme, lavender, savory, hyssop and marjoram grow. The quality of local honey has been recognised since the 17th century, and in 1893 the periodical El Colmenero Español, devoted to beekeeping, appeared. The honey is packed in clear glass inside the area: up to 1 kg for the table.

Rosemary honey has a low-intensity floral aroma with camphor and new-wax notes, and a sweet taste. Lavender honey is extraordinarily intense and long-lasting, sweet with acidic notes. Multifloral honey has phenolic notes and lasting acidity.

Why this matters to you: the label must state the kind. Lavender honey suits those who like a bold aroma, rosemary a gentler taste.