Orange tree (citrus)
Orange and other citrus trees (Citrus) are grown in Mediterranean countries for fruit and aromatic essences; all of them are very attractive to bees.
The orange tree (Citrus sinensis) is one of many plants of the genus Citrus in the rue family (Rutaceae). Around the Mediterranean, growers plant numerous citrus species, hybrids, varieties and cultivars in orchards, both for the fruit and for aromatic essences, and the blossom of every one of them draws bees strongly.
For beekeeping these orchards matter above all as a nectar crop. Their pollen reaches the honey only sparsely: citrus pollen is under-represented, more or less strongly depending on species and cultivar. That is why protected names set a modest floor: for orange blossom honey, Miel de Granada and Miel de Málaga ask for at least 15 % orange pollen. The nectars of the different kinds give very similar honeys, so reference sheets describe them together as one class.
The orchards that yield the most citrus honey in Europe lie in Spain and Italy; beyond Europe, Israel, Brazil, Mexico and California in the USA lead. This honey is very pale and only weakly acidic, with a fresh, floral and fruity scent of medium strength; methyl anthranilate serves as its chemical fingerprint. The EU directive tolerates up to 10 g of sucrose per 100 g in it, and it crystallises slowly.
Why this matters to you: an orange grove in flower is a farm crop first and a bee pasture second, so citrus honey follows the fruit-growing districts. A jar labelled orange or citrus names the genus, not the exact tree.
Facts
| Botanical origin | Citrus × sinensis and other Citrus spp. |
|---|---|
| Region | Grown in Mediterranean countries; honey mainly from Spain and Italy |
| Main use | Fruit and aromatic essences; for bees, very attractive nectar |
How it connects to Honey & beekeeping
Orange tree (citrus) → kind of → Honey plants → kind of → 🍯 Honey
Links
- Part of
- Honey plants
- Which honey it gives
- Orange blossom honey
Frequently asked questions
Where is citrus honey made?
In Europe in large amounts mainly in Spain and Italy; outside Europe in Israel, the USA (California), Brazil and Mexico.
Is it true that orange honey comes only from orange trees?
No. Citrus honey covers various species and cultivars of Citrus whose honeys are alike, so it is described as one class.
How is citrus honey recognised?
Methyl anthranilate is the chemical marker; citrus pollen is under-represented in the honey.
Why are citrus trees grown?
In Mediterranean countries for their fruit and for aromatic essences; their blossom is very attractive to bees.
How much orange pollen must protected orange blossom honey contain?
Miel de Granada and Miel de Málaga require at least 15 %; such honey crystallises slowly.
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)
- Single document Miel de Granada PDO (amendment), OJ C/2025/4996 (EUR-Lex)
- Single document Miel de Málaga PDO, OJ C/2025/5297 (EUR-Lex)