Rosemary honey
Rosemary honey is a monofloral honey made from the nectar of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), very pale, with a fresh, delicate taste.
Rosemary honey is a monofloral honey that bees make from the nectar of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). It is very pale and tastes fresh and delicate, with floral and fruity notes. It is produced mainly in Spain, other Mediterranean countries, North Africa and Turkey.
Rosemary grows wild along Mediterranean coasts and is also cultivated as an aromatic plant. The main flow comes in early spring, so this nectar cannot always be harvested. In Provence rosemary blooms from February or March, and Miel de Provence is known for lavender, rosemary and multi-flower honeys.
The colour is very light, the odour weak to medium, sweetness medium, acidity weak and the aftertaste short. Crystallisation is moderate; the Miel de Málaga specification says rosemary honey crystallises quickly. Electrical conductivity is low, 0.15 mS/cm on average, and rosemary pollen is under-represented, averaging 28.7 %.
Protected names set their own minimums: at least 15 % rosemary pollen in Miel de Granada and 12 % in Miel de La Alcarria, and in Granada conductivity of at most 0.25 mS/cm.
Why this matters to you: if you like a mild, not cloying honey, look for the word "rosemary" and the country of harvest on the label.
Facts
| Raw material | Nectar of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) |
|---|---|
| Region | Spain, other Mediterranean countries, North Africa, Turkey |
| Taste | Very pale; fresh, floral-fruity, weak acidity |
| Duration | Main flow in early spring; in Provence from February or March |
| Crystallization | Moderate; Miel de Málaga specification says quickly |
How it connects to Honey & beekeeping
Rosemary honey → kind of → Blossom and honeydew honey → kind of → 🍯 Honey
Links
- Part of
- Monofloral honey, Blossom and honeydew honey
- Similar and different
- Lavender honey, Sage honey
- Which plants it comes from
- Rosemary
Frequently asked questions
What is rosemary honey made from?
From the nectar of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), which grows along Mediterranean coasts.
What does it look and taste like?
Very pale, with weak to medium aroma, medium sweetness, weak acidity and a short aftertaste.
Where is it produced?
Mainly in Spain, other Mediterranean countries, North Africa and Turkey.
Is it true that crystallised rosemary honey is fake?
No. Crystallisation is natural: rosemary honey crystallises moderately or fast, and it is not a sign of adulteration.
Which Spanish protected names include rosemary honey?
Miel de Granada and Miel de La Alcarria; both set a minimum of rosemary pollen, 15 % and 12 %.
What to read next
- Lavender honey — Monofloral honey from lavender nectar: light, with a medium woody and floral aroma; EU law allows up to 15 g sucrose per 100 g.
- Sage honey — Sage honey is a monofloral honey from the nectar of common sage (Salvia officinalis), amber, with a herbal aroma and a light bitterness.
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
- Single document Miel de Granada PDO (amendment), OJ C/2025/4996 (EUR-Lex)
- Single document Miel de La Alcarria PDO (amendment), OJ C/2025/5008 (EUR-Lex)
- Single document Miel de Málaga PDO, OJ C/2025/5297 (EUR-Lex)
- Persano Oddo L., Piro R. (2004) Main European unifloral honeys: descriptive sheets. Apidologie 35 (Suppl. 1)
- Application for registration of Miel de Provence, OJ C 261, 30.10.2003 (EUR-Lex)
- FAO, Krell R. (1996) Value-added products from beekeeping, Chapter 2 Honey