Winter savory
Winter savory (Satureja montana) is an aromatic plant whose nectar bees use for a distinct kind of honey.
Winter savory (Satureja montana) is an aromatic plant whose nectar bees use for a distinct kind of honey. It is named among the plants that can give unifloral honey in Europe. Savory honey is one of the eight varieties allowed by the specification of the protected name Kraški med from the Slovenian Karst.
According to the Kraški med specification, savory honey crystallises quickly into fine, soft crystals. For the Croatian-Slovenian protected name Istarski med (Istrski med), savory honey needs at least 20 % savory pollen.
Why this matters to you: the word savory on a jar from the Karst or Istria points to a separate variety with its own pollen requirement, not to a general seasoning.
Facts
| Botanical origin | Satureja montana |
|---|---|
| Region | Slovenian Karst (Kraški med); Istria (Istarski med) |
How it connects to Honey & beekeeping
Winter savory → kind of → Honey plants → kind of → 🍯 Honey
Links
- Part of
- Honey plants
- Which honey it gives
- Kraški med
Frequently asked questions
Is it true that Kraški med is made only from savory?
No. The specification allows eight varieties, and savory honey is just one of them.
How does savory honey crystallise?
According to the Kraški med specification, quickly, into fine, soft crystals.
How much savory pollen does Istarski med need?
For savory honey at least 20 %.
Is it true that savory is only a kitchen herb?
No. Winter savory is also a nectar plant named among the species that can give unifloral honey in Europe.
Where is savory honey made under protected names?
In the Slovenian Karst as Kraški med and in Istria as Istarski med (Istrski med).
Similar
Black locust · Rapeseed · Sweet chestnut · Heather (ling) · Lavender · Rosemary
Sources
- Single document Kraški med PDO, OJ C 290, 26.9.2012 (EUR-Lex)
- Single document Istarski med / Istrski med PDO, OJ C/2024/2110 (EUR-Lex)
- Persano Oddo L. et al. (2004) Botanical species giving unifloral honey in Europe. Apidologie 35 (Suppl. 1)