Black Locust - Acacia Honey

The Story

Click to Display — The Details: botanical origin, sensory profile, pairings, health and what gives it its character

Botanical Name: Robinia pseudoacacia L.

Tasting Notes:

Black Locust honey is extremely light colored, lemonish white or yellow-green, and, if relatively free of other floral sources, it can be very transparent, like liquid glass. The aroma is floral, fruity, delicate, and very persistent. The flavor is very sweet, slightly acidic with hints of vanilla and no aftertaste. The flowery notes are noticed best in the finish.

Pairings:

It has a lower acid content. It is delicious combined with cheeses, especially pecorino and gorgonzola cheese. Because of its light taste, it is good for children and ideal on fresh cheeses (ricotta), yogurt, fruit, and ice cream. The honey remains liquid and does not crystallize easily due to its high fructose content.

Origin Story

Eastern North America and Europe. The main producers are Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania but it is also found in Canada, China, France and Italy.

Cultural Context

Protected Geographical Status (PGS) framework (PDO/PGI) - EU: PDO_itIn the second half of May, Acacia honey is collected in the Lunigiana (Tuscany) Region of Italy (DOP - Italian version of PDO). Along with the DOP certification, the label must indicate the town where it was produced: Aulla, Bagnone, Casola in Lunigiana, Comano, Filattiera, Fivizzano, Fosdinova, Licciana Nardi, Mulazzo, Podenzana, Pontremoli, Tresana, Villafranca in Lunigiana, or Zeri.

Image from: www.dnr.mo.gov

Translations

  • Italian: Miele di robinia o acacia
  • French: Miel de robinier - Acacia, robinier faux acacia
  • Hungarian: Akacmez
  • German: Akazienhonig - Robinie-Honig