What Is Acacia Honey: Learn About Acacia Honey Uses And Benefits
Honey is good for you, that is if it isn’t processed and especially if it is acacia honey. What is acacia honey? According to many people, acacia honey is the best, most sought after honey in the world. Where does acacia honey come from? Maybe not where you think it does. Keep reading to find out the answers to these questions, as well as acacia honey uses and more fascinating acacia honey information.
What is Acacia Honey?
Acacia honey is usually colorless, although occasionally it has a tint of lemon yellow or yellow/green to it. Why is it so sought after? It is sought after because the nectar of the blossoms that produce acacia honey do not always produce a crop of honey. So where does acacia honey come from? If you know a bit about trees and geography, then you may be thinking that acacia honey comes from acacia trees, natives of sub-tropical to tropical regions of the world, particularly Australia. Well, you’d be wrong. Acacia honey actually comes from the black locust tree (Robinia pseudoacacia), a native of eastern and southeastern North America, sometimes called ‘false acacia.’ Black locust trees not only produce amazing honey (okay, the bees produce the honey), but as members of the pea or Fabaceae family, they fix nitrogen into the soil, which makes it a great choice for damaged or poor soils. Black locust trees grow rapidly and can attain heights of 40 to 70 feet (12-21 m.) when mature. The trees thrive in moist, fertile soil and are often grown as firewood because they grow rapidly and burn hot.
Acacia Honey Information
Black locusts, unfortunately, don’t always produce honey. The nectar flow of the blossoms is subject to weather conditions, so a tree may have honey one year and not again for five years. Also, even in years when the nectar flow is good, the bloom period is very short, about ten days. So it’s no wonder that acacia honey is so sought after; it’s fairly rare. The major reason for the popularity of acacia honey is its nutrient value and its ability to crystallize slowly. Acacia honey crystallizes very slowly because it is high in fructose. It is the least allergenic of all other honey types. Its low pollen content makes it suitable for many allergy sufferers.
Acacia Honey Uses
Acacia honey is used for its antiseptic, healing, and antimicrobial properties, low pollen content, and its natural antioxidants. It can be used in the same way as any other honey, stirred into beverages or used in baking. Since acacia honey is so pure, it has a lightly sweet, mildly floral flavor that doesn’t overtake other flavors, making it a nutritious sweetening option.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Amy Grant has been gardening for 30 years and writing for 15. A professional chef and caterer, Amy's area of expertise is culinary gardening.
-
5 Low-Maintenance Plants & Shrubs That Don’t Need Pruning To Look Their Best
By Teo Spengler
-
6 Fall Lawn Care Tasks To Prioritize Before Winter – Plus When To Make The Last Cut
Use our guide to prepare your lawn for its winter slumber, and it will awaken in spring with lush, verdant grass you can be proud of.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Are Black Locust Trees Invasive Even Though They’re Native?
Is the black locust tree a stunning ornamental or an extremely invasive undesirable? Read on for the curious answer.
By Teo Spengler
-
Twisty Baby Locust Care: How To Grow A Twisty Baby Locust Tree
If you’re looking for a dwarf tree with year-round interest, try black locust ‘Twisty Baby’ with a unique contorted form. Click here for more info.
By Amy Grant
-
What Is Thyronectria Canker – Learn About Thyronectria Canker Treatment
Becoming more familiar with potential diseases that may impact or diminish tree health is one way to accomplish this. Thyronectria canker on honey locusts, for instance, is an infection that can cause undue plant stress and decline. You can learn more about it here.
By Tonya Barnett
-
Skyline Honey Locust Care: Learn How To Grow A Skyline Locust Tree
Unlike other honey locust varieties, Skyline is thornless. These thornless honey locusts are great additions to the landscape as a shade tree. Interested in growing Skyline honey locusts? Click on this article to find out how to grow a Skyline locust tree.
By Amy Grant
-
Honey Locust Information – How To Grow A Honey Locust Tree
Honey locust is a popular deciduous landscaping tree, especially in cities, used for shade and the small leaves don't need to be collected in the fall. A little bit of honey locust information is all you need to start growing this tree in your yard. This article will help with that.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Black Locust Trees For Landscaping: Tips On Growing Black Locust Trees
Black locust trees are at their best in late spring. Growing black locust trees is easy, but they can become weedy if you aren't diligent about removing suckers. Read here for more black locust information.
By Jackie Carroll
-
Locust Tree Information - Types Of Locust Trees For The Landscape
Locust trees produce large clusters of pea-like flowers that bloom in spring followed by long pods. Growing locust trees is easy and they adapt well to lawn and street conditions. Learn more here.
By Jackie Carroll