In summer, lime trees in parks and avenues exude a striking, sweet scent. Bees love these trees and use them as a prolific source of nectar. From the blossoms of a single lime tree, they can produce up to 2.5 kg of honey per year. Linden honey is therefore a precious natural product with a very unique character.
Profile
| Honey variety | Linden honey |
|---|---|
| Category | Blossom honey, honeydew honey |
| Frequency | medium | Origin | Germany |
| Nectar source | Linden |
| Taste | aromatic with a hint of menthol, sometimes spicy and malty |
| Appearance / color / consistency | light yellow to beige, creamed |
What is special about linden honey?
Linden honey comes from two different sources: bees collect either nectar from the linden blossoms or so-called honeydew from the tree leaves. Insects excrete this sugary plant sap, which thickens and turns into honeydew. Depending on the proportions of honeydew and nectar, the honey exhibits different characteristics. Pure linden blossom honey consists mainly of nectar—it has an almost white color.
What does linden honey taste like?
The taste of linden honey is intense and possesses a characteristic menthol-like aroma. It can contain spicy notes. On the finish, it shows a fruity nuance—sometimes with a slight lemon note. With a high proportion of honeydew, it also exhibits malty notes. Despite all this variety, linden honey always remains a light, aromatic honey.
What is linden honey particularly suitable for?
Linden honey harmonizes wonderfully with:
- Tea — classic and versatile: A spoonful of linden honey in warm tea (stir in at a maximum of 40 degrees Celsius so that the aromas are preserved)
- Cheese: Especially with mild, creamy varieties such as fresh goat cheese or Camembert
- Baking: Gives gingerbread, honey cake, or cantucci a special flavor profile
- Dressings: In sweet and sour vinaigrettes for winter salads
Storage
Like all honey: store in a dark, cool, and dry place. Always close the jar well and use only a dry, clean spoon to remove the honey. If stored correctly, linden honey will last well beyond the legally required minimum shelf life of two years.
Important note for infants
Honey should not be given to children in their first year of life (risk of botulism from Clostridium botulinum spores).