Honey, nature’s golden treasure, is celebrated not just for its delightful taste but also for its potential health benefits and versatile culinary uses. However, not all honey is created equal. Each variety is shaped by the floral source from which bees collect nectar, resulting in differences in flavor, texture, and even health-promoting properties.
New Zealand, fondly referred to as “the land of the long white cloud,” is renowned for its diverse range of honey. From the famous Manuka Honey to lesser-known gems like Kamahi and Rewarewa, these varieties capture the essence of New Zealand’s unique flora and landscapes. Here, we’re diving into ten exceptional honey types native to New Zealand that not only tantalize the taste buds but also offer notable health benefits.
1. Manuka Honey
Manuka Honey is the undisputed star of New Zealand’s honey varieties. Sourced from the nectar of the Manuka shrub (Leptospermum scoparium), this honey has a thick, creamy texture and a distinctly rich, earthy taste. Manuka Honey is highly regarded for its potent antibacterial properties, largely attributed to a compound called methylglyoxal (MGO). The UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) grading system is used to indicate the concentration of these bioactive compounds—higher UMF ratings indicate stronger therapeutic qualities. From soothing sore throats to treating skin infections and acne, Manuka Honey is a must-have for natural health enthusiasts.
2. Kanuka Honey
Often overshadowed by Manuka, Kanuka Honey deserves its own spotlight. Collected from the delicate, white-pink flowers of the Kanuka tree (Kunzea ericoides), this honey has a smooth, buttery texture with subtle floral notes and hints of butterscotch. Its antimicrobial properties, although less studied than Manuka, are still significant, making it a natural remedy for skin irritations, eczema, and wound healing. Kanuka Honey also exhibits potent anti-inflammatory effects, making it a versatile choice for both internal and external wellness applications.
3. Clover Honey
Clover Honey is a light, mild-flavored honey made from the nectar of white clover flowers, a resilient legume that flourishes throughout New Zealand. This honey has a delicate, floral sweetness with a touch of vanilla, making it ideal for sweetening teas or spreading on toast. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, Clover Honey supports immune health and may help reduce inflammation. It’s also lower in calories compared to some darker honeys, making it a popular alternative for those looking to replace refined sugars in their diet.
4. Pohutukawa Honey
Produced from the stunning red flowers of the Pohutukawa tree, also known as New Zealand’s Christmas Tree, this honey embodies a sense of celebration. Pohutukawa Honey is creamy, pale in color, and has a unique, delicate sweetness with faint salty notes from the coastal environment where these trees thrive. Pohutukawa trees bloom for only a few weeks in the summer, so this honey is both rare and cherished. Known for its subtle flavor, it pairs wonderfully with soft cheeses or as a sweetener in light desserts.
5. Rata Honey
Rata Honey is as unique as the Rata trees it comes from, which only blooms once every few years along New Zealand’s rugged West Coast. This honey has a thick, creamy consistency and a subtle, slightly floral taste that pairs beautifully with fruits and cheeses. Rata Honey’s distinctively pale color and mild flavor make it a delightful addition to a charcuterie board. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, Rata Honey is believed to support general well-being and immune function, making it a healthy indulgence.
6. Rewarewa Honey
Known for its deep amber color and rich floral aroma, Rewarewa Honey is derived from the native Rewarewa tree, also called New Zealand honeysuckle. This honey has a robust, slightly malty flavor that works well in savory marinades and dressings. Rewarewa Honey is celebrated for its high antioxidant content, which may help reduce inflammation and combat oxidative stress. Traditionally, Māori people used the Rewarewa tree’s bark to aid in wound healing, and modern research suggests that the honey itself has antibacterial properties.
7. Tawari Honey
A rare and precious honey, Tawari Honey comes from the nectar of the stunning white blossoms of Tawari trees, which grow in the lush forests of New Zealand’s North Island. Tawari Honey has a light, creamy texture and a delicate butterscotch flavor, making it a delightful drizzle over fresh fruit or a decadent filling for pastries. With its mild sweetness, it’s ideal for desserts or to elevate roasted nuts. Rich in natural sugars, Tawari Honey is an energy booster, making it a favorite for athletes and those seeking a natural energy source.
8. Thyme Honey
Thyme Honey offers a powerful, herbal flavor and a strong, aromatic sweetness that comes from thyme plants growing in the dry Otago mountains. This golden honey, introduced by Chinese miners in the late 1800s, is packed with antioxidants, making it an ideal choice for immune support. Its bold taste makes it a perfect pairing for sharp cheeses or as a glaze for roasted meats. Thyme Honey’s high antioxidant levels help protect cells from damage, adding a healthful touch to its culinary uses.
9. Honeydew Honey
Honeydew Honey stands out as it’s not sourced from flowers but from honeydew droplets left by aphids feeding on New Zealand’s beech trees. This unique process results in a dark, earthy honey with a rich, slightly caramelized taste and a silky texture. Known for its high mineral content and prebiotic properties, Honeydew Honey supports gut health and is particularly beneficial for digestion. Its rich, complex flavor profile makes it a perfect addition to yogurt, fruit salads, or cheese boards.
10. Kamahi Honey
Kamahi Honey is derived from the native Kamahi tree’s flowers, which are often found in New Zealand’s dense forests. Originally considered an inferior honey due to its bitter taste, the flavor profile has since been refined by isolating Kamahi trees from neighboring Quintinia, a tree with bitter nectar. This golden honey now boasts a smooth caramel flavor with a hint of nuttiness, making it an excellent choice for coffee or as a sweetener in savory dishes. High in natural sugars and essential nutrients, Kamahi Honey is increasingly recognized for its health benefits and is sometimes even used in beauty treatments for its nourishing properties.
What’s your pick going to be? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know which New Zealand honey variety you’re most excited to try! Whether for its health benefits, unique flavor, or as an addition to your kitchen, New Zealand’s honeys offer something special for everyone.
