If you are fortunate enough to have tried honey, “straight from
the hive’ (unblended and minimally processed) you will discover
that no two honeys are ever really alike. This is simply because
honey takes on the characteristics of the plant nectar collected
by the bee. The nectar composition depends upon which plants are
blossoming that time of year and the particular mix of plants
within range of the bees. The plants themselves are affected by
the soil and climate. The French word, “Terrior” is used to
describe the importance of a place to the characteristics of the
product grown or produced there. Like wine, coffee and tea which
take on the characteristics of the place it is grown, honey is
the product of its surroundings. With honey, this may include; -
The specific species and varieties of plants, both wild and
cultivated - The environmental conditions including climate,
topography, water sources and man-made conditions such as crops,
pastures and parks - The local knowledge and technical skills of
the be