Honey - it's like liquid sunshine in a bottle! But did you know it comes in a rainbow of golden hues, influenced by the floral buffet bees indulge in? From pale citrine to deep amber, each shade whispers a story of sunshine, blossoms, and nature's magic. Nestled in the Carolinas, though, a beautiful and unique secret awaits honey lovers: purple honey. It's a rare and mysterious treasure that tantalizes taste buds and sparks curiosity.
This mystical honey is said to hold a tangy yet slightly sour, berry-like flavor, and its hue ranges from blue to deep purple. Even seasoned beekeepers in the Southeast can't predict when or where this purple wonder will appear, and its origins are widely debated.
Scientists are buzzing with theories, but a definitive answer remains elusive. Many theorize that the bees might be imbibing a little too hard on the nectar of the kudzu vine, which produces vibrant, multi-hued purple flowers, while others believe that bees are feasting on blueberries and blackberries, leading to the honey's gorgeous hue.
But Dr. John Ambrose, a former professor at NCSU, dispels the myth that the color could be coming from berries, as the bees lack the chompers to break through the fruit's leathery skin. His research suggests that when the bees feast on nectar from sourwood trees, the aluminum in the nectar that comes from the region's soil might be reacting with the bee's stomach acid, leading to the purple hue.
While the science of purple honey remains unconfirmed, one thing's for sure: purple honey is a true treasure and people go crazy for the stuff. The internet is brimming with companies working to invoke a sense of "purpleness" into their recipes - flavors like blackberry, lavender, purple starthistle, and others play into the concept of purple honey but are actually golden in color. Others infuse their recipes with berries and hibiscus to achieve a purple hue but aren't the real thing.
When you're looking for purple honey, look for farms that are based in North Carolina or along its border with neighboring states. Dees Bees Apiary is sold out and notes that it will be July or August before they have any, and if the bees produce any. Zombees Honey of North Carolina's website also shows that they are sold out of purple honey. Etsy seems to be the spot to pick up a jar, but quantities certainly appear limited. At the time of writing, Charlotte-based Herb's Honey has just two jars of its Blue Ridge Harvest Sourwood Honey left.
If you're lucky enough to get your hands on this sweet, mysterious phenomenon, make sure to savor each and every luscious bite.