Types Of Honey - Everything You Should Know About This Sweet Nectar

Honey comes in several varieties and each one of them has a distinct taste, flavor. To be precise, there are about 300 types of honey, classified on the basis of their texture, processing and nectar source. It is widely used in households as health benefits of honey are well known.

On the basis of texture, honey can be liquid, creamed, granulated, chunked and comb honey. Another classification is based on the level of processing, honey can be categorized into raw and pasteurized type. Depending on the nectar source, honey can be uni-floral or multi-floral.

How many types of honey are there?

Some popular types of Honey are mentioned below:

1. Manuka Honey

• It is rich in methylglyoxal (MGO) and dihydroxyacetone, both of them accounts for the antibacterial activity of Manuka Honey.
• It has an abundant amount of vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6 and minerals including magnesium, calcium, zinc, copper, potassium and sodium.
• Manuka Honey is typically dark in color and has a distinct robust taste.
• It helps in treating problems like sore throat, cold, stomach ulcers, indigestion and acne effectively.
• Manuka Honey has potent wound-healing abilities.
• It is applied topically on wounds to stimulate faster healing and formation of new cells.

2. Acacia honey

• Acacia is one of the most commonly used honey types.
• This pale-looking liquid honey has a floral taste and high content of fructose.
• This variety of honey can also be consumed by diabetic patients as it has low sucrose content.
• Acacia honey possesses anti-inflammatory properties and helps in managing respiratory disorders.
• This clear honey also contains vitamin A, C and E, fatty acids and amino acids.

3. Buckwheat honey

• Probably the darkest and strongest of all honey types, this variety of honey is most widely consumed.
• Buckwheat honey is high in various essential nutrients and antioxidants.
• It helps guard the body against oxidative and chemical stress.
• This type of honey can also kill nasty pathogens.
• Having high bactericidal properties, Buckwheat honey is also a rich source of iron.

4. Clover honey

• The most popular variety of Honey, Clover has a pleasant and sweet floral taste.
• It is rich in unique phenolic compounds that account for its antibacterial properties.
• Clover honey is commonly used in sauces and salad dressings.
• The light-colored honey is rich in essential vitamins and nutrients.
• It also offers antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects.

5. Eucalyptus honey

• Eucalyptus honey is traditionally used for medicinal purposes.
• It is a natural remedy for headaches and Common cold.
• This honey has a very different taste as compared to rest of the types with a characteristic herbal and menthol flavor.
• It is a great source of antioxidants and minerals including zinc, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium and sodium.
• Eucalyptus honey can also be given to children having weak immunity.

6. Sourwood honey

• This light-colored delicate honey tastes like caramel.
• With its sweet and nutty flavor, Sourwood honey is relished by one and all.
• It is known for its antimicrobial and antioxidative actions.
• Sourwood honey helps in treating allergic symptoms.
• It also prevents bacterial growth when applied to the skin.

7. Tupelo honey

• Tupelo honey is one of the most premium quality honey.
• It is also known by the term Southern Gold.
• This honey appears as light golden with a greenish glow and has a mild taste.
• Tupelo honey is one of the sweetest types of honey because of its high fructose content.
• The honey does not undergo crystallization to form granules because it has a low amount of sucrose.

8. Sage honey

• Sage honey is very mild yet delightful in taste.
• This light-colored honey is quite popular around the globe.
• Sage honey has the ability to granulate slowly.
• It is blended with other honey varieties to slow down their crystallization process.
• Sage honey is packed full of essential vitamins, minerals and other key nutrients.

9. Linden Honey

• Linden honey is light yellow in color and has a delicate yet fresh woody aroma.
• It has many health benefits and primarily consumed for medicinal purposes.
• A spoonful of Linden honey should be eaten before bedtime.
• It is known for its sedative properties and helps in managing conditions like insomnia and anxiety.
• Linden Honey is also used for managing other health problems including cold, cough and bronchitis.

10. Aster Honey

• Aster honey has a smooth and thick consistency.
• It has a very distinct aroma and sweet taste.
• Aster Honey crystallizes to form granules.
• It offers ample benefits for the overall health and wellbeing.
• Aster honey is used as a natural sweetener in drinks and desserts.