Glossary
A very light, nearly colorless honey produced by bees foraging on the white blossoms of the black locust tree (Robinia pseudoacacia). In Europe, this honey is labeled acacia honey (the tree is locally called false acacia), making it one of the most popular and expensive varietals on the continent. It is prized for its very mild flavor and exceptional resistance to crystallization.
Black locust honey, sold as acacia honey throughout Europe, is the highest-priced common varietal in many European countries. Its water-clear color, extremely mild flavor, and liquid consistency (it resists crystallization for years due to high fructose-to-glucose ratio) make it the honey of choice for consumers who prefer a neutral, sweet honey without strong floral character.
The tree blooms prolifically for 1-2 weeks in late May, producing fragrant cascades of white blossoms. The bloom is brief but intense, and a good locust flow can fill honey supers in a matter of days. The honey is characteristically water-white to pale straw, with a clean, almost vanilla-like sweetness.
Black locust is native to the Appalachian region and has been widely planted throughout the eastern United States. American beekeepers in areas with significant locust populations can produce this premium honey, though it is less commonly identified by variety in the US than in Europe.
The extremely brief bloom window (as short as 10 days) makes black locust honey challenging to harvest as a monofloral crop. A single late frost that kills the blossoms can eliminate the entire crop for the year. This unpredictability contributes to its premium pricing in years when production is successful.
In European markets, yes. What Europeans call acacia honey comes from Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust). True acacia trees (genus Acacia) also produce honey in tropical regions, but European acacia honey is always from black locust.
It has one of the highest fructose-to-glucose ratios of any honey. Since glucose is the component that drives crystallization, the low glucose content means crystallization is extremely slow. Properly stored black locust honey can remain liquid for several years.
Extremely mild, clean sweetness with subtle vanilla and floral notes. It is one of the least assertive honeys produced, making it ideal for people who find stronger honeys too intense. It sweetens without adding flavor character, which also makes it excellent for delicate teas and light desserts.
Keep Learning
Browse hundreds of terms covering honey, beekeeping, and natural skincare.