Glossary
A citrusy, aromatic monofloral honey produced by bees foraging on the blossoms of orange and other citrus trees. Light golden in color with a distinctive floral-citrus fragrance, orange blossom honey is one of Florida's signature agricultural products.
When citrus trees bloom across Central and South Florida in late February through April, the air fills with one of the most recognizable fragrances in the state: sweet, floral, unmistakably orange. Bees respond with enthusiasm. Citrus blooms produce abundant nectar, and hives positioned near orange groves during the bloom can generate impressive honey surpluses in a remarkably short window.
Orange blossom honey captures that fragrance in edible form. The honey is light gold, sometimes with a slightly greenish tint, and carries a clearly citrusy aroma that is distinct from any other honey variety. The flavor is medium-sweet with floral notes and a clean, bright finish. It is the honey equivalent of smelling an orange grove in full bloom, bottled.
Florida's citrus industry has contracted significantly over the past two decades. Citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing), urban development, and hurricane damage have dramatically reduced the acreage of producing citrus groves. In our area of Manatee County, the remaining groves are a fraction of what they were 20 years ago. Our bees still forage on citrus when available, but the bloom is no longer the dominant honey source it once was. The wildflower and saw palmetto flows have become more important to our annual production.
This decline makes genuine Florida orange blossom honey increasingly valuable. Large-scale producers blend citrus with other honeys or source from outside the state. True single-source orange blossom honey from Florida groves is rarer each year, which is part of why we treasure whatever our bees bring home during the spring bloom.
Orange blossom honey's delicate, floral character makes it one of the most versatile honeys in the kitchen. It is exceptional drizzled over fresh fruit, stirred into tea, or used in baking where you want honey flavor without the heaviness of darker varieties. It pairs beautifully with goat cheese, ricotta, and fresh berries. Bartenders use it in cocktails where its citrus notes complement gin and vodka-based drinks.
It carries a distinctly citrusy aroma and a subtle floral-citrus flavor, but it does not taste like orange juice. The fragrance is more like smelling orange blossoms than eating oranges. The sweetness is clean and bright with floral undertones.
Yes. Citrus greening disease and urban development have significantly reduced Florida's citrus acreage. True, single-source Florida orange blossom honey is becoming increasingly scarce and commands premium pricing at farmers markets and specialty shops.
Orange blossom honey crystallizes slowly due to its relatively high fructose-to-glucose ratio. It typically stays liquid for several months. When it does crystallize, the crystals tend to be fine and smooth rather than coarse.
Keep Learning
Browse hundreds of terms covering honey, beekeeping, and natural skincare.