A RAINBOW IN A JAR
The colours of South African honey are as diverse as its landscapes – from the golden fynbos of the Cape to the sunburnt aloe fields of the Karoo.
Each jar tells a story through its colour, a visual symphony of flora, terroir (territory), and tradition.
But how do you describe these hues without resorting to vague terms like “light” or “medium”?
The Colours of South African Honey: Nature’s Palette
Forget technical jargon – these are the shades you’ll see and taste:
Pale Gold
- Looks like: Sunlight filtering through spring blossoms.
- Tastes like: Delicate citrus, clover, or acacia.
- Found in: Urban beehives near Cape Town’s gardens or citrus orchards.
Warm Amber
- Looks like: Liquid sunlight with a golden glow.
- Tastes like: Wildflower meadows (fynbos blends) or light eucalyptus notes.
- Found in: The Cape’s fynbos regions.
Rich Caramel
- Looks like: Melted toffee with golden-brown depth.
- Tastes like: Bold, earthy notes (some eucalyptus varieties) or toasted nuts.
- Found in: Eucalyptus-rich areas like Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape.
Chestnut Brown
- Looks like: A mix of autumn leaves and brewed rooibos tea.
- Tastes like: Mineral-rich, slightly smoky flavors.
- Found in: The arid Karoo, where aloe thrives.
Mahogany
- Looks like: Dark molasses or aged bourbon.
- Tastes like: Intense, malty sweetness (aged or aloe ferox honey).
- Found in: Small-batch raw honeys, aloe-producing regions, or forest-derived varieties.
Why Does Honey Colour Matter?
Colour isn’t just about looks – it’s a flavour roadmap:
- Lighter honeys (Pale Gold to Warm Amber): Mild, floral, perfect for drizzling.
- Darker honeys (Caramel to Mahogany): Robust, complex, ideal for baking or bold pairings.
The Flowers Behind the Colours
South Africa’s flora paints its honey:
- Fynbos Magic: Protea and erica blossoms create golden amber hues.
- Eucalyptus Influence: Blue gum varieties can produce anything from light amber to reddish-brown hues, depending on the species.
- Aloe Ferox’s Earthy Depth: Iron-rich aloe nectar turns honey dark brown to mahogany.
- Sunflower Brightness: Fields in the Free State yield light golden to warm yellow honey, sometimes with a greenish tinge.
What South Africans Call Their Honey
Local terms add charm (and clarity!):
- “Bruinheuning” – Literally “brown honey” (often aloe or forest varieties).
- “Blomheuning” – “Flower honey,” typically golden and multi-floral.
- “Veldblom” – Wildflower honey, usually warm amber in tone.
Why Honey Changes Colour
1️⃣ Flower Power: Nectar minerals (e.g., iron in aloe) deepen colour.
2️⃣ Raw vs. Filtered: Unprocessed honey is cloudier and darker.
3️⃣ Age: Like wine, honey darkens over time (enzymes + sugars = Maillard reaction).
4️⃣ Crystallization: Turns liquid honey into creamy, pale spreads (often buttercup yellow).
A Word About the Pfund Scale
While beekeepers use tools like the Pfund scale (measuring optical density in mm) to grade honey scientifically, you don’t need a lab to appreciate it. For example:
- Pale Gold ≈ Pfund’s “Extra Light Amber” (9–17 mm).
- Mahogany ≈ Pfund’s “Dark Amber” (69–114 mm).
But let’s be real – the magic is in the story, not the numbers.
How to Describe Honey Like a Pro
Next time you pick up a jar, try these phrases:
✔ “This fynbos honey glows like a Cape sunset – golden with a touch of warm amber.”
✔ “Aloe ferox honey? That’s the deep, earthy one, like the Karoo soil after rain.”
✔ “Blue gum honey has that coppery shimmer, like autumn in a jar.”
FAQ: Honey Colour Demystified
❓ Does darker honey mean it’s better?
Not necessarily – it’s about preference! Darker = bolder, lighter = milder.
❓ Why is my honey turning white?
It’s crystallizing – natural and safe! Gently warm it to restore liquidity.
❓ Can I guess the flowers by colour?
Often, yes! Golden usually means fynbos or citrus; reddish-brown hints at aloe or forest blooms.
Conclusion: Taste the Rainbow
South African honey isn’t just sweet – it’s a chromatic journey through mountains, forests, and deserts.
Whether you’re drawn to the delicate glow of Pale Gold or the mysterious depth of Mahogany, each colour whispers of the land and hands that crafted it.