If you think olive oil is the only liquid gold in Greece, think again! Greek honey is just as precious, deeply rooted in tradition, and absolutely essential in Greek cuisine. Thick, fragrant, and bursting with floral flavours, Greek honey is sweet, it’s got history, is used as medicine, and is a way of life!
From the ancient gods to your breakfast table, honey has played a major role in Greek culture for thousands of years. So, what makes Greek honey so special? And why is it a must-have in every Greek kitchen? Let me introduce you to the world of Greek honey, its history, health benefits, and, of course, its irreplaceable role in Greek food!
A Taste of History
Honey has been part of Greek life for over 3,000 years. In Greek mythology, honey was known as the “food of the gods” and Zeus himself was said to have been raised on it. The ancient Greeks didn’t just use honey for food, they saw it as a gift from the gods. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, praised honey for its healing properties, while athletes in ancient Olympia used it as a natural energy booster.
Today, Greek honey is made in a very similar way to how it was made in the past: naturally, with little human interference, letting nature do its job.
Why Greek Honey Is Unique
Not all honey is the same. But, because of its unique landscape, Greek honey really stands out. Because Greece has so many wildflowers, fragrant herbs, and untouched woods, its honey is some of the tastiest and healthiest in the world. The dry weather and constant sunshine also help to concentrate the nectar, which is what gives Greek honey its thick texture and deep, rich flavours.
Greek honey is raw, undiluted, and full of natural enzymes, antioxidants, and antibacterials. This is different from commercial honey, which is often processed and watered down. One spoonful, and you’ll taste the difference! It’s also worth noting that honey never expires, and stays fresh forever!
Types of Greek Honey
Greek honey has different flavours because the bees get nectar from different flowers and trees. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Thyme honey: The most well-known honey from Greece. Thyme honey is golden in colour and full of vitamins. It smells great and is a little spicy, and you can drizzle it over yoghurt or fresh bread.
Pine honey: Pine honey is dark, thick, and not as sweet as other types. It tastes rich and caramel-like. You can bake with it or put it in tea.
Heather honey: Heather honey is a deep brown colour and tastes strong and slightly bitter. It is very healthy. It’s often used in traditional Greek medicine.
Oak honey: Oak tree honey is dark in colour, tastes woody, a little bitter, and savoury. Good for meats and cheeses, good for muscle recovery and for marinating the meat. Also is nice in Scotch and raki.
Orange blossom honey: This honey is light, floral, and citrusy. It goes well with teas and desserts. Full of vitamin C.
Carob honey: This honey is one of the most with anticancer properties, full of all the vitamins A,B,C, etc. Light brown colour, thick, and very rich flavour – eat it just with a spoon!
Don’t be afraid to ask about the different kinds when you go to a Greek market. People who make honey in Greece are proud of what they do, and they’ll let you try some before you buy.
Using Greek Honey in Cooking
In Greek food, honey is used for everything. It makes both sweet and savoury foods taste better by adding natural sweetness and depth. Here are some of the most well-known ways it is used:
- Loukoumades are Greek honey doughnuts that are soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. They are glazed with warm honey and topped with cinnamon and sesame seeds.
- Baklava is made of layers of flaky phyllo dough, nuts, and spices, which is then soaked in a sweet honey sauce.
- Honey and Greek yoghurt are a simple but delicious combo. Put honey and walnuts on top of thick Greek yoghurt.
- Melomakarona are traditional Greek honey cookies that are very popular at Christmas.
- Honey-Glazed Meats: Greek chefs use honey to balance the flavours in marinades for pork, lamb, and chicken.
- Sauces and salad dressings: A drizzle of honey in vinaigrettes adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
Greek honey isn’t just for food, though. Many Greeks swear by it for sore throats, coughs, and even skincare. A spoonful of raw Greek honey in warm water with lemon is a classic home remedy for colds.
Greek Honey as a Symbol of Hospitality
Giving someone a spoonful of honey is a gesture of kindness in Greece. If you go to a Greek home, don’t be surprised if you are served spoon sweets (fruit preserved in syrup) or fresh yoghurt with honey on top. Honey is a sign of generosity and a way to share sweetness with others.
Discover the Magic of Greek Honey
If you haven’t tried real Greek honey yet, you’re missing out! Want to experience Greek honey the way it’s meant to be enjoyed? Come join us on one of our food tours and taste it straight from the source! We’ll take you to local producers, where you’ll sample some of the best honey Greece has to offer. Trust us—once you taste authentic Greek honey, there’s no going back!
Further Reading
Discovering Greek Food: a culinary journey through Greece
The Liquid Gold of Greece: Why Olive Oil is Essential in Greek Cuisine
Spring Delights: What to Eat in Athens for a Fresh and Healthy Seasonal Feast
7 Unique Health Benefits of Honey
