A Beginner’s Ultimate Guide to Tupelo Honey
Tupelo honey is a rare and unique type of seasonal honey. Interestingly, it is the only type of honey that does not crystallize. Due to its specific ratio of distinct sugars, people who are diagnosed with diabetics can consume the fluid without worries.
Because of the uniqueness and fantastic flavors tupelo honey offers, the number of people making it their favorite sweetener has increased over the years. Some people who tasted the best tupelo honey for the first time even go as far as claiming that it is a “food of the gods.”
If you are curious about this delicious food of nature, here is everything you need to know about it.
What is tupelo honey, and where does it come from
The best tupelo honey is high-quality honey that can be found in a small region of North-Western Florida and Southern Georgia. The nectars from the white and green blossoms of a white tupelo gum tree, which comes from a species of tree that is scientifically known as the Nyssa ogeche, are the ones that are responsible for producing this high-grade honey.
These trees grow beside rivers and in low-lying wetlands that are often flooded during heavy rains. Moreover, trees cannot survive in stagnant water since the water around their base needs to be fresh and steadily flowing. Most of the trees can be found in Florida and Georgia.
The blossoms sprouting from these trees are delicate and only survive well within a favorable climate. Even a thunderstorm of moderate-level can knock these blossoms off the tree. During the best years, gum tree flowers would only last for about three weeks. Crops during the bad years, however, only last for a few days.
What is the color of tupelo honey and what does it taste like
The color of raw and fresh tupelo honey is light amber and is somewhat cloudy. When the syrup is held up against the light, a little bit of greenish hue can be seen, which comes from pollen in the honey.
The flavor of the honey, on the other hand, is hands-down delicious with a distinctive and mild taste. The honey dissolves quickly in the mouth and gives a fruity-floral flavor while producing a warm and buttery after-taste.
Benefits of tupelo honey
Similar to raw honey, tupelo honey has various well-established benefits. Some of tupelo honey’s health benefits include:
- Provide a great source of immediate energy: Tupelo honey contains a high amount of natural sugar called fructose, triggering a direct and quick absorption. It also sustains a person’s energy levels longer.
- An excellent choice for people with diabetes: Instead of using artificial sweeteners, people with diabetes can use tupelo honey. The natural fructose is easy on the stomach and safe to consume.
- Tupelo honey has antioxidant properties: Tupelo honey contains ascorbic acid, which serves as an antioxidant. This antioxidant helps cleanse the body, boost the immune system, as well as promote digestion.
- Provide good sugar alternatives in cooking: People who prefer a milder taste can use tupelo honey as a sugar alternative for the kitchen. They can add it in their tea, salad, and use them in baking.
Tupelo honey is one of the many types of natural sweeteners that are relatively rare. It is highly nutritious and brings multiple health benefits. However, people that wish to benefit from tupelo honey should consider selecting raw and unfiltered honey for the best result.
Choose a supplier or store carefully to ensure that the tupelo honey is of the highest quality without any contaminants.