What is honeydew?

Honeydew is a substance secreted by parasitic insects parasitic insects of certain plants. Bees love this substance which is very nutritious! Their main competitors in the race for honeydew are colonies of ants and certain species of butterfly.

The composition of honeydew honey is approximately 16% water, 38% fructose, 27% glucose, 3% sucrose, 9% dextrose, 5% melezitose, 7% amino acids and minerals.

Dry, sunny years such as 2022 are ideal for honeydew. honeydew. When the bees run out of nectar, they prey on the honeydew which abounds on oak trees. We call it oak honeydew.

There are between 200 and 600 species of oak! Most are found in the northern hemisphere. In France, however, there are only 8:

Holm oak, cork oak, kermes, tauzin, sessile, pedunculate, pubescent and hairy oak.

However, oaks account for around 40% of all hardwood species. As a result, they can be found in almost 40% of our French forests. Some are deciduous, others evergreen.

Oak forests, wherever they may be, are home to a significant biodiversity of birds, insects and other parasites. This explains the abundant honeydew harvests in favourable years. In fact, you need all the right conditions to harvest a good crop of oak honeydew: rain, but not too much, sun, but not too much, and a little heat.

The taste and flavor of oak :

The oak is blackdark. It has a pronounced taste of quince paste and licorice together. Its taste appeals to lovers of and powerful honeysas it lingers long in the mouth. Its powerful fragrance has strong hints of dried fruit and mint. Like metcalfa and other honeydews, it will remain liquid for a long time, thanks in part to its high fructose content. If it crystallizes, it should be fine-grained. Oak honeydew production is unpredictable, but when it’s there, it can be abundant!

The properties and benefits of oak honeydew :

Like all honeydewoak honeydew is very rich in tannin, minerals and trace elements. It contains polyphenols and is therefore excellent for the arteries. It also contains magnesium, boron and manganese. Its glucose content is lower than that of honeys made from nectar and is therefore better suited to certain people who fear excessive sugar intake. It is one of the richest honeys in trace elements.

Did you know?

The oak bears two types of flowersmale and female, both on the same tree: it’s a monoecious plant.

Honeydew honey is particularly prized in Anglo-Saxon countries, where it is known as Honigtau in German and honeydew in English, both words literally meaning “honey dew”.