Honey is more than a natural sweetener—it is a diverse and valuable ingredient, with each variety offering unique flavors, colors, and applications. Yet, despite the growing demand for organic products, truly certified organic honey remains somewhat rare in the U.S. Understanding honey varieties, grading standards, and the challenges of organic production can help businesses make informed choices and select the best honey for their needs.
A Look at Different Honey Varieties
Honey’s flavor and color depend on where bees gather their nectar. Honey ranges from water white to dark amber—lighter honeys tend to be sweet and mild, while darker ones are rich and bold. Popular types include:
- Clover Honey: Mild, sweet, and perfect for everyday use.
- Wildflower Honey: Bold and complex, with a flavor that changes with the seasons.
- Buckwheat Honey: Dark, earthy, and packed with antioxidants.
- Orange Blossom Honey: Light, citrusy, and floral, with a refreshing sweetness.
How Do You Grade Honey?
Ever wonder how honey gets its color classification? The USDA grades honey into seven categories based on color: water white, extra white, white, extra light amber, light amber, amber, and dark amber. This grading is measured on a scale from 0 to 114 millimeters—0 is the lightest, and 114 is the darkest.
What Makes Honey Organic?
Organic honey must meet some pretty strict standards. Bees must collect nectar from flowers free of synthetic chemicals and pesticides. The hives must be free from non-organic treatments, and the honey must be processed without contamination.
Why Is Organic Honey So Hard to Find in the U.S.?
Producing organic honey in the U.S. is challenging due to:
- Forage Area Requirements: Bees travel up to five miles, and every plant in that area must be pesticide-free—a near-impossible feat with industrial agriculture.
- Pesticide and GMO Exposure: Widespread pesticide use and GMO crops increase the risk of contamination.
- Complex Standards: USDA guidelines for organic certification are strict but unclear when applied specifically to honey.
- Import Dominance: Much organic honey sold in the U.S. is imported from countries with fewer industrial farms and larger organic zones.
The Honey Source Commitment to Quality and Sustainability
All Honey Source organic honey is certified organic by Quality Assurance International (QAI) and carries the USDA organic seal. It is produced without GMOs and is certified kosher by the Orthodox Union. But being certified organic goes deeper than a label. Our organic honey is produced and harvested sustainably, making it healthier for bees, people, and the planet. Offering organic bulk honey furthers our vision of a world where bees and people thrive together.
Ready to source the best organic honey for your business? Contact us for a quote, or send a sample for a free color and flavor analysis today!