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Heather Honey

Amber, thixotropic, tastes of the whole Highland moor.

Bees on Scottish heather in August produce a honey unlike any other — thick, malty, mineral, almost bitter. It sets like jelly (thixotropic is the fancy word) and needs stirring, not drizzling. Once you've had it, supermarket honey seems apologetic.

In season: summerautumnwinterspring
Photograph on its way

Where to find it

Farm shops, small honey producers, farmers' markets. Genuine heather honey is expensive — good.

Pairs with

WhiskyOatsCheeseLambGrouseYoghurt

How to pick it

  • Dark amber, almost brown
  • Slightly grainy, jellied texture
  • 'Pure Scottish heather honey' on the label

How to treat it

  • Stir vigorously before spooning
  • Glaze roasted meats in the last few minutes only
  • Drizzle over sharp cheese
  • Fold into whipped cream for cranachan
Watch out
  • – Cheap 'heather-flavoured' honey is exactly what it says — not the real thing
  • – Don't cook it hard — the flavour goes
  • – Not for infants under 1
Cook it: recipes with heather honey