Not to be confused with honeydew fruit, honeydew honey is produced by bees that harvest a substance derived from tree sap. Insects consume sap from plants and then secrete a product rich in nutrients, especially sugars and water, called honeydew. Bees collect it from branches, leaves, and tree bark and produce honey from the substance.

In Spring of 2021, beekeepers from NWA and surrounding areas puzzled over the darker than usual honey on various community forums. Rain kept Spring flowers from blooming for longer than usual, but the bees still had to work. Some reported observing bees working the undersides of leaves that contained aphids and honeydew. Pollen analysis turned up very little pollen in the honey. As anecdotes poured in, beekeepers came to realize that the spring honey was high in honeydew. Its color is a bit darker than nectar derived honey, and it tastes slightly tangy. In jar to jar taste tests with various local honeys conducted unscientifically in my kitchen, honeydew honey won the taste contest hands down. We shall see what Spring 2022 brings!