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Alsatian Cervelas Salad - The Traditional Winstub Recipe
Alsatian Cervelas Salad - The Traditional Winstub Recipe
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Munster Valley Meat Pie - The Traditional Alsatian Recipe
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Alsatian Onion Tart (Zewelkueche) - The Traditional Recipe
Alsatian Onion Tart (Zewelkueche) - The Traditional Recipe
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Melting, generous and fragrant, Alsatian onion tart,...

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Alsace Honey PGI - Fir, Acacia, Chestnut and the Other Varieties

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Between the fir forests of the Vosges, the orchards of the plain and the slopes of the vineyards, Alsace offers bees a remarkable variety of landscapes. This richness is reflected in its honeys, whose quality is recognised by a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). Six varieties carry this label, each with its own colour, texture and uses.

What is Alsace PGI honey?

The Miel d'Alsace PGI guarantees a honey harvested, extracted and packed in Alsace, according to precise specifications. It covers six designations: fir, acacia, chestnut, lime blossom, forest and wildflower. For the consumer, it is the assurance of an authentic regional product, rooted in a long beekeeping tradition in the region.

The six varieties of Alsace honey

Fir honey

This is the most iconic. It does not come from flowers but from honeydew, a sweet substance bees collect on the fir trees of the Vosges. Dark, sometimes with greenish tints, it offers malty, balsamic and only lightly sweet notes. It stays liquid for a long time and is delicious on buttered bread.

Chestnut honey

Dark brown, powerful and slightly bitter, chestnut honey appeals to lovers of bold flavours. It is a superb match for cheese and adds character to marinades and gingerbread.

Acacia honey

Very pale, mild and delicate, it is the most widely loved. Naturally rich in fructose, it stays liquid for months. It is the ideal honey for sweetening tea, yoghurt or pastries without masking their flavours.

Forest honey

Largely made from the honeydew of forest trees, it is dark, woody and not very sweet. Its aromatic richness makes it a great ally in the kitchen, especially for glazing meat or lifting a sauce.

Lime blossom honey

Pale yellow to amber, it is recognisable by its fresh, almost minty notes. It pairs very well with evening herbal teas and fruit desserts.

Wildflower honey

A reflection of a season's flora, it varies from one harvest to the next. Often creamy once crystallised, it is perfect for breakfast and all everyday uses.

Honey in Alsatian cooking

Honey plays a central role in the region's sweet treats, above all in gingerbread, of which it is the base ingredient. It is also found in nonnettes, in many Christmas Bredele and in some savoury recipes, such as glazed meats or vinaigrettes. A simple rule for choosing: a mild honey like acacia so as not to dominate, a strong honey like chestnut or fir to add character.

Storing honey properly

Honey keeps for a very long time at room temperature, away from light and moisture, in a tightly closed jar. Crystallisation is a natural process and a sign of quality, not a defect: it depends on the honey's composition, and some varieties such as acacia or fir are barely prone to it. To make it liquid again, place the jar in a bain-marie without exceeding 40 °C to preserve its qualities.

Good to know: honey should not be given to children under one year of age.

 

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