The Color of Honey

The color (of honey) is associated with the specific flower and the mineral content of the nectar. In general, the darker the color of the honey is, the bolder the flavor.

For example, dark honeys such as buckwheat or heather are much stronger in flavor than light-colored orange blossom and clover honeys. Basswood, with its water-white color and strong, somewhat biting flavor, is an exception.

Due in part to their higher protein content, darker-color honey promotes surface browning of products that are baked, cooked, and roasted. Accordingly, choose light-colored honey when sweetening foods and beverages, where its golden hue is more appropriate. White honey is ideal when no additional color is desired.

from New Good Food: Essential Ingredients for Cooking and Eating Well by Margaret M. Wittenberg

Honey