Perfect Pairings
Honey. It’s a versatile ingredient that plays well with others, imparting a subtle yet distinct flavor to everything it touches. From marinades to stews, appetizers to desserts, teas to aperitifs, honey allows you to get creative in the kitchen or anywhere else you prepare deliciousness.
Fruits and Nuts
Uses: Perfect for layering in parfaits, pouring over fruity pancakes and salads, adding to smoothies, brushing on fruit before grilling, drizzling on nut butters, taming the bitter or sour flavor of certain fruits and glazing different nuts.
pairings: Citrus, Mangoes, Bananas, Strawberries, Berries, Kiwis, Apples, Pears, Papayas, Peaches, Plums, Cranberries, Melons, Lychees, Pineapples, Grapes, Guavas, Figs, Dried Fruits, Walnuts, Pistachios, Pine Nuts, Almonds, Chestnuts, Peanuts, Hazelnuts, Macadamias, Pecans, Coconuts
Recommended Varieties: Clover and Light Amber
Herbs and Spices
Uses: Infuse honey with different herbs and spices. Add to sauces with Italian seasonings, Asian cooking, Mexican dishes, stews, marinades, glazes, salad dressing and pizza dough.
pairings: Rosemary, Thyme, Mint, Lavender, Basil, Cilantro, Tarragon, Oregano, Marjoram, Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, Anise, Nutmeg, Allspice, Paprika, Smoked Paprika, Chiles, Chinese Five Spice, Mace, Vanilla Bean, Mustard Seed
Recommended Varieties: Clover and Light Amber
Dairy
Uses: Sweeten milk and milk alternatives when making ice cream, pouring over cereals, adding to coffees and teas, or drinking straight. Drizzle over yogurt and ice cream. Include as a complement to mild and pungent cheeses.
pairings: Milk, Yogurt, Soy Milk, Artisan Cheeses
Recommended Variety: Orange Blossom
Poultry
Uses: Produces a sweet, fresh flavor in BBQ and Buffalo wing sauces, marinades and glazes. Rub on chicken, duck and turkey for an added sheen and crisp skin. Brush on grilled kabobs and skewers for added flavor. Include in dipping sauces for fried chicken.
Pairings: Chicken, Turkey, Duck, Goose, Ostrich, Pheasant
Recommended Variety: Wildflower
Meats
Uses: Add to marinades, sauces, stews and glazes. Brush on ribs, chops and roasts toward the end of cooking or once removed from the grill or oven.
Pairings: Pork, Ham, Bacon, Lamb, Beef, Sausage, Exotic and Game Meats
Recommended Variety: Wildflower
Seafood
Uses: Perfect for marinades, stews, in batter and dipping sauces. Add to glazes for a flawless sear. Imparts a hint of sweetness to soups and sauces.
Pairings: Salmon, Tilapia, Trout, Catfish, Tuna, Swordfish, Halibut, Red Snapper, Sea Bass, Mahi-Mahi, Shrimp, Lobster, Scallops, Squid
Recommended Varieties: Wildflower
Baked Goods
Uses: Adds a touch of sweetness to baked goods and desserts. Is the perfect all-natural substitute for sugar.
Pairings: Donuts, Muffins, Brownies, Biscotti, Cookies, Cakes, Pies, Pastries, Tarts, Cobblers, Cornbreads, Quick Breads, Sandwich Breads, Crackers, Pizza Dough, Focaccia, Flatbreads
Recommended Varieties: Clover, Orange Blossom and Light Amber
Beverages
Uses: Gives a delicious, natural sweetness to iced teas, coffees, juices and smoothies. Delicious in black teas, green teas and herbal teas. Drizzle in hot cocoa or warmed milk.
Pairings: Teas, Coffee and Coffee Drinks, Smoothies, Juices, Lemonades, Ginger Ale, Sangria and Mixed Drinks
Recommended Varieties: Clover and Wildflower
The Favorite Four
Though there are many varieties of honey from which to choose, only four have risen in popularity and universal availability. They’re Clover, Orange Blossom, Wildflower and Light Amber. Get to know their different flavor personalities and what they bring to the table.
Clover
It’s the most widely found of all flavors and what comes to mind when you think of honey. Clover has a mild, delicate flavor that gives a hint of sweetness to foods. It compliments fruits, nuts, beverages and baked goods.
INFOOrange Blossom
Orange Blossom is usually made from a mix of different citrus fruit nectars, like grapefruit, tangerine, lemon and lime. It has a light fruity tone with bright citrus notes. Flavor shines in baked goods and sweets.
INFOWildflower
When honeybees visit local blooming wildflowers and plants, they make Wildflower honey. Made from many flowers, flavor can range from light and floral to rich and tangy. Adds depth of flavor to meats, seafood and specialty drinks.
INFOLight Amber
A color designation rather than a honey variety, Light Amber honey can describe a few different flower sources, from blueberry to alfalfa to tupelo. This honey is usually robust in flavor with light floral undertones.
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