Eucalyptus Honey from the Ionian Coast bio - 400g

Although the eucalyptus tree is native to Australia, it has adapted magnificently to the Mediterranean macchia, especially along the coasts, thanks to its resistance to salt air and wind. In the 19th century eucalyptuses were widely planted in coastal areas since it was thought that the presence of this tree (and more specifically, the essence found in its leaves, eucalyptol) would keep down mosquitoes and thus serve to prevent malaria. But in fact these trees serve much more effectively as windbreaks, protecting the interior from the strong gusts from the sea that sweep the coastlines.
The eucalyptus also grows in real forests, both in the interior and along the coast, together with the lentisk and the pine, the juniper and the euphorbia, and of course the myrtle (of which it is a relative: both plants belong to the Mirtaceae species). The medley of scents created by the combination of vegetation and salt air is highly particular, and creates the atmosphere that is immediately associated with coastal regions and islands.

The eucalyptus blooms from June to August. The scent that emanates from the trees (the flowers, but also the leaves, when crushed in the fingers) is almost balsamic. This is the eucalyptol that, extracted from the tree, is used as an herbal remedy for affections of the respiratory system.   

The blossoms present soft, silky stamens enclosed within a woody case (the name “eucalyptus”, from the Greek “well covered”, perfectly describes the shape.
The honeybees fervently visit the eucalyptus blossoms, also because almost all of the other flowers have by now been withered by the burning sun. For their gathering, the bees prefer the coolest hours of the day, flying to the blossoms at dawn and just as intensely toward evening, until darkness falls. As they gather this nectar the bees become frenetic, more irritable than usual.
At times they are in such a hurry that they lose their load before managing to deliver it to the house bees, and the beekeeper knows that he must be well protected in order to inspect the hive.  Perhaps due to the effect of the eucalyptol, the bees become aggressive, flying
a strange zigzag course.
Eucalyptus honey is a summer honey that solidifies
rapidly, often assuming a compact consistency. The color ranges from light amber to beige with grayish tones.
It fragrance is intense, distinctive and recognizable, and the flavor recalls the taste of caramel, but is more refined.
It is a special honey, excellent as a table honey, for those who like its taste. Children especially like it just for its caramel-like flavor, tasty and enjoyable.