Eucalyptus Honey: Benefits, nutritional value and its use as ingredient in pharma and food supplements

Eucalyptus Honey is one of the most distinct honey varieties due to its unique color, aroma and taste. Particularly beneficial for the respiratory system, its other many advantages have positioned it as the favorite honey type for many.

What exactly is Eucalyptus Honey, what are its main benefits and how is it being incorporated into product development in the pharma, cosmetics and food supplement sectors? Keep reading to find out.

Eucalyptus honey is a type of honey produced by bees that pollinate the blossoms of the eucalyptus tree. 

Which are the organoleptic notes of Eucalyptus Honey?

Amber-colored and typically presenting dark and sometimes greenish tones, it’s considered a mono-flower honey: one that is produced by bees pollinating a single flower (in this case, the eucalyptus flowers). 

It has an unusual, unmistakable damp wood aroma, very intense and very persistent, probably the most persistent of all the honeys.

Characterized by a sweet taste with slightly acidic undertones and quite often, salty undertones.

Among its characteristics, there’s also the tendency of Eucalyptus Honey to crystallize in fine crystals. 

What does Eucalyptus Honey taste like?

The taste, appearance and aroma of Eucalyptus Honey varies depending on some production factors, including the specific climatic conditions that were present during its production, as well as the actual source for the nectar and the trees’ location.

However, the taste of organic Eucalyptus Honey presents common traits such as a mix between medium-sweet, salty and slightly acidic undertones. Menthol, caramel and earthy hints can also be present, as well as smooth wooden nuances in the aftertaste.

This honey variety presents a unique damp wood aroma that’s fairly intense and persistent. This characteristic has turned it into a preferred type for aromatherapy experiences that seek to boost relaxation.

How Do Bees Produce Eucalyptus Honey?

The production of organic Eucalyptus Honey originates when honeybees pollinate the blossoms of the eucalyptus tree (Eucalyptus camaldulensis). This is enhanced by their preference to gather honeydew found on these trees’ bark. 

While there are more than 700 different species in the eucalyptus genus, there’s a general consensus that the nectar of the eucalyptus globulus tree produces the best varieties of this honey. 

After the pollination, the process of producing this organic honey observes the following steps: 

• The nectar mixes with an enzyme secreted by bees’ glands within their mouth.
• Upon arrival to the beehive, they interchange the nectar between their mouths. This helps reduce water content and converts nectar to honey.
• Honey is then placed within wax cells. 
• In order to further reduce water content, bees fan their wings above these wax compartments. This process is repeated. 
• Honey can then be gathered by beekeepers, who may collect between 40 and 120 pounds, as well as surplus pollen. 

Best regions to produce Eucalyptus Honey 

Eucalyptus trees flourish in coastal areas both in tropical and temperate regions which share the same climatic and soil conditions. This has made this tree available across a number of locations, such as Mediterranean Europe, or South America.

Eucalyptus Honey benefits

• Fight colds, the flu and respiratory illnesses: This monofloral honey is particularly beneficial in this area, as it helps improve expectoration, minimize excess mucus, alleviate nasal congestion and acts as a natural cough suppressant. In fact, research has shown specific efficiency as a cough suppressant for children.

It’s also a potent ally in preventing common respiratory afflictions, including bronchitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, asthma or cough caused by allergies.

• Prevent urinary issues. Because of its powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, it presents advantages in preventing issues related to the urinary tracts, including cystitis, nephritis and kidney stones.
• Increases immunity. Raw organic Eucalyptus Honey is particularly rich in Vitamin C and vitamin B9, known to boost the immune system. Other vitamins present in this honey variety include Vitamins A, D and B (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6)
• Anti-inflammatory: products derived from the eucalyptus plant, including its honey, incorporate the eucalyptol compound, a potent anti-inflammatory that enhances honey’s healing properties.
• Reduces risk factors linked to heart disease. This monofloral honey, like other types of honey, has been shown to help modulate blood pressure, improve blood fat levels, and prevent the death of healthy cells. The same research demonstrated honey’s capacity to lower blood cholesterol levels.
• Improves sleep.
• Helps lower triglycerides.
• Powerful energizer. It helps the flow of energy due to its high Vitamin B content.
• A source of minerals and antioxidants. Among the main important minerals present in this honey are iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, potassium, sulfur and sodium. It also helps absorb calcium and magnesium. 

This honey variety also contains antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which scientific research has linked with preventing issues such as premature aging, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. 

How to use Eucalyptus Honey as an ingredient in pharma and food supplements

The preference for natural remedies and ingredients across many sectors has pushed the growth of the honey market. 

In fact, while the global market for honey was valued at about seven billion U.S. dollars in 2020, it is projected to reach over 11 billion U.S. dollars by 2027, according to figures published in Statista.

Some of the main applications of this Honey include:

Pharma and cosmetics

This honey’s particular efficacy against cough has led to its incorporation into many cough and cold syrups. 

The cosmetic sector has also seen its potential by including it into makeup, creams and other emulsions

Because of its distinct aroma, organic Eucalyptus Honey is popular in aromatherapy products such as diffusers, inhaler, and massage balms.

Food supplements

Eucalyptus Honey has also been integrated in the food supplements sector, including increasingly-popular products such as medicated confectionery, cereal bars and vials, among others.

At HoneyGreen+, we help companies develop innovative and successful products based on natural ingredients. Learn more about our Eucalyptus Honey and how we can help your company align with current customer preferences in the natural ingredient sector. If you need more information or if you are looking for Eucalyptus Honey wholesale suppliers, contact our specialized team by filling out the form on this link.