Thyme honey
Thyme honey is a monofloral honey from the nectar of thyme (genus Thymus), typical of the Mediterranean, with a woody, fresh aroma.
Thyme honey comes from the nectar of thyme (genus Thymus) and is typical of the Mediterranean, where several species yield it. Its colour is medium to dark, the aroma woody and fresh, the sweetness medium and the acidity noticeable. The main producers are Italy, Greece, Spain and France.
In Italy this honey comes mostly from Thymus capitatus, in Greece from various thyme species and other mint-family plants, in Spain and France mainly from Thymus vulgaris. The descriptions in the International Honey Commission sheets rest mostly on Italian and Greek samples.
Electrical conductivity averages 0.40 mS/cm. Thyme pollen averages 36 % (26.6 % in Italian samples, 40.2 % in Greek ones). Diastase and proline are high, and the high acidity makes HMF (hydroxymethylfurfural) rise quickly. There is no bitterness, the aftertaste is medium and crystallisation is moderate.
Thyme is one of the kinds in the protected name Miel de Granada, and the Miel de Málaga specification asks for at least 15 % thyme pollen.
Why this matters to you: thyme honey is more expressive than light acacia honey yet not bitter. Honey from other thyme species may differ from the sheet values, so check the country of harvest on the label.
Facts
| Raw material | Nectar of thyme (genus Thymus) |
|---|---|
| Region | Italy, Greece, Spain, France |
| Taste | Woody, fresh aroma; no bitterness; medium acidity |
| Botanical origin | Thymus capitatus (IT), T. vulgaris (ES, FR), Thymus spp. (GR) |
| Colour | Medium – dark |
| Crystallization | Moderate |
How it connects to Honey & beekeeping
Thyme honey → kind of → Blossom and honeydew honey → kind of → 🍯 Honey
Links
- Part of
- Monofloral honey, Blossom and honeydew honey
- Similar and different
- Miel de Provence, Breitsamer Mediterrane Honige, Lune de Miel Miels de sélection
- Which plants it comes from
- Thyme
Frequently asked questions
What does thyme honey taste and look like?
Medium to dark in colour, with a woody, fresh aroma, medium sweetness and noticeable acidity. There is no bitterness and the aftertaste is medium.
Which thyme do the bees use for thyme honey?
In Italy mostly Thymus capitatus, in Spain and France mainly Thymus vulgaris, and in Greece various thyme species and other mint-family plants.
Why does HMF rise quickly in thyme honey?
Its high acidity makes HMF (hydroxymethylfurfural) rise quickly.
Is it true that thyme honey never crystallises?
No. Crystallisation is moderate.
Are there protected names that include thyme honey?
Yes: thyme is one of the kinds in the protected name Miel de Granada, and the Miel de Málaga specification asks for at least 15 % thyme pollen.
What to read next
- Miel de Provence — Miel de Provence is honey with an EU protected geographical indication (PGI): lavender, rosemary and other single- and multi-flower honeys from the wild flora of Provence.
- Breitsamer Mediterrane Honige — Breitsamer's Mediterranean line: Tuscany, Andalusia, lavender, thyme and pine honeys, 500 g jars.
- Lune de Miel Miels de sélection — Lune de Miel's selection line: acacia, orange blossom and thyme honey.
Similar
Dandelion honey · Phacelia honey · Coriander honey · Lychee honey · Mesquite honey · Leatherwood honey
ℹ️ Honey is mostly sugars: about 82 g per 100 g. Do not give honey to babies under 1 year old because of the risk of infant botulism.
Sources
- Single document Miel de Granada PDO (amendment), OJ C/2025/4996 (EUR-Lex)
- Single document Miel de Málaga PDO, OJ C/2025/5297 (EUR-Lex)
- Persano Oddo L., Piro R. (2004) Main European unifloral honeys: descriptive sheets. Apidologie 35 (Suppl. 1)
- Persano Oddo L. et al. (2004) Botanical species giving unifloral honey in Europe. Apidologie 35 (Suppl. 1)