What is Sourwood Honey?
Sourwood honey is a rare, premium variety produced only in the Southern Appalachian region—primarily in Western North Carolina, with smaller harvests across parts of Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia. This distinctive honey comes from the nectar of the Sourwood tree (Oxydendrum arboreum), a native Appalachian species known for its delicate white, bell-shaped blooms.
Prized by honey lovers, chefs, and beekeepers alike, Sourwood honey is celebrated for its complex flavor and natural scarcity—a true Appalachian treasure that can only be produced where Sourwood trees thrive.
The Sourwood Tree: Nature’s Brief Gift
The Sourwood tree is native to the Appalachian Mountains and Piedmont foothills, flourishing in well-drained, acidic soils found along ridges, slopes, and mixed hardwood forests. This mid-sized deciduous tree is a hallmark of the Southern landscape, known for its glossy green leaves that turn deep crimson in fall and its cascading clusters of fragrant summer blossoms.
Each year, typically from late June through mid-July, Sourwood trees produce their signature white, bell-shaped flowers that attract honeybees from miles around. The bloom lasts only two to three weeks, and the weather must align perfectly for bees to gather enough nectar. Because of this short bloom window and limited range, authentic Sourwood honey remains one of the most exclusive and sought-after honeys in the United States.
Sourwood Honey: Taste and Flavor Profile
Sourwood honey is renowned for its smooth texture and rich, nuanced flavor. Light amber to pale gold with beautiful clarity, it delivers a buttery sweetness balanced with subtle spice—often described as caramel, anise, or cinnamon—followed by a clean, lingering finish.
Unlike clover or blended wildflower honeys, true Sourwood honey can only come from the Appalachian region. Each jar captures the essence of the mountains and foothills where it’s made—a distinct taste of place that cannot be replicated anywhere else.
How to Enjoy Sourwood Honey
The delicate flavor of Sourwood honey shines in both simple and elevated dishes. Try it:
• Drizzled over biscuits, cornbread, or yogurt
• Paired with aged cheeses or cured meats on a charcuterie board
• Stirred into tea or coffee for natural sweetness
• Mixed into salad dressings, glazes, or marinades for rich depth
Because of its limited harvest, Sourwood honey is a true seasonal delicacy—a perfect gift for food lovers or a pantry staple to savor throughout the year.
Buy Authentic Sourwood Honey from Western North Carolina
When you purchase Sourwood honey from Bee. honey+hive, you’re supporting a small, local beekeeping business in Brevard, NC dedicated to sustainable practices, pollinator health, and community connection.
Our Sourwood honey is raw, unfiltered, and never blended—harvested directly from our hives in the heart of the Southern Appalachians. We take pride in preserving its natural enzymes, aroma, and mountain flavor, just as nature intended.
Experience the pure taste of the Appalachian Mountains. Order your jar of authentic Sourwood honey online or find it at one of our trusted local retailers listed on our website.