
Discover the Truth About Organic Honey – From Flower to Jar
If you’ve ever tasted real organic honey from Italy, you’ll know—it’s not just sweet, it’s unforgettable. At Feast Italy, we’ve partnered with the exceptional artisans at ADI Apicoltura to bring you the finest selection of raw Italian honey—pure, unfiltered, and packed with character.
Whether you prefer the soft notes of Acacia Honey or the bold depth of Chestnut, there’s a jar for every palate and purpose.
What Is Organic Honey?
Organic honey is made without pesticides, artificial feeds, or chemicals. Bees forage in untouched landscapes filled with wildflowers, forests, and flowering trees. At ADI Apicoltura in Abruzzo, every drop is harvested with respect for the bees and the biodiversity around them.
Each jar is:
- Certified organic (EU standard)
- Raw and unpasteurised
- Free from additives, antibiotics or synthetic treatments
These traditional methods preserve the taste and health benefits of honey—just as nature intended.
How Do They Know the Flavour?
The flavour of honey isn’t created in a kitchen—it begins in the flower. Bees collect nectar from plants, and that nectar carries the distinct character of the bloom it came from. Whether it's the gentle sweetness of acacia or the bold bitterness of chestnut, each plant species gives honey its unique colour, aroma, and taste.
At ADI Apicoltura, they carefully produce what’s known as monofloral honey—honey made mostly from the nectar of a single flower. To do this, they place beehives in specific areas during peak blooming seasons. For example, in spring, the hives may be moved to acacia groves; in summer, to chestnut woodlands. By following the natural flowering cycle, they ensure that bees gather nectar from the desired plant.
Once harvested, each batch is carefully tasted and tested. At their honey farm in Tornareccio, trained experts perform sensory analysis—evaluating the honey’s texture, scent, and flavour to confirm its floral source. Only then is it labelled and bottled.
This is why a jar of Organic Raw Acacia Honey tastes light and floral, while Eucalyptus Honey offers balsamic, almost menthol-like notes. The bees do the hard work—ADI simply listens to what the honey is telling them.
Monofloral Honey Explained
ADI Apicoltura’s range includes monofloral honeys—each made from one dominant nectar source:
-
Organic Raw Acacia Honey – Light, floral, slow to crystallise. A delicate favourite for tea lovers.
-
Organic Chestnut Honey – Deep amber, slightly bitter, and mineral-rich. Excellent with strong cheeses.
-
Organic Raw Orange Blossom Honey – Intensely fragrant with citrus notes. Ideal for drizzling on pancakes or ricotta.
-
Organic Raw Eucalyptus Honey – Herbal, balsamic and soothing—great for sore throats and winter wellness.
-
Organic Raw Sulla Blossom Honey – Creamy and mild, with hints of almond. A hidden gem for baking.
-
Organic Raw Lime Linden Honey – Pale, aromatic and minty. Traditionally used for calming teas and night-time rituals.
Each floral source blooms at a different time, so hives are moved accordingly, and harvests are timed to perfection.
Taste, Test and Trust
At ADI’s honey farm in Tornareccio, sensory experts analyse every batch. Honey is judged on colour, clarity, aroma and flavour—ensuring what’s on the label is what’s in the jar.
Your Honey Questions, Answered
Why Does Honey Crystallise?
Crystallisation is completely natural, especially in raw honey like Wildflower or Coriander Honey. It happens when glucose separates from water. To restore it, gently warm the jar in water (never the microwave!).
Does Honey Expire?
Pure, raw honey doesn’t expire in the traditional sense—thanks to its low moisture content, natural acidity, and antibacterial properties, it can last indefinitely if stored properly. In fact, archaeologists have found edible honey in ancient tombs thousands of years old. That said, you’ll still see a “best before” date on the jar, not because the honey will spoil, but to ensure you enjoy it at its peak flavour and texture. Over time, honey may darken, crystallise, or subtly change in aroma—all natural signs of ageing, not spoilage. To preserve its quality, keep it sealed in a cool, dry cupboard away from sunlight—no refrigeration needed.
Can Honey Cause Diabetes?
Honey is naturally high in sugars, mainly glucose and fructose, so like any sweetener, it’s best enjoyed in moderation—especially for those monitoring blood sugar levels. That said, not all honeys affect the body in the same way. Acacia honey is often recommended for its lower glycaemic index (GI), meaning it causes a slower, more gradual rise in blood sugar compared to other sweeteners. Other light, fructose-rich honeys—like Sulla Blossom or Orange Blossom—also tend to have a gentler effect. In contrast, darker honeys like Chestnut or Eucalyptus often have a stronger flavour and slightly higher glucose content, which may impact blood sugar more quickly. If you’re looking for a natural sweetener with a mild GI response, lighter monofloral honeys are generally the better choice.
Is Honey Safe for Babies?
Not under 12 months. Wait until your child’s immune system is mature enough to process natural spores sometimes found in honey.
What Is Raw Honey?
Raw honey is honey that hasn’t been heated or filtered. That means all the good stuff—enzymes, pollen, antioxidants—is still intact.
Is Honey Vegan?
It’s not considered vegan by most, but if you’re plant-based and care about sustainability, you may choose honey from ethical, small-scale beekeepers like ADI.
How Is Honey Made?
Bees gather nectar, break it down with enzymes, and store it in wax cells. They then fan it to reduce moisture, sealing it when it’s ready.
What Are the Health Benefits of Honey?
Organic raw honey may support immunity, soothe sore throats, and act as a natural antibacterial agent. It’s also rich in antioxidants and can aid digestion.
Easy Ways to Enjoy Raw Honey
- Add a spoonful of Cherry Honey or Wild Forest Honeydew to porridge or herbal tea
- Drizzle Chestnut Honey over aged cheeses for the perfect aperitivo
- Use Orange Blossom Honey in vinaigrettes or glazes
- Spread Sulla Blossom Honey on toast with butter or ricotta
Tip: Never heat above 40°C—this keeps enzymes, aroma, and flavour intact.
Why We Love It
Every jar of honey from ADI Apicoltura is a snapshot of a landscape, a season, and a flower in bloom. It’s sustainable, small-batch, and rooted in tradition. Whether you’re gifting, cooking, or just curious, this is the kind of honey that inspires joy and connection.
Ready to Explore Real Italian Honey?
Browse our full collection of Organic Raw Honey from Italy and discover your favourite—whether it's Acacia, Chestnut, Eucalyptus, or something entirely new.