In Tenerife, honey has been produced for generations, in a homemade and artisanal way. However, it is only in recent decades that its production has become more professional.
Tenerife honey is unique in the world due to the variety of native flora on the island and the environmental conditions that favor beekeeping.
Tenerife’s beekeepers play a key role in preserving the ecosystem, as bees contribute to the pollination of numerous plant species. Beekeeping on the island is carried out in a sustainable manner, favouring the maintenance of biodiversity and the production of pure and natural honey.
Tenerife honey has been granted the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) since 2014, which guarantees its authenticity and quality. This distinction ensures that the honey is produced and packaged on the island, following strict quality controls and respecting traditional beekeeping methods.
Varieties of Tenerife Honey
The island’s botanical diversity gives rise to different types of honey, each with unique characteristics and flavours. Some of the most notable are:
- Retamas del Teide Honey : Coming from the flowering of the white broom in the Teide National Park, it is a clear honey with a mild flavour.
- Tajinaste Honey : It comes from the red tajinaste, a plant endemic to the island that grows at high altitudes. Its honey is aromatic and has an intense flavour.
- Avocado Honey : It is obtained from the avocado tree flower and has a dark color with a slightly fruity flavor.
- Chestnut Honey : Produced in the mountains of the north of the island, it is rich in minerals and has a strong and slightly bitter taste.
- Multifloral Honey : Resulting from the combination of various flowers, this honey varies in color and flavor depending on the time of year and the production area.
- Agave Honey : honey with an intense and persistent aroma and flavour, of the animal type, grown in coastal areas of the island’s geography.
- Barilla Honey : It is light in color, with a very creamy crystallized texture reminiscent of toffee.
- Heather Honey : special and of limited production, it has an intense flavour, crystallises quickly, has resinous aromas reminiscent of wet earth, and has a brown colour with reddish tones typical of heather.
- Pennyroyal Honey : It stands out for its intense floral flavour and aroma. It has a bright amber colour.
- Relinchón Honey : With a crystallized texture and intense yellow color, this honey has fruity and lively aromas, with vegetal notes.
- Tedera Honey : It has a light yellow colour, with delicate vegetal and fruity aromas reminiscent of coconut.
Benefits and properties
Tenerife honey is not only an exquisite gastronomic product, but also provides numerous health benefits:
- Antibacterial and antioxidant properties : Thanks to its content of natural compounds that help fight infections and strengthen the immune system.
- Natural energy source : Its composition rich in natural sugars makes it an ideal food for athletes and people with high physical activity.
- Relief of respiratory conditions : It is traditionally used to treat coughs and sore throats.
- Improves digestion : Promotes the balance of intestinal flora and can help in cases of digestive problems.
Where to buy Tenerife Honey?
You can buy honey from Tenerife in many markets and street markets on the island, as well as directly from most producers and beekeepers.
On the Miel de Tenerife website you have this updated list of points of sale.
Traditional dishes and recipes with honey
Gofio pellet (kneaded gofio)
A mixture of gofio, water and salt that is usually accompanied with honey to give it a sweet touch. A dough is formed and molded into a cylinder.
It serves as an accompaniment to fish, cheese or even meat.
Gofio scalded with honey
A mixture of gofio (toasted cereal flour) with fish or meat broth, to which a touch of honey is added on top to give it a special flavour. It is also usually served with raw onion, mojo sauce or parsley.
Ideal as a hot starter or accompaniment to main dishes.
Bienmesabe (Canarian dessert)
A typical dessert made with almonds, honey, egg yolk and sugar. It is usually accompanied with ice cream or whipped cream. It is delicious and easy to make.
Frangollo (Canarian dessert)
A dessert made with corn flour, milk, sugar, raisins, almonds and, of course, honey. It is a comforting dish and very typical in the Islands.
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