The Garden Bug: Purple Honey

By Brenda Weaver

In North Carolina, there are areas where some local honeybees have been known to produce honey that has a purple or bluish hue. No one is sure what makes this happen exactly or how many conditions affect this process. Some researchers theorize that some hives collecting nectar from sourwood tree blossoms in summer are the reason; others say hydrangea flowers, titi plants, kudzu blossoms or elderberry flowers cause the unusual coloration. Beekeepers who find their hives producing this rare honey say it tastes fruity.

Sources: newobserver.com, honeybeesuite.com