Volcano Island Rare Hawaiian Organic White Honey
Best. Honey. Ever.
At $13 for an 8 ounce jar, it doesn't come cheap, but you'll be hard pressed to find another honey that even comes close. It is in a league of its own.
Rare Hawaiian Organic Honey comes from a single grove of kiawe trees on the Big Island, and must be harvested in a narrow window of time after the bees have ripened the nectar, but before the honey crystallizes in the comb. This allows them to extract the honey without the use of heat, which can otherwise alter and damage "the honey's color, taste, texture and beneficial enzymes."
The honey is unfiltered, giving it a beautiful pearly white sheen and viscosity similar to molasses. The flavor has strong tropical floral notes and a pleasant hint of honeycomb waxiness. My favorite way to eat this this honey is straight from a spoon; anything else might overpower the delicate nuances.
Locals can find Volcano Island Honeys at Hilo Hattie stores, Down to Earth, Diamondhead Market and the Executive Chef. If you're from farther afield, it can be purchased from Whole Foods (thanks for the tip, Suebob!) or directly through the Volcano Island Honey Company (minimum online order of $40).
It is excellent. I got some at the Allerton Botanic Garden on Kauai and loved it.
On the mainland, Whole Foods carries it.
Hi Alan,
Thanks for the recommendation. I think I'll pick some up the next time I'm at Down To Earth. I'm going to be making some ice cream and I think I want to use this in it.
Would it survive shipping? Or does it need to be uberfresh?
Suebob- I didn't know Whole Foods also handled distribution. I'll add that to the text above as a much cheaper option to a $0 online order. Thanks!
Reid- If you think of it, please let us know how your ice cream turns out!
Topher- The website makes a big deal about heat, but they do ship the stuff themselves. If you're interested, I'll bring you a jar (my treat) in September.