Golden amber color and clear. Finely crystalized. Strong aromas of fresh, clean eucalyptus with mint undertones. Clear flavor, persistent and surprising low sweetness. Almost medicinal. Perfect by the spoon, in teas, warm milk, as well as to glaze chickens, pork roasts, as well as to use use in stews of wild game.
There are more than 700 eucalyptus species in the world, but in Italy, the eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) arrived at the turn of the 19th century and large scale plantations were started at the beginning of the 20th century as a mean of drying up marshes and swampy grounds in order to defeat malaria. With the favorable Italian climate and excellent function as windbreaks, the beautiful trees are now part of the landscape in Sicily, Sardegna and southern Tuscany.
There are more than 700 eucalyptus species in the world, but in Italy, the eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) arrived at the turn of the 19th century and large scale plantations were started at the beginning of the 20th century as a mean of drying up marshes and swampy grounds in order to defeat malaria. With the favorable Italian climate and excellent function as windbreaks, the beautiful trees are now part of the landscape in Sicily, Sardegna and southern Tuscany.
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Single-blossom Honeys from the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily
The small town of Zafferana Etnea sits on the Eastern slope of majestic Mount Etna, overlooking the ancient town of Taormina and the deep blue Ionian Sea. The foothills of Europe’s most active volcano are covered with orchards of lemon and orange trees as well as a thick forest of chestnut and pine.
Zafferana Etnea is famous throughout Italy as the capital of honey because the area’s combined production accounts for 15 % of the total Italian honey production. In 1997, the “Cooperativa Apicoltori Siciliani” (Co.A.Si - Co-op of Sicilian beekeepers), was created by a consortium of small beekeepers from the surrounding area to pool their honeycomb and process the honey in a new, state-of-the-art facility. The bounty of their bee’s production is then put jars under the label Dolce Alveare. The main objective of the cooperative is to promote the spread of beekeeping among the local population by making it a viable enterprise for each participant with the sales of their production.
The bees spend the sunny, dry Autumn months amongst the blossoming organic lemon and orange farms from which they produce two fragrant honeys: Lemon Blossom and Orange Blossom. Dolce Alveare honeys are very thick in consistency and have a long, sweet, “citrusy” finish.
Honey is utilized as a spread on top of toast, as well as a sweetener for any beverage. In Sicily, honey is used as a substitute for sugar in making desserts such as biscotti, cakes or to glaze an almond tart. Honey is revered in Italy for its health qualities when eaten raw.
The small town of Zafferana Etnea sits on the Eastern slope of majestic Mount Etna, overlooking the ancient town of Taormina and the deep blue Ionian Sea. The foothills of Europe’s most active volcano are covered with orchards of lemon and orange trees as well as a thick forest of chestnut and pine.
Zafferana Etnea is famous throughout Italy as the capital of honey because the area’s combined production accounts for 15 % of the total Italian honey production. In 1997, the “Cooperativa Apicoltori Siciliani” (Co.A.Si - Co-op of Sicilian beekeepers), was created by a consortium of small beekeepers from the surrounding area to pool their honeycomb and process the honey in a new, state-of-the-art facility. The bounty of their bee’s production is then put jars under the label Dolce Alveare. The main objective of the cooperative is to promote the spread of beekeeping among the local population by making it a viable enterprise for each participant with the sales of their production.
The bees spend the sunny, dry Autumn months amongst the blossoming organic lemon and orange farms from which they produce two fragrant honeys: Lemon Blossom and Orange Blossom. Dolce Alveare honeys are very thick in consistency and have a long, sweet, “citrusy” finish.
Honey is utilized as a spread on top of toast, as well as a sweetener for any beverage. In Sicily, honey is used as a substitute for sugar in making desserts such as biscotti, cakes or to glaze an almond tart. Honey is revered in Italy for its health qualities when eaten raw.